#United States #Albuquerque #CNM #Quantum Learning Lab #Elevate Quantum

Quantum Learning Lab Launches in New Mexico

On October 3, 2025, Elevate Quantum, in collaboration with Central New Mexico Community College (CNM), Sandia National Laboratories, and the University of New Mexico, unveiled the Quantum Learning Lab (QuLL) at CNM's FUSE Makerspace in Albuquerque. This innovative hub is designed to equip New Mexicans with the necessary skills for careers in the rapidly advancing quantum technology field. The inaugural program, the Quantum Technician Bootcamp, commenced on September 29 and provides students with hands-on training in quantum computing, sensing, and communication.

QuLL aims to create a robust workforce pipeline for both the state of New Mexico and the broader nation. Funded by federal allocations secured through New Mexico's Congressional Delegation, the lab represents a strategic initiative to establish New Mexico as a national frontrunner in Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE).

The lab features dedicated spaces for optics, electronics, cryogenics, and cleanroom operations, offering students practical, hands-on experiences under the expert guidance of scientists and engineers from renowned institutions like Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories. Jessi Olsen, COO/CFO of Elevate Quantum, emphasized the importance of transitioning quantum technologies from research to practical applications, stating that creating an adept workforce is essential for this evolution.

The Quantum Technician Bootcamp infuses practical knowledge and access to actual quantum hardware into its curriculum, fostering a comprehensive learning environment. This educational model blends classroom theory with direct lab engagement, enabling students to explore and experiment with quantum devices actively.

Dr. Megan Ivory, a Quantum Scientist at Sandia National Laboratories, noted that many of the technician-level skills required in quantum industries are typically taught at the graduate level. The bootcamp aims to democratize access to these skills, which often do not necessitate advanced degrees but are critical for technician roles in quantum technology. Thus, the program empowers individuals who enjoy hands-on work to acquire the necessary training to join the quantum workforce promptly.

Key figures from New Mexico's Congressional Delegation, including Senators Ben Ray Luján and Martin Heinrich, played vital roles in securing the federal funding for QuLL and the Bootcamp, underscoring the state's united effort to cultivate the necessary infrastructure for leadership in quantum science.

Tracy Hartzler, President of CNM, expressed enthusiasm over the bootcamp's launch, highlighting its potential to connect participants with transformative career paths in just ten weeks of intensive training. This initiative will not only bolster the local community's economic prospects but also help position New Mexico and the Mountain West region as global hubs for quantum innovation and advancement.

The educational framework of the Quantum Technician Bootcamp, steered by CNM Quantum Educators, Brian Rashap, PhD, and Shawn Moralles, was tailored to align with the industry's growing demands. As quantum technology enterprises expand within New Mexico, the demand for skilled technicians is rising. Entry-level technicians can expect salaries in the range of $65,000 to $85,000 annually, with the first bootcamp cohort comprising nine students and plans to increase to twelve for the next group.

Scholarships are available, potentially covering up to 100% of tuition costs for qualifying learners, reflecting the commitment to accessibility in education.

Lucy Sanders, Elevate Quantum's Workforce Implementation Lead, stated the importance of the Quantum Learning Lab in the company’s workforce strategy, expressing excitement for the start of its first student cohort and plans for future expansion into Colorado with Emily Griffith Technical College. Information about applications for the Quantum Technician Bootcamp is available through CNM Ingenuity, marking an essential step towards workforce enhancement in the quantum technology sector.

In conclusion, the establishment of the Quantum Learning Lab signals New Mexico's dedication to fostering an educated workforce ready to thrive in a high-tech industry. It underscores the commitment to integrating theoretical knowledge with practical skills, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to contribute to the burgeoning quantum landscape.