The Vanderbilt Quantum Forum
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Grand Hyatt Nashville | 1000 Broadway | Nashville, Tennessee
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 Vanderbilt Quantum Forum is a one-day, in-person conference focused on quantum technology, public policy and economic impact.
About the Forum
Set in Tennessee, the Vanderbilt 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 Vanderbilt University, 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’s quantum ecosystem through research, workforce development and cross-sector collaboration. No technical background is required.
This event builds on Vanderbilt University’s 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
Space is limited, and tickets must be purchased in advance.
Our Partners
Event Details
Date and Time: Thursday, April 9 | 9 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Location: Grand Hyatt Nashville | 1000 Broadway, Nashville, TN
Agenda
The agenda will be posted soon and will feature sessions and speakers representing perspectives from academia, industry and government.
Speakers
-
Doug Adams
Executive Director
Vanderbilt Institute of National Security -
Matt Cimaglia
Founder & Managing Partner
Quantum Coast Capital -
Daniel Diermeier
Chancellor
Vanderbilt University -
Nathan Green
Vice Chancellor for Government and Community Relations
Vanderbilt University -
Tim Kelly
Mayor
City of Chattanooga -
Lorenzo Martinelli
Chief Revenue Officer
D-Wave -
Hillary Matchett
Chief Investment Officer & General Partner
Quantum Coast Capital -
Ryan McKenney
Director of Government Relations; General Counsel of Compliance
Quantinuum -
Adam Myers
Vice President, Economic Development
Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce -
Ava Parker
President
Palm Beach State College -
Padma Raghavan
Chancellor’s Executive Director for Science and Technology Strategy
Vanderbilt University -
Janet Rehberg
President and CEO-elect
EPB -
Allison Schwartz
SVP, Global Government Relations & Public Affairs
D-Wave -
Mohamed Shaban
Research Assistant Professor
Tennessee Technological University -
Lamont Silves
Head of Government Solutions
IonQ -
Kelly Smallridge
President & CEO
Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, Inc. -
Amanda Stein
CEO
Quantum Catalyzer
(Q-Cat) -
Jenni Strabley
Vice President and General Manager
Compute Platforms Group
More speakers will be announced soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Join the conversation online:
#VanderbiltQuantumForum