• Research Institutions: The University of Minnesota, with its strong emphasis on science and engineering research, is a key asset. The university is involved in cutting-edge research across various fields that are complementary to quantum technologies. Recently, a University of Minnesota Twin Cities-led team of researchers received a $1.4 million grant for quantum computing.
• Entrepreneurial Population: The Twin Cities have a burgeoning startup scene, supported by a network of accelerators, incubators, and venture capital presence. The region’s diverse economy also provides a broad base for innovation.
• Pro-Innovation Government: Minnesota’s government has been proactive in fostering innovation and technology-based economic development, with several initiatives aimed at supporting startups and research and development activities.
• Quantum Solutions: Minneapolis-St. Paul’s diverse economy, with strong medical devices, agriculture, and financial services sectors, could exploit quantum technologies for advancements in healthcare diagnostics, agricultural optimization, and financial risk assessment.

6, Albuquerque, New Mexico

• Research Institutions: Home to the University of New Mexico (UNM) and close to Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory, Albuquerque offers unparalleled access to leading-edge research, especially in areas relevant to quantum computing and technology. The Center for Quantum Information and Control (CQuIC) is a center for interdisciplinary research in quantum information science. UNM also partnered with Sandia National Laboratories to launch the University’s newest research center, the Quantum New Mexico Institute (QNM-I).
• Entrepreneurial Population: The city has been developing its startup ecosystem, with a focus on technology-driven businesses. The presence of major national labs also spins off technology transfer opportunities that can be leveraged by startups.
• Pro-Innovation Government: New Mexico offers various incentives for technology businesses, including tax credits for research and development, aimed at encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Quantum Solutions: Albuquerque, with its proximity to national labs and a focus on renewable energy, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing sectors, could see benefits from quantum technologies in materials science, energy storage solutions, and optimization of manufacturing processes and aerospace design.

7. Rochester, New York

• Research Institutions: Rochester is home to the University of Rochester and the Rochester Institute of Technology, both of which are involved in significant research in optics, imaging, and photonics, fields closely related to quantum technology. The University of Rochester touts its UR Quantum center. RIT considers photonics a research specialty.
• Entrepreneurial Population: The city has a history of innovation in imaging and optics, and more recently, a growing tech startup scene. Initiatives like the Rochester Angel Network and the Venture Creations incubator support tech entrepreneurship.
• Pro-Innovation Government: New York State offers various programs and incentives to support startups and research and development, particularly in upstate regions like Rochester. This includes grants, tax incentives, and support for tech incubators and accelerators.
• Quantum Solutions: Rochester’s historical strength in optics and imaging, alongside its emerging focus on healthcare and information technology, positions it well to benefit from quantum technologies in developing next-generation imaging techniques, enhancing healthcare diagnostics, and secure data processing and communication.

Obviously, this is a small list that definitely misses out on a bunch of great American cities and regions that could be America’s next great quantum ecosystem. There are considerable limitations when creating a list like this. For example, great research does not necessarily lead to great startups. Translational science and interdisciplinary science, both of which are necessary to build quantum companies, are often a part of the culture of some research communities and not included in others. It’s also difficult to assess “entrepreneurial” population — which I measured by the presence of incubators, for example — as well as a term, such as “pro-innovation,” which tries to capture the ethos of a government, but, doubtlessly does not take into account real concerns, such as tax structure and efficiency in applying those taxes to build ecosystems of innovation, for example.

Because quantum is such a nascent, emerging industry, many startups are still just forming and flying under the radar, while others may intentionally be in stealth.