Qunnect Launching New Mexico’s First Quantum Network

Qunnect, a quantum networking infrastructure organization, has partnered with Roadrunner Venture Studios to launch ABQ-Net.

Applying public investment to quantum commercialization

ABQ-Net is a network that will apply public investment toward talent attraction and company creation as quantum commercialization accelerates across New Mexico.

“ABQ-Net will be the proving ground for America’s next generation of quantum entrepreneurs to test, validate, and scale their technologies,” said Adam Hammer, co-founder and CEO of Roadrunner Venture Studios. “We are proud to partner with Qunnect to create the Southwest’s first entanglement-based quantum network here in Albuquerque. Our partnership with the State of New Mexico is already helping build the foundation for a global quantum ecosystem. With continued investment and collaboration, New Mexico is poised to become a leader in the industries of the future.”

As New Mexico’s first quantum network, it will serve as a cornerstone of the state’s $300 million commitment to building up a quantum economy.

New Mexico targets quantum growth as opportunity for the future

ABQ-Net will deploy essential network infrastructure to increase quantum commercialization in New Mexico. It will serve as a hub for researchers and entrepreneurs to test and validate technology in real-world conditions before commercialization.

“ABQ-Net is the first open access user facility in the U.S. providing full-stack quantum networking infrastructure,” said Noel Goddard, CEO of Qunnect. “Qunnect has made a name for itself bringing entanglement-based, quantum networking out of the lab and into the real world. New Mexico is positioned to become the place where the next generation of quantum networking technologies advances from breakthroughs to commercialization.”

Further, the network will lay the groundwork for the future quantum internet in addition to its impact on companies and job creation. Qunnect will deploy its turnkey quantum entanglement system, Carina, to establish a quantum network across existing telecom fiber connecting the locations.

It will be anchored at Qunnect’s new offices in Albuquerque, N.M., and in the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies, a Department of Energy/Office of Science National User Facility operated jointly by Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories. This will establish a scalable foundation that can expand and connect additional facilities across the region.

“ABQ-net shows what’s possible when New Mexico invests in innovation and strong partnerships,” said Nora Meyers Sackett, director of the technology and innovation office. “Together with Roadrunner and Qunnect, we’re turning cutting-edge research into jobs, companies, and a thriving quantum economy right here at home.”

ABQ-Net will be the first phase of the Roadrunner Quantum Lab that is outlined in the state’s broader initiative. Roadrunner’s coalition comprises official partners from Elevate Quantum, national laboratories Sandia and Los Alamos; quantum startups such as Qunnect, QuEra, and Maybell; academic centers such as the University of New Mexico; and venture capital firms including DCVC, Playground Global, and Quantonation.

Back in June, Qunnect raised $10 million to scale quantum networking technology to revolutionize secure communications and data transfer. Read more about the financing round led by Airbus Ventures and Cisco.