Biden-Harris Administration Designates Tech Hub in Denver-Aurora Region to Drive Innovation in Quantum Information Technology

Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, [email protected]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Biden-Harris administration, through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), today announced that Elevate Quantum Colorado in the Denver-Aurora region was designated as one of the 31 inaugural Tech Hubs in regions across the country that show potential for rapid growth in key technology sectors.

Elevate Quantum Colorado, a consortium led by Elevate Quantum, will solidify the Denver-area’s global leadership in quantum information technology (QIT) by boosting existing regional expertise and assets to unlock transformative technologies to prove quantum-based products and move them to market. This Tech Hub will increase infrastructure resilience and strengthen the quantum hardware supply chain to galvanize industry growth.

This designation is part of the first phase of the novel Tech Hubs program, authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act, that will invest directly in high-potential U.S. regions and aim to transform them into globally competitive innovation centers. Designation is an endorsement of the region’s strategy to supercharge their respective technological industry to create jobs and strengthen U.S. economic and national security. Designated Tech Hubs are now eligible to apply for the next phase of the Tech Hubs Program that will invest between $50-$75 million in each of 5-10 Designated Hubs.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is rooted in policies that will empower the United States to out-innovate and out-compete the rest of the world. Our Tech Hubs Program is fundamental to that mission and will supercharge innovation across the nation by spurring cutting-edge technological investments and creating 21st century job opportunities in people’s backyards,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Each of these consortia will help us ensure the industries of the future—and their good-paying jobs—start, grow, and remain in the United States.”

“These outstanding consortia exemplify place-based economic development strategies at their best: combining federal resources with regional assets, expertise, and coalitions to implement transformational opportunities,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “As each region develops its own strategy to catalyze innovation and job creation, the entire nation grows more secure and more competitive.”

“The quantum sector is one of the key industries of tomorrow, and I’m thrilled the Biden administration is awarding Colorado a TechHub designation for quantum technology. We will take full advantage of this decision to help create jobs, and support businesses and entrepreneurs because Colorado is the best place for tech and innovation,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis.

“America must keep our competitive edge in next-generation technologies like quantum computing,” said Colorado Senator Michael Bennet. “Colorado has spent decades investing in research and development and supporting a vibrant start-up ecosystem to strengthen American leadership in quantum technologies. Today's announcement will ensure we continue to lead the country in this field. There’s no state better positioned to serve as a quantum technology hub.”

“This is the culmination of the hard work we started on my first day as Mayor: making Colorado the best place in the country to do business, to find a good-paying job, and to live a good life,” said Colorado Senator John Hickenlooper. “This will future-proof our successes and ensure we remain an economic and technological powerhouse.”

“This designation marks an exciting step forward for Colorado’s technology workforce, as well as the federal researchers – like those in Colorado’s 2nd District – exploring groundbreaking quantum science and technology. Colorado has uniquely positioned itself as a leader in technology and innovation, and I am thrilled to see the Biden-Harris Administration and the Department of Commerce respond to our calls earlier this summer to further invest in our state’s innovation economy,” said Representative Joe Neguse (CO-02).

“Colorado has become a global center for science and technology, and today’s Tech Hub announcement will further solidify the Denver-Aurora area’s place as a leader in quantum information technology,” said Representative Jason Crow (CO-06). “Thank you President Biden for answering our calls to select Colorado as a technology innovation hub.”

“Colorado is on the cutting-edge of innovation and as our technology industry grows, so do opportunities for new jobs, new businesses, and a stronger economy for our state,” said Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07). “I was proud to be a part of the group pushing for this designation, and am thrilled we will now be eligible for millions in federal funding to transform Elevate Quantum Colorado into a global leader in the quantum sector.”

“I am thrilled to announce that Denver’s Elevate Quantum has qualified to compete for up to $10 billion in federal Tech Hub funding under the CHIPS and Science Act,” said Representative Yadira Caraveo (CO-08). “Colorado has a long track record of nurturing successful start-ups that scale innovative technologies to foster inclusive and equitable growth. As a doctor and a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I am incredibly proud to see a Colorado company at the forefront of developing the quantum technologies that will spur growth, create high-paying jobs, and secure America’s technological leadership in the next century.”

The 31 Tech Hubs were selected from 198 applications from regional consortia that include industry, academia, state and local governments, economic development organizations, and labor and workforce partners. The Tech Hubs span regions across 32 states and Puerto Rico and represent a cross section of urban and rural regions.

For a full list of Tech Hubs, visit TechHubs.gov.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.