Quantum computing firm Quantinuum has announced plans to open an R&D center in the state of New Mexico.

The new hub will focus on the development of photonics technology and is expected to open later this year.

New Mexico is one of two states that were designated as leading hubs for quantum information technology by the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration in July 2024. The other was Colorado, home to Quantinuum’s US headquarters.

In a statement, the company said it has “a longstanding history of collaboration with experts from the national laboratories in New Mexico,” including Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory, and universities such as The University of New Mexico.

“I am thrilled to welcome Quantinuum to New Mexico, launching a new industry for our state that builds on our proud foundation of innovation,” said New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “No state is better positioned to transform the momentum of the quantum computing industry into major economic and entrepreneurial growth, and Quantinuum will be a groundbreaking partner in that work.”

She added: “Together we will leverage New Mexico’s assets, including the groundbreaking work being done at our national laboratories and the nation’s best quantum scientists being educated at our universities, to invest in and grow the state’s quantum technologies industry, creating career opportunities for New Mexicans and continuing to build the technology of the future.”

Quantinuum was founded in 2021 when Honeywell spun out its Quantum Solutions division and merged it with UK quantum computing startup Cambridge Quantum Computing. Honeywell owns a 54 percent stake in the company, and IBM is also an investor.

In late July, it was reported that Quantinuum’s parent company, Honeywell, was considering an IPO for the quantum subsidiary, reportedly seeking a valuation of around $10 billion.