Q4I 2026 Is Back and Optimized for Impact: The Global Workshop of Quantum Innovation in Rome, New York

December 9, 2025
Carrie Klepadlo

What Is the Q4I Quantum Workshop and Why It Matters in 2026

In an era defined by accelerating technological competition, breakthrough science, and shifting global security dynamics, quantum technology has emerged as one of the most consequential frontiers of our time. This June, the Griffiss Institute will once again position the Mohawk Valley at the epicenter of that global conversation.

From June 23–24, 2026, the Quantum for International (Q4I) Workshop returns to the Innovare Advancement Center in Rome, New York, bringing together scientists, engineers, defense experts, and emerging-tech innovators from across the world. Q4I is more than a conference; it is a crossroads where international research collaboration meets real-world national security relevance.

A Global Stage for a Global Technology

Quantum is not a regional discipline; it is a planetary one. Nations are racing to harness its potential in communications, sensing, secure networks, advanced computing, and defense readiness. Q4I recognizes this urgency, creating a platform that intentionally brings together voices across borders, institutions, and sectors.

Hosted by the Griffiss Institute in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate (AFRL), Q4I offers a rare opportunity for international experts to gather in a focused innovation environment. Here, participants gain a direct look at applied research, emerging dual-use capabilities, and the breakthroughs that will shape both global markets and national defense ecosystems.

Confirmed Speakers for 2026: Leaders at the Edge of Quantum Science

This year’s confirmed speakers bring deep expertise across the quantum landscape, from photonics and qubit fabrication to secure quantum systems and scalable architectures.

Dr. Todd Stievater
Integrated Nanophotonics Section Head
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
A leading figure in nonlinear optics, semiconductor photonics, and advanced sensing, Dr. Stievater’s work is foundational to next-generation quantum communication and detection systems.

Dr. Samah Mohamed Ahmed Saeed
Associate Professor, City College of New York
Director, Secure & Reliable Systems Laboratory (SERS)
A global voice in quantum hardware security, quantum circuit design, and reliable architectures. Her insights anchor the conversation around trust, integrity, and the future security of quantum devices and networks.

Dr. Cyrus F. Hirjibehedin
MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Quantum-Enabled Computing Group / SQUILL Foundry Program
A central steward of the superconducting qubit fabrication environment that serves institutions across the country. His work accelerates the scaling and accessibility of critical quantum computing infrastructure.

These experts represent only the beginning; additional speakers and agenda components will be announced in the coming months.

What Makes Q4I Distinct on the International Circuit

While global quantum conferences are growing in number, Q4I offers something uniquely valuable:

A Mission-Driven Environment

Q4I is rooted in national-security innovation. It sits at the intersection of academic research, government investment, and industry application. This blend creates a rare space where science and strategy converge.

Unmatched Access to Emerging Capabilities

Attendees experience more than presentations.
They gain access to:

Poster session open to students, researchers, and early-career scientists
Lab and facility tours at Innovare, home to international research residencies and AFRL-aligned priorities
Networking with global experts advancing quantum technology across sectors

A Collaborative Global Network

The workshop intentionally fosters cross-nation dialogue; something essential as quantum implications extend far beyond borders. Shared standards, shared challenges, and shared opportunities define the path ahead.

Why This Matters, and Why Now

Quantum technologies are reshaping cybersecurity, supply chains, intelligence, secure communications, and the future of defense modernization. Global cooperation and competition are increasing simultaneously.

Events like Q4I 2026 help:

strengthen trusted international research collaborations
accelerate technology transition
broaden workforce readiness
reinforce national security through shared scientific advancement

For researchers, academia, and emerging-tech companies, Q4I offers a vantage point into the quantum landscape that is both strategic and deeply practical.

How to Attend

🎟 Tickets are on sale here.
General Admission Get Tickets

Whether you are advancing quantum science, protecting critical systems, or building the technologies that will define global competitiveness, Q4I 2026 is your moment to connect, learn, and lead.