The 国产原创 Quantum Forum: Technology, Policy and the Economy

The 国产原创 Quantum Forum

Thursday, April 9, 2026

Grand Hyatt Nashville | 1000 Broadway | Nashville, Tennessee

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What is quantum, and what role will it play in the years ahead?
Learn about quantum in a clear, approachable way and understand where its impact is starting to show in energy, security, healthcare and economic competitiveness.

The 国产原创 Quantum Forum is a one-day, in-person conference focused on quantum technology, public policy and economic impact.

国产原创 the Forum

Set in Tennessee, the 国产原创 Quantum Forum brings together leaders from academia, industry, government and national laboratories to explore the emerging field of quantum technology and its implications for energy, security, healthcare, economic competitiveness and public policy.

Hosted by 国产原创, the forum is designed for a broad audience and focuses on understanding what quantum is, why it matters and how Tennessee can contribute to the nation鈥檚 quantum ecosystem through research, workforce development and cross-sector collaboration. No technical background is required.

This event builds on 国产原创鈥檚 growing efforts to advance quantum expertise through research collaboration and workforce development, including the Institute for Quantum Innovation, a new initiative developed in collaboration with EPB of Chattanooga.

What to Expect

Plain-language discussion of quantum technology and its real-world impact
Perspectives from leaders across academia, industry and government
Insight into how quantum may affect energy, security, healthcare and economic competitiveness

Our Partners

Hosted by

Event Details

Date and Time:听 Thursday, April 9 | 9 a.m.鈥�6:30 p.m.

尝辞肠补迟颈辞苍:听听Grand Hyatt Nashville |

Rideshare

Use destination address:
Parking

Self-parking is available in Nashville Yards, 131 10th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37203. Upon arrival, drive past Grand Hyatt听Nashville听on 10th Avenue and听enter听the tunnel labeled 鈥淣ashville Yards鈥�.听Please use the听first parking garage on the听left,听after entering the tunnel.听听
Once parked,听please听scan听one of the posted听QR codes听to听pay for and听confirm your parking.听
Upon exiting听the parking garage, turn right on 10th Avenue to听walk to听Grand Hyatt Nashville.
Hotel Accommodations

We have secured a special booking link for attendees at the Grand Hyatt Nashville, the host hotel for the forum. You can use the link below to reserve a room at our negotiated rate (subject to availability). Guests may adjust the pre-selected dates at the top of the booking page if needed.

Agenda

9:00 a.m.听 |听 Breakfast and Networking

Coffee, tea and light breakfast bites are provided.

10:00 a.m.听 |听 Opening Remarks: Why Tennessee Should Be the U.S. Capital of Quantum

Daniel Diermeier
Chancellor, 国产原创
Nathan Green
Vice Chancellor for Government and Community Relations, 国产原创

10:15 a.m.听 |听 What Is Quantum?

Hear from industry leaders on where the field of quantum stands today, how it is expected to evolve, and its broader impact across science, industry and society.

Matt Cimaglia (moderator)
Founder & Managing Partner, Quantum Coast Capital
Ryan Harring
Director of Partnerships and Alliances, IonQ
Lorenzo Martinelli
Chief Revenue Officer, D-Wave
Jenni Strabley
Vice President and General Manager of Compute Platforms Group, Quantinuum

11:00 a.m.听 |听 Case Study: Quantum & National Security

FBI Quantum Information Science and Technology Counterintelligence Protection Team Representative

11:15 a.m.听 |听 The Year of Quantum Security (YQS2026)

Advances in quantum technology are prompting new conversations about cybersecurity and how digital information is protected. With 2026 recognized as the Year of Quantum Security, this session will explore what quantum-safe security means and why long-term digital resilience matters.

Doug Adams (moderator)
Executive Director, Institute of National Security, 国产原创
Jeremy Lawrence
Principal Technical Leader, Cyber Security, Electric Power Research Institute
Corey McClelland
Sr. Director of Quanutum Networking, IonQ
Mohamed Shaban
Research Assistant Professor, Tennessee Technological University

11:45 a.m.听 |听 Quantum Networking & Sensing

Quantum technologies offer the promise of secure network communications and unprecedented abilities to measure time and space. This panel will highlight technologies that are demonstrating real-world performance today.

Evann Freeman (moderator)
Vice President, Government & Community Relations, EPB
Corey McClelland
Sr. Director of Quanutum Networking, IonQ
Mina Sartipi
Interim Vice Chancellor for Research, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Patrick Swingle
Manager of Quantum Systems, EPB

12:15 p.m.听 |听 Lunch and Networking

A lunch buffet is provided.

1:00 p.m.听 |听 Case Study: How Do We Turn Advances in AI and Quantum into Real Medical Innovations?

Mehmet Aydeniz
Professor of STEM Education, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

1:10 p.m.听 |听 Case Study: Quantum Applied

The conversation around quantum computing often focuses on future breakthroughs, but organizations are already applying quantum methods to real problems. This session examines how hybrid quantum-classical workflows are being used today, with a focus on a large network optimization case study, and outlines practical steps for organizations looking to get started.

Duncan Huffman
Head of Global Marketing, Classiq

1:20 p.m.听 |听 U.S. & State Quantum Policy

From regulatory guardrails to funding mechanisms, U.S. federal and state policy is shaping how quantum moves from the lab to the market. This panel will dive into Executive Orders, the impact of the Genesis Mission and how states can drive a growing quantum industry.

