Quantum for International workshop held at Skydome in Rome

ROME — It’s an event developed to serve as an “unprecedented” gathering of expertise around quantum computing and science. The 6th annual Quantum for International Workshop (Q4I) is described as a “global connectivity initiative” that “aims to build an open ecosystem of government, academic, and industry collaborators shaping the future of quantum innovation.” The Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate (AFRL/RI) held Q41 from June 25-27. The Griffiss Institute hosted the workshop inside Skydome at the Innovare Advancement Center in Rome. Participants at Q4I heard from sector experts, top-tier researchers, industry executives, higher-education leaders, and students as they showcased different pathways to engage in quantum-information science. “We were thrilled to welcome pioneers in the quantum community to this year’s Q4I workshop. This event was a prime opportunity for experts to learn, collaborate, and network, fostering innovation in the field,” Michael Hayduk, deputy director of the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate, said in the event recap. “The Air Force is committed to supporting this workshop as it serves as an effective platform to strengthen our nation’s quantum capabilities. Creating an open ecosystem that bridges government, academia, and industry is also a vital part of the global effort.” Centered around technology transfer, potential partners had the chance to understand when and how to work together and enter into contracts with the AFRL/RI. Participants discovered how to navigate processes, procedures, and productive paths toward bringing their concepts to life for both military and commercial uses. By leveraging military advancements from the lab bench to the community, the Griffiss Institute works to grow the pool of talented STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) students and professionals who will discover “the next big idea,” per the July 1 summary from the Innovare Advancement Center.

“The Griffiss Institute was excited to host the sixth annual Q4I workshop at the Innovare Advancement Center,” Heather Hage, president and CEO of the Griffiss Institute, said in the announcement. “This event is pivotal to advancing our mission to bridge talent and technology for our partners. The energy was palpable as the brightest minds came together to showcase their achievements and look ahead to keep America at the forefront of innovation.” This year’s program featured keynote presentations from Kevin Geiss, director of Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) in Arlington, Virginia, on the topic of working with AFOSR; and Maria Galli, quantum optics researcher, Quantum Interfaces Group on the topic of “Entanglement of Trapped-Ion Qubits Separated by 230m.”.