Quantum computer maker opens R&D center in Boulder

Atom Computing, a California-based startup that builds quantum computers, opened its largest research and development center in Boulder on Wednesday.

The new location marks a victory for Colorado’s growing quantum industry, which is centered around the Denver-Boulder region. Other players in the market include Boulder-based ColdQuanta, Englewood-based Quantum Corporation and Quantinuum, the result of a merger between Honeywell Quantum Solutions in Broomfield and UK-based Cambridge Quantum.

Quantum computing is not only attracting public attention, investors are opening their checkbooks to the booming industry. It “attracted nearly twice as much capital in 2020 and 2021 ($2.15 billion) than in the previous 10 years combined ($1.16 billion),” according to the Boston Consulting Group.

Atom’s facility in Boulder will serve as the development site for future generations of quantum computing systems.

CEO Rob Hays said his company chose the Centennial State for its talent and quantum expertise. Over the next three years, he plans to spend $100 million in Colorado as the company bolsters its hiring efforts.

“The addition of Atom Computing helps further position Colorado as an economic leader for the next big wave of technology development and will create more well-paying jobs for Coloradoans,” said Governor Jared Polis, who attended at the inaugural event on Wednesday.

Polis described Boulder as “already one of the fastest growing centers in the world for the quantum computing industry.”

IBM defines quantum computing as “a rapidly emerging technology that exploits the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems too complex for classical computers”.

Lasers, solar cells, atomic clocks for GPS and MRI scanners are all examples of technologies that use quantum mechanics.

Atom science adviser Jun Ye, who is also a professor of physics at the University of Colorado at Boulder, foresees more opportunities for Colorado students to “lead the next wave of innovation in quantum research and science.” market”.

He called recent University of Colorado graduates “early pioneers of the rapidly growing quantum industry.”

In addition to Ye, CU claims other prominent researchers in the field of quantum physics, such as Professors Margaret Murnane, Henry Kapteyn and Noah Finkelstein.

Atom Founder and CTO Ben Bloom, a CU Boulder graduate, added, “We’re committed to Colorado.”

Founded in 2018, Atom Computing is headquartered in Berkeley, California, north of Silicon Valley, where many global tech giants call home.

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