The Mountain West has a high concentration of federally funded laboratories, which attract outside investment, grow a high-tech talent pool, and foster innovations. Setting the table for a panel featuring leaders from the federally-funded labs, CO-LABS Executive Director Dan Power shared more about their collective impact the Mountain West’s economy.
With over thirty-five federally funded research laboratories in Colorado and two national laboratories in New Mexico, the Mountain West boasts an impressive concentration of federal scientific talent and investment. To nurture this lab ecosystem, CO-LABS Executive Director Dan Powers leads an organization focused on supporting Colorado's federal laboratory landscape. CO-LABS is a membership-driven association comprising federal labs, Colorado’s research universities, economic development organizations, key industry associations, private sector supporters, and government partners, all united in their mission to enhance the contributions of federal laboratories to Colorado and the region.
The three U.S. DOE National Laboratories in the Mountain West—Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Colorado—anchor the region’s innovation ecosystem and centers for collaboration. For example, the Quantum Scientific Computing Open User Testbed (QSCOUT) program links all three labs with external innovators, providing access to advanced quantum technologies for experimentation. Additionally, quantum-enabled supercomputing will soon be accessible, further empowering local partners to harness its potential. The national laboratories also have a direct economic impact. Sandia and Los Alamos each contribute over $1 billion to New Mexico's economy through subcontracting payments, primarily benefiting small businesses.
“The national laboratories are a national asset; they do not just belong to the Mountain West.”
Mr. Dan Powers
Executive Director
CO-LABS
CO-LABS also works to spotlight the success stories and applications emerging from these research institutions. Last year, NREL reported 294 innovations ready for licensing, launched 12 startups, and secured 46 patents. Many of these innovations bridge the gap between quantum and climate research; for instance, quantum simulations in materials science could enhance energy storage capabilities, thereby improving grid reliability.
While the U.S. DOE National Laboratories are significant innovation drivers, they are not the only federal research institutions in the region. The National Institute of Standards and Technology has long collaborated with the JILA lab (the join joint institute of Colorado University Boulder and NIST formerly known as the Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics), which is a leader in quantum standards-setting. Additionally, organizations like the NSF, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) operate environmental monitoring and modeling programs in the Mountain West, addressing wildlife habitats and agricultural conditions.
These research institutions are national assets. However, given their importance to the region's economy, Mr. Powers argued leaders in the Mountain West should be among the strongest advocates for federal research. These labs are the “primordial soup” of innovation, which dramatically benefits the region.
