Quantum Leaders Converge in Rome, NY for 6th Annual Quantum for International Workshop

Rome, NY – Innovare Advancement Center recently hosted the 6th Annual Quantum for International Workshop (Q4I), a global connectivity initiative that aims to build an open ecosystem of government, academic, and industry collaborators shaping the future of quantum innovation.

Taking place from June 25 – 27, Q4I is presented by the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate and hosted by the Griffiss Institute, inside SKYDOME, at the world-renowned Innovare Advancement Center in Rome, NY. Participants at Q4I heard from thought leaders, top-tier researchers, industry executives, higher education leaders, and students as they showcased different pathways to engage in quantum information science.

“Hosting the Quantum for International Workshop at our Griffiss International Airport facilities is a great honor for Oneida County,” said Anthony Picente, Jr., Oneida County Executive. “This event not only underscores our commitment to advancing quantum science, but also showcases Rome, NY as a hub for innovation and collaboration. We are proud to bring together brilliant minds from around the world to foster groundbreaking developments that will shape the future of technology and strengthen our local economy.”

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 students and professionals that will discover the next big idea.

“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,” stated Dr. Michael Hayduk, Deputy Director of the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate. “The Air Force is committed to supporting this workshop as it serves as an effective platform to strengthen our nation’s quantum capabilities. It is also a vital part of the global effort to create an open ecosystem that bridges government, academia, and industry.”

“The Griffiss Institute was excited to host the sixth annual Q4I workshop at the Innovare Advancement Center,” said Heather Hage, President & CEO of the Griffiss Institute. “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 Dr. Kevin Geiss, Director of Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), Arlington, VA 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.

Attendees also experienced technical breakout sessions in the newly expanded Quantum Alley, a collaborative expo space that focused on quantum networking and computing, with talks given by Seth Cottrell, Professor at The City College of New York, Deborah Novick, Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Westchester County, Mr. Jim Robertson, Deputy Chief of Staff for Representative Elise Stefanik, Dr. Michael Hayduk, Deputy Director at the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Information Directorate, Noel Goddard, CEO, Qunnect, Oleg A. Mukhanov, CTO and co-founder, SEEQC, and Ben Castanon, Chief of Staff, Unitary Fund.

The Q4I event was developed to serve as an unprecedented gathering of expertise around quantum computing and science. Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate, in partnership with the Griffiss Institute, have established the Innovare Advancement Center and surrounding research centers, universities, and businesses as the leading hub for quantum in the Northeast.

To save the date for next year and for other Q4I information, please visit innovare.org/q4i.

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About AFRL:

The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across 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.

About Griffiss Institute:

Griffiss Institute (GI) is a nonprofit STEM talent and technology accelerator for the United States Department of Defense and an international network of academic, government, and industry partners. Since 2002, the GI has served the Air Force, the Mohawk Valley region, and the United States, empowering diverse teams with talent and technology development programs that lead the nation in technical and economic impact. GI is proud to enable its international network from its home at Innovare Advancement Center in New York’s picturesque Mohawk Valley. Griffiss Institute exists to elevate the next generation of talent and technologies that enhance national security and economic competitiveness for our region, state, and nation. griffissinstitute.org

About Innovare Advancement Center:

Innovare Advancement Center is a 150,000-square-foot open innovation hub that converges world-class scientific, engineering, and entrepreneurial talent from universities, government, and industry to tackle new challenges in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, quantum, and unmanned aerial systems. Innovare’s unique capabilities include highly specialized laboratories for experimentation in quantum communications and neuromorphic computing, 40,000 square feet of high-tech and high-speed communications-enabled collaboration spaces, an auditorium with capacity for over 250 people, an access point to the NY UAS Test Site, and an indoor unmanned aerial system (UAS) research and testing facility with 110,000 square foot indoor flight testing area – the largest in the United States. innovare.org