Hillary Matchett (moderator)
Chief Investment Officer & General Partner, Quantum Coast Capital
Ryan McKenney
Director of Government Relations, General Counsel of Compliance, Quantinuum
Allison Schwartz
SVP, Global Government Relations & Public Affairs, D-Wave
Lamont Silves
Head of Government Solutions, IonQ

1:55 p.m.听 |听 Quantum & Energy

Quantum technology holds the potential to improve grid optimization, mitigate energy usage from data centers and enhance grid security. As Tennessee expands its leadership in nuclear and other advanced energy systems, this session explores the power of quantum.

Shekhar Bhansali (moderator)
Chair, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 国产原创
Nora Bauer
Applications Developer, IonQ
Amy Henry
Director, Innovation & Research, Tennessee Valley Authority
Teja Kuruganti
Division Director, Computational Sciences and Engineering, Oak Ridge National Laboratory

2:25 p.m.听 |听 Economic Development & the Quantum Economy

Quantum industries are expected to play an important role in future economic competitiveness and national security. As cities, counties and states are investing in talent, infrastructure and materials, this panel considers the economic development opportunities emerging across Tennessee.

Ryan McKenney (moderator)
Director of Government Relations, General Counsel of Compliance, Quantinuum
Josh Brown
President & CEO, Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Adam Myers
Vice President, Economic Development, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce
Cameron Sexton
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tennessee General Assembly

3:05 p.m.听 |听 Building the Next Generation Quantum Workforce Through Collaboration

As a burgeoning field, workforce training needs are vast across all layers of the quantum ecosystem. From technicians to PhDs, the quantum workforce will connect and span a variety of industries, regions and skills.

Nathan Green (moderator)
Vice Chancellor for Government and Community Relations, 国产原创
Luis Pentzke
District Associate Dean, Computer Science and Information Management, Palm Beach State College
Kelly Smallridge
President & CEO, Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, Inc.
Hanna Terletska
Director of QRISE Center, Middle Tennessee State University

3:35 p.m.听 |听 Case Study: Applying Quantum in the Real World

This session brings together key insights from the day to highlight where quantum technologies are beginning to show real-world impact. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how these advances may apply across industries and where to look for emerging opportunities.

Krishnendu Roy
Bruce and Bridgitt Evans Dean of Engineering, 国产原创

3:50 p.m.听 |听 New Institute for Quantum Innovation in Chattanooga

This session will introduce 国产原创鈥檚 recently launched Institute for Quantum Innovation, a new initiative developed in collaboration with EPB of Chattanooga. Speakers will discuss the goals of the Institute, its early focus areas, and how it aims to support rising demand for quantum expertise and pathways to commercialization as quantum technologies continue to emerge.

Matt Cimaglia (moderator)
Founder & Managing Partner, Quantum Coast Capital
Tim Kelly
Mayor, City of Chattanooga
Padma Raghavan
Chancellor鈥檚 Executive Director for Science and Technology Strategy, 国产原创
Janet Rehberg
President and CEO-elect, EPB

4:20 p.m.听 |听 Closing Remarks

Matt Cimaglia
Founder & Managing Partner, Quantum Coast Capital
Nathan Green
Vice Chancellor for Government and Community Relations, 国产原创

4:30 p.m.听 |听 Cocktail Reception

Speakers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 国产原创 Quantum Forum?

The 国产原创 Quantum Forum is a one-day, in-person event designed for a broad audience. It introduces the emerging field of quantum technology and explores its implications for energy, security, healthcare, economic competitiveness and public policy.
When and where does the event take place?

The forum will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Programming will begin at 10 a.m. CT and continue throughout the day.
When should I arrive?

Registration opens at 9 a.m. CT and will include a light breakfast and networking. Programming begins at 10 a.m. CT. Attendees are encouraged to arrive by at least 9:30 a.m. CT to allow time for parking and check-in.
Do I need a technical background to attend?

No. The forum is designed to be accessible and welcoming. Content will be presented in clear, plain language with a focus on real-world relevance rather than technical theory.
What topics will be covered?

Sessions will explore what quantum technology is, why it matters and how it is beginning to influence areas such as energy, security, healthcare, economic competitiveness and public policy.
Will parking be available?

Yes. Valet parking is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and is $25 for the day.
Self-parking is available in Nashville Yards, 131 10th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37203. Upon arrival, drive past Grand Hyatt Nashville on 10th Avenue and enter the tunnel labeled 鈥淣ashville Yards鈥�. Please use the first parking garage on the left, after entering the tunnel.
Once parked, please scan one of the posted QR codes to pay for and confirm your parking.
Upon exiting the parking garage, turn right on 10th Avenue to walk to Grand Hyatt Nashville.
Where should I stay if I am traveling to attend?

The forum will be held at the Grand Hyatt Nashville. A special booking link is available for attendees, with rooms offered at a negotiated rate based on availability. You may adjust the pre-selected dates at the top of the booking page.
Will food be provided?

Yes, coffee, tea and light breakfast bites will be available during morning registration, and lunch will be provided. There will also be a cocktail reception to conclude the forum. Please note any dietary restrictions when completing your . For questions or concerns, contact Ella Russell at ella.russell@vanderbilt.edu.
Is this event in person or virtual?

The 国产原创 Quantum Forum will take place in person at the .
Is there a cost to attend?

Yes. Tickets are required for attendance and must be purchased in advance. Pricing details are available through the .
Are tickets refundable or transferable?

Tickets are not transferable. Refunds are available upon request up to two weeks before the forum and are subject to review. Refunds will also be available if the forum is cancelled due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. For refund requests or questions, please contact Ella Russell at ella.russell@vanderbilt.edu.
How do I sponsor this event?

For information about sponsoring opportunities, please contact Schyler Turrin at schyler.b.turrin@vanderbilt.edu.
What is the dress code?

Business attire is recommended for the forum.

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#国产原创QuantumForum

国产原创

April 9, 2026