Fort Collins Courted by Japanese Trade Delegation Eyeing Quantum, Photonics Investment
A Japanese trade delegation toured Colorado's quantum, photonics and semiconductor sectors this week, including a Fort Collins networking lunch hosted by CSU and the city. The visit signals state and local efforts to court new Japanese investment and high-wage tech jobs in Larimer County.
The Global Business Development division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade hosted the three-day delegation of business and economic development leaders. It was led by the Japan External Trade Organization and supported by the Japan America Society of Colorado.
Japanese firms have $3.4 billion invested in Colorado and employ more than 10,000 Coloradans, making Japan the state's seventh-largest export market.
The group visited the Colorado School of Mines, CU Boulder, CSU's Advanced Lasers and Extreme Photonics laboratory, and quantum and photonics companies including Atom Computing, Mesa Quantum, Xairos and Maybell Quantum.
"Japan and Colorado are close friends and allies. Colorado's strong relationship with Japan boosts our thriving economy by creating new investment opportunities and jobs for Coloradans," said Governor Jared Polis. "Our partnership has increased growth in advanced sectors, expanded quantum computing technology, and strengthened our friendship."
Fort Collins already anchors regional semiconductor and photonics innovation—Broadcom's local facility employs more than 1,100 workers. CSU and Marvel Fusion are building a $150 million laser facility on the Foothills Campus, a major photonics research and workforce hub.
Quantum jobs in Colorado average more than $125,000 per year, according to OEDIT. Colorado's photonics industry supports more than 8,000 employees across more than 250 companies statewide.
"This mission has strengthened our belief that Colorado is one of the leading states in quantum computing, photonics, and semiconductors, with exceptional talent and strong research and development capabilities," said Akira Kajita, Chief Executive Director of JETRO Los Angeles. "Colorado is an excellent partner for Japanese companies pursuing cutting-edge technologies."
Claudine Locascio, Executive Director of the Japan America Society of Colorado, highlighted the local partnership angle. "This visit has been an opportunity to deepen ties between Colorado and Japan, which is at the heart of JASC's mission, and support the state's goal of attracting even more Japanese investment in Colorado."
OEDIT's Global Business Development division hosted more than 30 foreign delegations last year, indicating an aggressive push to attract international investment to Colorado.