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New facility will help take quantum from theory to real-world impact

CU Boulder is leading a first-of-its-kind National Quantum Nanofab (NQN) — a $20 million facility that will provide researchers from universities, government and industry with tools to fabricate and test groundbreaking quantum devices.

Expected to open in spring 2029, it has the potential to dramatically revolutionize industries such as healthcare, climate science and communications.

“The most exciting aspect of this initiative is its potential to impact quantum science and engineering on a national scale,” said Aju Jugessur, who will lead infrastructure and instrumentation for NQN. “The NQN will provide the tools and expertise necessary to transform cutting-edge research into practical technologies.”

Supporting Colorado’s quantum economy

���������� Boulder’s leadership in quantum science is built on decades of Nobel Prize-winning research and propelled by initiatives like Q-Sense (quantum sensing), ����������bit (quantum computing) and the Quantum Engineering Initiative (interdisciplinary research and education). These efforts are reinforced by partnerships with national labs, industry and other academic institutions.

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By the numbers

Located on the east side of the Sustainability, Energy and Environment Labs building at Colorado Avenue and Foothills Parkway, the NQN facility will house:

• 2,900-square-foot ISO 5/6 clean room
• 600-square-foot mechanical room
• 30 of the most advanced processing tools available
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The NQN will build on this foundation by providing tools to help drive advancements in powerful computing systems, precise atomic clocks and sensors capable of detecting electric, magnetic and gravitational fields.

Aju Jugessur

NQN is expected to play a pivotal role in Colorado’s designation as a national quantum hub under the Elevate Quantum initiative, which includes multimillion-dollar investments in workforce development and technology commercialization.

“By supporting startups and providing access to state-of-the-art resources, this facility will bolster the local quantum economy and drive technological innovation, further solidifying Colorado’s position in the global quantum economy,” Jugessur said.

Preparing the quantum workforce

NQN will also play a role in training next-generation scientists and engineers. ���������� Boulder intends to develop undergraduate and graduate courses in quantum device fabrication, providing students with hands-on experience using advanced tools and processes.

These programs will teach skills essential to quantum science and engineering and transferable to industries such as semiconductors, energy and biomedical technology. By addressing workforce needs in advanced manufacturing, NQN will support national priorities like the CHIPS Act, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled professionals.