New Mexico partners with Fujitsu for quantum computing research center

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham Thursday announced a new collaboration with Tokyo-based Fujitsu, one of the world’s largest technology companies, to establish a quantum computing research center in New Mexico.

“Fujitsu is uniquely positioned with technology and solution capabilities spanning microprocessors, high-performance computing, and quantum computing,” said Vivek Mahajan, corporate executive officer, corporate vice president, CTO, in charge of system platform, Fujitsu Limited.

The center will focus on quantum computing hardware, software, algorithms and theory, and will support education and workforce programs to develop New Mexico’s quantum talent pipeline, according to a news release from the governor’s office.

“Fujitsu’s decision to partner with New Mexico is more proof that our bet on quantum is paying off,” Lujan Grisham said. “By pairing Fujitsu’s global expertise with the strength of our universities, national laboratories, and research community, we’re building an ecosystem where quantum innovation can thrive.”

Fujitsu’s planned quantum center will train the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers, create internships and research opportunities for students, bring highly skilled jobs and new investment to the state, and give New Mexicans the chance to help shape the future of quantum technology.

“The establishment of a quantum computing research center in New Mexico represents an important opportunity to expand our research activities and accelerate the development of next-generation quantum technologies,” Vivek said. “By bringing together hardware, software, and applications research, the center can advance critical work in quantum system design, engineering and validation, while developing innovative algorithms for high-impact applications in areas such as chemistry, materials science, advanced energy and other strategically important fields.”

Under the agreement Fujitsu and the state of New Mexico aim to expand that work into quantum computing and hybrid computing systems that combine classical computing, artificial intelligence and quantum technologies.

Fujitsu will also work with the Quantum New Mexico Institute at the University of New Mexico to develop research partnerships in quantum algorithms, applications and systems.

The collaboration is designed to draw on New Mexico’s concentration of scientific institutions, including Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, the University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University.

When the Lujan Grisham administration launched its quantum initiative, no quantum companies were based in New Mexico. In under two years, five have come to the state, earning New Mexico, Sandia National Laboratories and their partners the Federal Laboratory Consortium’s State and Local Economic Development Award.

“New Mexico is building one of the most remarkable and fast-growing quantum ecosystems in the country, and Fujitsu’s decision to establish an R&D center here adds one of the world’s leading technology companies to it,” Economic Development New Mexico Secretary Rob Black said. “Our trade missions give us the chance to sit down with leading global companies like Fujitsu, make the case for New Mexico and build relationships.”