DENVER ~ Colorado has been selected to join IBM's two-year Impact Accelerator program, which will focus on education and workforce development, Gov. Jared Polis and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade announced.

The state, Elevate Quantum and the Colorado BOCES Association will work with IBM to develop an artificial intelligence-enhanced tool intended to support Colorado's quantum sector and expand AI and quantum readiness.

Launched in 2022, the IBM program provides technology and expert support to government and nonprofit initiatives at no cost, according to the announcement. Colorado and Elevate Quantum applied in response to a February 2026 request for proposals. The state was selected for its leadership in quantum technology, the announcement said.

IBM experts will help develop AI-enabled analytics and decision-support tools to inform workforce and economic development strategies. The collaboration will also expand access to quantum resources, including IBM Qiskit, and support education and talent development.

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The work will include mapping Colorado's quantum ecosystem and forecasting its growth with Elevate Quantum; developing ways to introduce K-12 students to quantum science with the Colorado BOCES Association; and identifying opportunities to modernize government support systems.

Polis said the partnership would use emerging technologies to support economic growth, jobs and businesses. OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman said the effort would help connect education and employment and bring AI and quantum learning opportunities to communities across the state.

Elevate Quantum CEO Jessi Olsen said improved data and tools could help identify gaps in the regional ecosystem and guide investment in supply chains, commercialization infrastructure and workforce development. Colorado BOCES Association Executive Director Ken Haptonstall said the group would work with member organizations to connect rural schools with quantum learning resources and career pathways.

The announcement said Colorado's quantum ecosystem includes more than 120 organizations, over 30 specialized companies and more than 3,000 quantum professionals. It also cited a projection that the sector could add more than 11,000 jobs, half of which would not require a four-year degree.

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