Monday, April 14, was World Quantum Day, with the date derived from the rounded first digits of Plank's Constant – 4.14 – which is the fundamental constant governing quantum physics. 2025 is also recognized as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, as it marks 100 years since the initial development of quantum mechanics.  

Events around the world on Monday aimed to elevate public awareness of quantum technology, including in Colorado, where Governor Jared Polis proclaimed the day as Colorado’s World Quantum Day. 

On Monday, Governor Polis also announced a framework for implementing Quantum Information Science and Technology (QIST) programs into K-12 schools in the state.  

“Colorado is leading the way as the epicenter of quantum technology. As our state’s quantum economy continues to grow, we’re making sure educators and school leaders have the necessary tools to bring these concepts into the classroom so that every Colorado student can get the skills to thrive in the industries of tomorrow,” said Governor Polis. 

Colorado has been at the heart of quantum physics research for decades, and last year it helped earn the region federal recognition as a quantum Tech Hub. The award came with a $40.5 million grant to help grow the area that encompasses Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming into a global quantum tech powerhouse.  

The area already boasts four Nobel Prize winners in quantum tech, as well as more quantum organizations, companies, and jobs than anywhere else in the country. The regional consortium of quantum organizations, known as Elevate Quantum, aims to deliver 10,000 new jobs, $2 billion in funding for startups, and 50 new startups within 10 years.  

Elsewhere in the West, companies and research institutions in California are developing exciting new quantum tools. For example, Google recently unveiled a new quantum chip out of its facility in Santa Barbara that can complete a standard computation in under five minutes that would take a modern supercomputer 10 septillion years to complete – a number that exceeds the age of the universe.  

In Montana, quantum research is accelerating at Montana State University, which now boasts two quantum computers, the first of their kind at any university in the country. MSU has also received funding to explore ways to position the greater region as a leader in quantum technology.  

To celebrate World Quantum Day this week, MSU worked to demystify quantum science by sending educational materials to schools around the state and hosting a laser show to explore the world of quantum.  

Govs lead trade missions: New Mexico Governor and WGA Chair Michelle Lujan Grisham, Utah Governor and WGA Vice Chair Spencer Cox, and Wyoming Governor and WGA Immediate Past Chair Mark Gordon all embarked on international trade missions recently, with Governors Lujan Grisham and Gordon travelling to Asia and Governor Cox to Canada.

Governor Cox visited Quebec and Ontario last week, meeting with Canadian officials and business leaders to solidify relationships and open new doors for Utah businesses in Canada.  

Governor Lujan Grisham is currently leading a delegation to Japan and Singapore, where she will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong of Singapore.  

Governor Gordon is leading key officials from his state to Taiwan and Japan, where they will promote Wyoming’s core industries such as gas, coal, and rare earth minerals.  

Enhanced oil recovery: in Wyoming, Cowboy State Daily reports that enhanced oil recovery techniques have helped producers in the state yield an additional 67 million barrels of oil over the past 20 years, which has generated $558 million in tax revenue, according to the State Budget Office.  

It’s estimated that EOR could help produce as many as 2 billion additional barrels of oil, if EOR projects can scale up further.  

Learn more about Western Governors’ work on enhanced oil recovery as part of Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon’s WGA Chair initiative from last year, Decarbonizing the West.  

Fervo-Shell agreement: Fervo Energy, the geothermal energy leader, reached a 31-megawatt power purchase agreement with Shell Energy this week to sell power from Fervo’s flagship geothermal development in Utah.

The agreement will allow Shell to use power purchased under the agreement to serve its retail load customers beginning in 2026. It also officially marks the upsizing of Fervo’s Cape Station development from 400 megawatts to 500 megawatts.  

To learn more about geothermal energy, check out Governor Jared Polis’ WGA Chair initiative, The Heat Beneath Our Feet, and watch a webinar from the initiative featuring Fervo’s VP of Strategy, Sarah Jewett.

Govs attend historic tribal meeting: earlier this month, North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong and South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden met jointly with Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Chairwoman Janet Alkire and members of the tribal council in Fort Yates, North Dakota.  

The meeting marks the first time the two Governors have met together with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, whose reservation stretches over parts of both states. The leaders discussed topics ranging from education, economic development and federal funding to water, roads, and treaty rights.  

Robo horses: Kawasaki Heavy Industries recently unveiled a prototype for a four-legged robotic horse, dubbed Corleo.

The prototype is equipped with a 150cc hydrogen engine, a navigation panel, and independent front and rear legs that mimic a horse’s gait. 

Check out reporting from Cowboy State Daily that gauges Wyoming cowboys’ reactions to the concept.