Diraq to Open Quantum R&D Lab at Roadrunner Quantum Lab in Albuquerque

# What happened

Diraq has signed a memorandum of understanding to open a research and development laboratory at the Roadrunner Quantum Lab (RQL) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The company plans to begin lab operations by the end of 2026. The lab will include Maybell cryogenic equipment and will host a dedicated measurement engineering team responsible for quantum device testing and characterization.

# Why it matters

Diraq develops quantum processors based on silicon spin qubits and CMOS‑compatible manufacturing. Testing and characterizing devices at low temperatures is a central near‑term challenge for silicon qubit developers. Establishing a U.S. lab with cryogenics and an onsite measurement team provides Diraq with hands‑on capability to accelerate device iteration and support milestones tied to government benchmarking work.

The New Mexico site also links directly to federal and state programs. New Mexico is backing the expansion with matching funds as part of its partnership tied to DARPA's Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI). Diraq is a QBI performer in Stage B of the program, so the lab's equipment and infrastructure will support that work.

# What will be in the lab

• Maybell dilution refrigeration systems for sub‑kelvin testing and device characterization.
• A dedicated measurement engineering team focused on low‑temperature testing, calibration, and performance characterization of silicon spin‑qubit chips.
• Workspace within the Roadrunner Quantum Lab, a shared 35,000‑square‑foot facility created by Roadrunner Venture Studios and the New Mexico Technology and Innovation Office (TIO) to host startups, partners, and national labs.

# Where this fits in Diraq's plans

Diraq says silicon spin qubits and CMOS‑compatible processes provide a pathway to manufacture at scale within existing semiconductor ecosystems. The company lists targets of 150,000 physical qubits on a single chip by 2029 and more than 2 million by 2031. The Albuquerque lab will complement Diraq's existing U.S. operations in Palo Alto, Chicago, and Los Angeles and its research and engineering centers in Australia.

# How New Mexico and RQL are involved

# Immediate next steps and timeline

Diraq expects lab operations to begin by the end of 2026. Initial activities will focus on installing cryogenics and establishing the measurement engineering team to start device characterization work that feeds into its DARPA QBI commitments and broader development roadmap.

# What to watch next

• Startup of the Maybell cryogenic systems and first device characterization runs at RQL.
• Any announced staff hires for the Albuquerque measurement engineering team.
• Progress updates tied to Diraq's stated qubit road map and QBI deliverables.