AFRL set to co-host two-day virtual Quantum Collider 2.0

  • Published
  • Air Force Research Laboratory Public Affairs
ROME, N.Y. (AFRL) – A free, virtual quantum event will be held Dec. 1–2, 2020, and will feature live workforce development and supply chain management panels. The Virtual Quantum Collider 2.0 will highlight the pillars of the Air Force Research Laboratory Quantum Strategy along with key components of the National Strategic Overview for Quantum Information Science.
 
This two-day, collaborative event will continue the momentum of the first Virtual Quantum Collider held this past summer. It aims to build purposeful partnerships among government, industry, academia, and the small-business community, furthering the development of a robust quantum ecosystem in Rome, N.Y., and across the country.
 
The Virtual Quantum Collider 2.0 will offer presentations by industry-revered speakers, live panel discussions, and virtual networking opportunities. The event also will include a Phase II Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) private showcase offering $35 million in total awards. During the showcase, invited companies will pitch their innovative technologies for an opportunity to receive Air Force funding of up to $1,500,000. 
 
This event is made possible through a partnership between the U.S. Air Force, the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate (AFRL/RI), the U.S. Air Force Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Office, and Innovare Advancement Center, with the support of New York State Technology Enterprise Corporation (NYSTEC) and Griffiss Institute (GI).
 
“The Air Force has taken a strategic approach to the progression of deep tech fields such as quantum, continuing to be world-leading researchers and bold trailblazers in the fundamental science and technology areas,” said Dr. Michael Hayduk, Deputy Director of the AFRL Information Directorate. “The Virtual Quantum Collider 2.0 event is a unique venture, allowing variant forces to ‘collide,’ creating an opportunity for resources, companies, and potential solutions to come together for the purpose of accelerating national quantum development.”
 
Featured guest speakers include:
  • 19-year-old phenomenon Alyssa Carson: astronaut in training, global TEDx speaker, future Mars walker, and author; joined by Bert Carson, her father and advocate.
  • Dr. Will Roper, United States Air Force and Space Force Acquisition Executive and Innovation Lead.
  • Dr. Celia Merzbacher of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium, leading a panel discussion on quantum supply chain.
  • Dr. Charles Tahan, Assistant Director for Quantum Information Science at the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Director of the National Quantum Coordination Office.
  • Dr. Corey Stambaugh of the National Quantum Coordination Office, leading a panel discussion on creating a quantum-smart workforce of the future.
  • Brig. Gen. Heather L. Pringle, Commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
To watch this free event, or to learn more, please visit: https://usafquantumcollider.com/.
 
You can follow Innovare Advancement Center on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram, or learn more by visiting https://www.innovare.org/.
 
About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) 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 11,000 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: www.afresearchlab.com.
 
About Innovare Advancement Center
Innovare Advancement Center aims to be a global catalyst to converge world-class talent with cutting-edge facilities and focused technology challenges to accelerate the development of game-changing capabilities that protect and empower our country. An open innovation environment immediately adjacent to Air Force Research Laboratory’s Information Directorate in Rome, NY, Innovare Advancement Center offers a globally connected innovation ecosystem in which world-class scientific, engineering, and entrepreneurial talent from universities, government, and industry can leverage highly specialized resources in critical research areas, including artificial intelligence/machine learning, cybersecurity, quantum, and unmanned aerial systems to tackle the country’s greatest challenges to national security and economic competitiveness. To learn more, visit https://www.innovare.org
 
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