In his address to the Conversation participants, Colorado Governor Jared Polis envisioned strengthened collaboration among Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico to establish the region as a center of excellence in innovation and prosperity for the United States. He underscored the promising future of Colorado's innovation-driven economy, particularly in quantum computing and climate resilience technologies. While acknowledging federal support for the state's technological growth, Governor Polis also made clear the importance of Colorado's proactive efforts to bolster these ecosystems.
Governor Jared Polis welcomed participants to Colorado with enthusiasm for the state’s innovative and collaborative future. Colorado prioritizes quantum computing and climate resilience technologies as essential for economic growth, and the state’s designation as a quantum EDA Tech Hub and a climate resilience NSF Engine acknowledges existing strengths in these areas — including across national laboratories, universities, and business — and positions Colorado for future growth in both industries.
In the realm of quantum computing, Governor Polis highlighted that while 3,000 private sector jobs may seem modest, this figure represents the largest cluster in the United States for this emerging industry. The state has fostered this ecosystem through bipartisan-supported tax incentives for quantum companies and the development of two new quantum facilities, including one at the University of Colorado Boulder. This summer, the state will launch $200 million in loans to support quantum companies from the startup to production stages.
Governor Polis then pivoted to the Mountain West's optimal innovation ecosystem for scaling advanced technologies such as quantum computing and climate resilience. In fact, in addition to the federal funding that has flowed to the region in the form of the NSF Engine and EDA Tech Hub, trade missions to Scandinavia, Korea, and Taiwan have successfully attracted international attention to Colorado in quantum and sustainable tech, and investments from these countries are furthering growth in the region's innovation economy.
Since the Tech Hub designation, Colorado quantum companies have secured $600 million in private funding. Governor Polis anticipates substantial growth in quantum jobs over the next decade, primarily within Colorado. The state is establishing new talent pipelines with a goal of engaging 10,000 new learners in the sector. Initiatives such as “Opportunity Now,” which provides grants to innovative educators across all levels, along with the creation of a Quantum Learning Lab at the University of Colorado Boulder, will contribute to building a skilled future workforce.
Equally crucial is Colorado’s climate resilience sector. Governor Polis reminded participants that outdoor recreation and agriculture—two vital industries—heavily depend on climate stability, making climate resilience essential for the economy. Through the Colorado-Wyoming Climate Resilience Engine, the state aims to cultivate regional resilience. In 2024, the Engine awarded $3 million in grants to thirty companies, with plans for an additional $3 million in 2025. The initiative projects the creation of over 22,000 jobs and an economic impact exceeding $1.5 billion, positioning the Colorado-Wyoming Engine to transform the local economy. Colorado also intends to leverage its advanced aerospace sector, which intersects with climate resilience efforts focused on methane, wildfire, flood, and drought detection.
In conclusion, Governor Polis conveyed his optimism about Colorado’s innovative trajectory and his commitment to leading alongside Wyoming and New Mexico. Together, these states can establish a new center of innovation excellence and economic prosperity in the Mountain West.
