Task Force Recommends Regional Quantum Innovation Center; Charts Long-term Collaborative Agenda

Regional COVID-19 task force transitions to delivery of its initiatives that promote social equity and economic growth in the DMV, underpinned by emerging technology  PRESS RELEASE WASHINGTON, D.C., October 16, 2020 – Connected DMV’s COVID-19 Strategic Renewal Task Force held its sixth meeting on Thursday, adopting a recommendation to accelerate the formation of a regional network and key partnerships to launch the Potomac Quantum Innovation Center (PQIC) that would position the region as a leader in the next generation of quantum technology. Task Force members agreed that regional collaboration across borders and disciplines to meet this goal is both a national imperative and achievable. The Task Force also weighed perspectives about the region’s economic future, as members deliberated on the promise of quantum computing. David M. Rubenstein, co-founder and co-executive chairman of The Carlyle Group and president of The Economic Club of Washington, D.C., led a discussion about the impacts of the pandemic on businesses in the region and an outlook on corporate priorities. "The Industrial Revolution took about 100 years to change the way we live. The internet took about 20 years. The pandemic changed everything in less than a year,” said Rubenstein. “I don't think we're going back to where we were, and companies are now rethinking their operations and strategies without looking back." “The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has, among many things, highlighted the need for next- generation technologies as both a safeguard against future disruptions and a north star toward the region’s economic recovery and renewal,” said Manny Rouvelas, partner at K&L Gates and Task Force champion of the Quantum Innovation initiative. “The DMV is uniquely positioned to establish a world-class quantum ecosystem with assets across research, technology, domain knowledge, investment, and policy. Through the establishment of the Potomac Quantum Innovation Center, we can drive innovation, economic development, and positive social impact regionally, nationally, and globally.” Dr. Charles Tahan, Assistant Director for Quantum Information Science and Director of the National Quantum Coordination Office at the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy, addressed the Task Force to highlight the strategic importance and impact of quantum innovation, including implications for STEM educational programs. Task Force members closed the meeting by outlining the contents of a forthcoming summary report of its activities and recommendations, as well as discussing a long-term operations plan to support delivery of the strategic recommendations developed and ratified during the past six months of its convenings. Potomac Quantum Innovation Center The 51-member Task Force—comprised of regional leaders from the public and private sectors, academia, and community—approved a recommendation to accelerate the formation of a regional network and key partnerships to launch the Potomac Quantum Innovation Center (PQIC). The Center will create a cohesive regional quantum ecosystem where our capabilities, resources, and assets are maximized. The Center will strengthen the region’s competitiveness, develop quantum-ready talent, and create an informed loop between research and real world solutions. The Center will serve as a national hub for quantum policy, law and regulations, and standards. Keeping with Connected DMV’s values, the Center will integrate diverse communities and talent into our regional quantum ecosystem. "Maryland prides itself on being a home for innovation and a place that nurtures bold new ideas and new technologies. We believe it is important for industry, government, and academia to work together to support the development of quantum technology, which can enhance the cutting-edge work of many industry sectors including the life sciences, where critical work is being done to protect public health." said Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz. "We look forward to working with Connected DMV, the University of Maryland, College Park, and other partners to help make our region a global leader in quantum innovation." "Over the coming years, the Commonwealth of Virginia will enable and grow a leadership role in quantum information sciences. Already a thriving hub for information technology, cybersecurity, national security, and much more, Virginia is well placed to help prepare our state, region, and country for the quantum era. We look forward to working collaboratively with Connected DMV, partners, and institutions across the region to help develop our national capital region’s quantum innovation ecosystem." – David Ihrie, Chief Technology Officer, Center for Innovative Technology, Commonwealth of Virginia To learn more about this effort or join the Quantum Innovation Initiative, please visit www.connecteddmv.org/pqic.