New Mexico, the U.S. state that conducted the world's first atomic bomb test, plans to announce on Tuesday a $315 million investment aimed at becoming a leader in quantum computing, another potentially era-defining technology.

Quantum computing operates using the properties of matter and energy at atomic and subatomic levels, theoretically capable of solving complex problems in minutes that would take traditional computers thousands of years to complete, demonstrating enormous potential.

Currently, tech giants including Alphabet's Google, Microsoft, and IBM, along with dozens of well-funded startups, are all working to commercialize quantum computing technology.

New Mexico's $315 million investment will support private companies, quantum chip manufacturing facilities, and infrastructure development including quantum networks that can connect quantum technologies between laboratories and enterprises.

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, who plans to formally announce this initiative on Tuesday, stated in an interview that New Mexico possesses two core advantages: abundant scientific research talent and low-cost land and energy resources. The state has a population of approximately 2 million and houses two U.S. national laboratories and a U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory branch.

Of the $315 million investment, $185 million will come from the state's sovereign wealth fund, specifically designated to fund private venture capital firms that will support quantum technology companies operating in New Mexico.

Additionally, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the New Mexico government will each contribute $60 million to assess the feasibility of these quantum projects and help achieve their commercial transformation.

Most projects, such as the network centered in Albuquerque that connects quantum devices across various locations, are expected to become operational by mid-next year.

"We don't intend to act recklessly, but we must accelerate our pace," Grisham emphasized.

The state will also allocate approximately $25 million to facilitate collaboration between researchers and entrepreneurs, helping the latter transform scientific discoveries into commercially viable project concepts.

"The most important element (for startups) is the founding team, and the founding team doesn't necessarily consist entirely of researchers," said Adam Hammer, CEO of Roadrunner Venture Studios, who will lead this collaboration and matchmaking effort.