Press Releases

DENVER—On Monday, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen participated in a groundbreaking at the site of Arvada's new quantum tech facility, Quantum COmmons @ Arvada. This new building will be a place for quantum companies and startups to work, collaborate, and develop quantum instruments. Quantum COmmons @ Arvada will be owned and operated by the Colorado School of Mines, giving students the opportunity to learn and work alongside industry leaders. 

Earlier this year, Pettersen and the Colorado Congressional delegation helped secure $40.5 million in funding from the Department of Commerce to support Colorado’s global leadership in quantum and enable progress in areas such as artificial intelligence, climate technology, and health care. This funding came in addition to federal, state, and private investments for a total of $127.5 million. This funding will go towards Elevate Quantum, a consortium of 120 organizations across the Rocky Mountain West, including private companies, startups, workforce development organizations, and universities such as the Colorado School of Mines. Quantum COmmons @ Arvada is a key asset for Colorado’s federally recognized technology hub driven by Elevate Quantum.

Pettersen was joined by Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves, Governor Polis, President of Colorado School of Mines Paul C. Johnson, Mayor of Arvada Lauren Simpson, and other elected officials, education professionals, and leaders in the quantum sector. 

“Today’s groundbreaking shows that Colorado is at the forefront of America's quantum revolution,” said Pettersen. “I was proud to work with my colleagues in the Colorado federal delegation to help secure $40.5 million for Elevate Quantum, and now we're seeing that investment materialize into Quantum COmmons @ Arvada, which will support our quantum industry. From addressing our national security, combating climate change, working to meet our energy needs, and even helping to cure cancer and other diseases, the possibilities that quantum investments and research will bring are limitless. The investment will also help create jobs for a talented quantum workforce that institutions like the Colorado School of Mines are developing. This is just the beginning of the quantum ecosystem we are building here in the 7th District.”

“The Department of Commerce is focused on fostering the future of critical and emerging technologies like quantum, and using innovative place-based economic strategies to spread its benefits to every corner of our country,” said Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves. “The Elevate Quantum Tech Hub is on the cutting edge of that mission and will help write the next chapter of Colorado’s economic prosperity.”

“We aren’t wasting any time and are rolling up our sleeves and getting to work, ensuring Colorado’s leadership in quantum technology. Quantum technology is our future, and in Colorado we are building what we need to support the quantum revolution. We’ve been very active both before and after earning the competitive federal TechHubs recognition, and with this new quantum park we are breaking ground on today we are positioning Colorado as the global epicenter of the quantum industry,” said Governor Polis.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Colorado and all of the Elevate Quantum partners, and the nation is looking to us to accelerate growth of the quantum technology industry and economy,” said Dr. Paul C. Johnson, president of Colorado School of Mines. “Having already launched one of the nation's first quantum engineering graduate programs, Mines is excited to now take the lead on developing the Quantum Commons at Arvada site and in the near-term delivering shared-use facilities critical to achieving the Elevate Quantum vision.”

“I’m extremely thankful for the work of Congresswoman Pettersen and her colleagues for working to help secure the funding for this state-of-the-art facility right here in Arvada,” said Arvada Mayor, Lauren Simpson. “Quantum COmmons @ Arvada, will bring many fantastic jobs at all levels to Arvada and launch our city to the forefront of the quantum revolution.”