Colorado Quantum Incubator to Establish First Open‑Access Quantum Timing Testbed in the United States

New Validation Capability Targets Commercial and Defense Timing Applications

The Colorado Quantum Incubator in Boulder is preparing to launch what it describes as the nation’s first open‑access, commercially available third‑party testbed dedicated to quantum timing technologies. For aerospace and defense stakeholders who rely on precise timing for navigation, communications, and resilient network operations, the facility represents a notable expansion of domestic validation infrastructure.

Located within BioMed Realty’s Flatiron Park campus, the testbed is being developed in partnership with Stout Street Capital, Xairos Systems, and BioMed Realty. The environment is designed to allow companies, research institutions, and government agencies to evaluate timing systems under realistic operational conditions, moving beyond prototype demonstrations and into enterprise‑grade performance testing.

Advancing Precision Timing for Aerospace and Critical Infrastructure

COQI leadership emphasizes that precision timing is foundational to modern digital and aerospace systems, including satellite communications, high‑speed data transport, power grid synchronization, and secure navigation architectures. Despite its importance, the United States has lacked an independent facility capable of validating next‑generation quantum timing solutions.

The new testbed aims to close that gap by providing a structured proving ground for technologies that support commercial, defense, and research missions. Engagement from more than ten U.S. and international government organizations, including the U.S. Space Force’s SpaceWERX and the European Space Agency, underscores the growing demand for validated timing capabilities. Industry participation from companies such as Viasat and Vodafone further signals interest in timing architectures that can support resilient global networks.

Demonstrating Quantum Time Transfer for Real‑World Use Cases

Once operational, the facility will incorporate Xairos Systems’ Quantum Time Transfer technology. The platform uses entangled photons to synchronize clocks over fiber and free‑space optical links, enabling live demonstrations of secure, high‑accuracy timing distribution. For aerospace readers, this approach aligns with broader industry efforts to enhance Position, Navigation, and Timing resilience across terrestrial and space‑based networks.

By offering a dedicated environment for stress‑testing and performance benchmarking, the testbed is expected to shorten development cycles for quantum timing startups and reduce the reliance on ad‑hoc demonstrations that can slow commercialization.

Supporting National Security and Domestic Supply Chain Development

COQI positions the testbed as a strategic asset for strengthening the U.S. quantum technology supply chain. Validated timing systems have implications for secure communications, navigation, high‑speed internet, and energy infrastructure, all of which intersect with aerospace and defense priorities. The facility is intended to help scale emerging companies developing technologies that contribute to national resilience at a time of heightened global competition in quantum innovation.

Partner Perspectives

“COQI is on a mission to close the missing middle, the gap between breakthrough physics and reliable, field‑ready systems. This testbed gives Xairos and organizations like it the infrastructure to move from lab‑bench prototypes to field‑ready products,” says Chris Muldrow, Executive Director of the Colorado Quantum Incubator.

“The vulnerability of global timing and data networks is a silent threat to national security. By launching this timing facility, we are providing a platform where quantum timing security becomes a commercial utility,” says David Mitlyng, CEO of Xairos Systems.

“We look for next‑gen technology platforms that deliver step‑change performance. This center opens new avenues for engagement and accelerates the adoption of quantum technologies,” says John Francis, Managing Director at Stout Street Capital.

“Frontier technologies require reliable real estate space where performance can be rigorously tested under real‑world conditions. This testbed delivers purpose‑built infrastructure that helps bridge the gap between prototype and production,” says Jon Bergschneider, President of West Coast Markets at BioMed Realty.

About the Colorado Quantum Incubator

The Colorado Quantum Incubator is a purpose‑built facility in Boulder designed to accelerate the commercialization of quantum technologies by providing startups with access to advanced laboratory space, specialized equipment, and a collaborative ecosystem.

About Stout Street Capital

Stout Street Capital is a Colorado‑based venture capital firm investing in deep‑tech companies through its Unmet Frontier Fund, with a focus on enabling technologies such as quantum, AI, robotics, and advanced materials, including applications in aerospace.

About Xairos Systems

Xairos Systems is developing a resilient global timing architecture using its patented Quantum Time Transfer protocol to support next‑generation Position, Navigation, and Timing capabilities for future networks and aerospace applications.

About BioMed Realty

BioMed Realty is a major owner, developer, and operator of laboratory and office space serving innovation, technology, and life science organizations across leading U.S. and U.K. hubs, including Boulder.