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Colorado has reaffirmed its leadership in quantum science and technology with the announcement of the third round of recipients of the OEDIT Translational Quantum Research Seed Grant program.

Backed by nearly $1.5 million approved by the Colorado Economic Development Commission, this latest round of funding continues to bridge the critical gap between cutting-edge research and real-world commercialization, accelerating the transition of quantum breakthroughs from the lab into deployable technologies.

Administered by the CUbit Quantum Initiative at the University of Colorado Boulder on behalf of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, the program provides targeted, non-dilutive funding to both academic and industry-led teams demonstrating strong commercial potential. Each awardee receives $50,000 to advance translational efforts. This support is especially vital in the capital-intensive and long-horizon quantum sector.

“With each round of these awards, we are building a stronger and more durable pathway from discovery to deployment,” said Massimo Ruzzene, senior vice chancellor for Research and Innovation and dean of the institutes at ���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������. “The investments are not only supporting individual projects, they are reinforcing Colorado’s position as a national leader in quantum innovation.”

Now in its third round, the program continues to build sustained momentum for Colorado’s rapidly growing quantum ecosystem. At its core, the initiative recognizes the outsized importance of seed-stage, non-dilutive capital in deep tech sectors. By reducing early financial risk without requiring equity, these grants empower researchers and startups to validate technologies, de-risk innovation pathways, and position themselves for follow-on investment from federal, private and venture sources.

“Together with the University of Colorado Boulder, we are working to remove barriers so that breakthrough research in our state can be developed into real world applications that benefit Coloradans and the nation while spurring new businesses and good-paying jobs. Grant programs like these, that translate foundational research into real-world technologies, are central to that commitment and support the development of a resilient innovation ecosystem. We are thrilled to support the researchers recognized today,” said Eve Lieberman, executive director of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade.

The initiative builds on Colorado’s long-standing leadership in quantum science, anchored by globally recognized institutions such as JILA and National Institute of Standards and Technology, whose pioneering work has contributed to multiple Nobel Prize-winning discoveries. Today, that legacy is being translated into a vibrant innovation ecosystem that extends beyond research to include commercialization infrastructure, startup formation, and workforce development.

A central force behind this momentum is the CUbit Quantum Initiative, which plays a key role in administering the grant program and strengthening the state’s translational pipeline.

The 2026 cohort includes researchers and innovators from six quantum companies and 2 university programs representing a cross-section of Colorado’s leading institutions translating quantum discoveries into practical applications. These projects address both applications of quantum science and enabling technologies.

This year saw a trend of applicants focused on the miniaturization of quantum technologies looking to develop chip-scale breakthroughs geared towards scaling quantum technologies.��

Overall, this year’s 8 awards combined with the previously awarded 12 projects represents a diverse portfolio of lab-to-market developments, thus reinforcing the state’s position as a hub for next-generation innovation.

“This year’s awardees join an elite group of local quantum innovators,” said Scott Sternberg, executive director of the CUbit Quantum Initiative. “We are already seeing previous recipients growing in the marketplace and expect this year’s awardees will use this opportunity to accelerate their product development.”

With continued alignment across academia, industry, and government, Colorado is not only advancing the frontiers of quantum science but also building the infrastructure necessary to translate discovery into impact. The OEDIT Translational Quantum Research Seed Grant program stands as a model for how strategic, early-stage investment can catalyze innovation, support entrepreneurs, and ensure that Colorado remains a global leader in the quantum economy for years to come.