Quantum Rising: Accelerating Workforce Development in Quantum Literacy in the Quantum Age

The quantum age will not wait for us to prepare. Across the globe, nations are racing to command not only quantum computers but the full spectrum of quantum technologies: sensors, gyroscopes, clocks, and communications systems that will redefine navigation, medicine, defense, and finance. Yet beneath every quantum machine lies a vast and vulnerable bedrock of rare earth minerals, cryogenic systems, lasers, vacuum chambers, photonics, and precision electronics, a supply chain now contested by the world’s most determined competitors. Someone must mine, refine, assemble, disassemble, calibrate, service, repair, transport, and sustain all of it. Most of that emerging workforce will never touch a quantum chip. They will build everything around it.

This panel confronts a hard truth: the United States cannot win the quantum race with physicists alone. We must cultivate quantum literacy across the entire American workforce, from technicians, tradespeople, and veterans to analysts, educators, and executives, and we must do it now, not when it is too late.

The quantum future is rising. The question before us is whether our workforce will rise with it.

MODERATOR:

Dr. Timothy A. Akers, M.S., Ph.D.
Associate Provost for Academic Research and Chief Research Officer, California State University, San Bernardino; Founder and CEO, National Quantum Literacy Network, Inc.
Dr. Timothy A. Akers, M.S., Ph.D., is a distinguished researcher and executive leader at the nexus of public health, epidemiological criminology, and quantum literacy. He serves as Chief Research Officer and Associate Provost for Academic Research at California State University, San Bernardino, and as Chief Executive Officer of the National Quantum Literacy Network (NQLN), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Read full profile…

PANELISTS:

Nate Moulton
U.S. Government Affairs Lead, IQM
Nate Moulton leads government affairs for IQM Quantum Computers in North America, promoting policy solutions to accelerate quantum computing deployment and to grow regional innovation ecosystems. He also leads IQM’s engagement in the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C), the Quantum Industry Coalition (QIC), and the Partnership for U.S. Leadership in Supercomputing, AI, and Quantum (PULS AIQ). Read full profile…

Suresh Nair
President and CEO, INA Solutions, Inc.
Suresh Nair is an accomplished technology leader and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in IT solutions, program management, and emerging technology strategy. As the President & CEO of Ina Solutions Inc., he has been at the forefront of driving innovation in digital transformation, quantum computing, and AI-driven solutions. Read full profile…