Q4I Highlights the Partnerships Accelerating Quantum Research
ROME, N.Y., July 2026 — Researchers, industry leaders, government organizations, entrepreneurs, and students from around the world gathered in Rome June 23–24 for the seventh Quantum for International (Q4I) Workshop, reinforcing the Mohawk Valley’s growing role as a center for quantum collaboration, research, and innovation.
Hosted by Griffiss Institute on behalf of the Air Force Research Laboratory ( AFRL), Innovare Advancement Center is the epicenter for Q4I. It welcomed international experts who are at the forefront of advances in quantum networking, fault-tolerant quantum computing, photonic integrated circuits, quantum sensing, optical interfaces, secure communications, and the future quantum internet. Speakers traveled from across North America, Europe, Asia, and South America to present and connect with others working on the next generation of quantum technologies.
Quantum technologies harness the unique properties of physics to enable dramatically faster computing, ultra-secure communications, and highly advanced sensing capabilities, making them a strategic priority for strengthening America’s national security, economic competitiveness, and technological leadership.
Members of the NY Quantum Consortium were also present to provide insights from industry leaders, researchers, and startups, each discussing opportunities to advance emerging quantum technologies from the laboratory to practical applications.
Rome, New York, has become a nationally recognized center for defense innovation and advanced research through the Air Force Research Laboratory. The Q4I event served as a platform for Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. to welcome the more than 200 attendees, and for Erin Pettyjohn, director of the Information and Spectrum Warfare Directorate, to address the quantum community. Pettyjohn discussed the current state of quantum technology and emphasized the need for continued partnerships to accelerate the nation’s quantum portfolio.
“Fostering active, collaborative exchanges between academia, industry, and government is the best way to accelerate quantum technologies at the speed of relevance,” said Dr. Michael J. Hayduk, Associate Director at the AFRL Information and Spectrum Warfare Directorate. “Q4I 2026 brought these sectors together to advance quantum networking, sensing, and computing, partnerships that are absolutely vital to securing our nation and shaping the future of spectrum warfare.”
“American leadership in quantum will be determined not only by discovery, but by our ability to translate innovation into impact. The Griffiss Institute is proud to help bridge that gap, accelerating technologies, partnerships, and talent that move quantum from breakthrough science to capabilities that secure the nation,” said Heather Hage, President and CEO of Griffiss Institute.
Q4I continues to bridge the ecosystem of government, industry, and academia, reflecting the growing investments in partnerships, talent, and innovation that position Rome and the Mohawk Valley as contributors to America’s quantum future. The relationships built throughout the years, and the connections made at Q4I will help shape the research, talent, and technology transitions that move these capabilities from discovery to national impact.
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Highlighted Media Coverage, Rome, N.Y.
https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/news/2026/06/24/quantum-research-drawing-many-companies-to-mohawk-valley
About Griffiss Institute
Griffiss Institute develops the next generation of American innovators, breakthrough technologies, and entrepreneurial ventures that strengthen national security and economic growth. A trusted not-for-profit partnership intermediary to federal service laboratories and American industry, GI delivers nationally recognized programs and services that accelerate collaborative technology transfer, grow the STEM workforce, and launch mission-driven startups. GI has powered American innovation to secure the nation from its home and headquarters in the Mohawk Valley region of New York State since 2002.
About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is the Department of the Air Force’s primary scientific research and development center and one of six centers within Air Force Materiel Command. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space, and cyberspace forces. With a workforce spanning across nine technology areas and 40 other operations around the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.
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