The Vanderbilt Quantum Forum: Technology, Policy and the Economy

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.

Secure Your Ticket

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

Rideshare

Use destination address: 1000 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Parking

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 “Nashville Yards”. 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.
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.
Reserve a room at Grand Hyatt Nashville.

Agenda

9:00 a.m. | Breakfast and Networking

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

10:15 a.m. | 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.

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

11:15 a.m. | 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.

11:45 a.m. | 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.

12:15 p.m. | Lunch and Networking

1:00 p.m. | Session VI Case Study

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

1:20 p.m. | 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.

1:50 p.m. | Case Study: Quantum & Energy

Quantum computing 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.

2:20 p.m. | 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.

3:00 p.m. | 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.

3:30 p.m. | Session XII Case Study

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

This session will introduce Vanderbilt’s 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.

4:20 p.m. | Closing Remarks

4:30 p.m. | Cocktail Reception

Speakers

More speakers will be announced soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Vanderbilt Quantum Forum?

The Vanderbilt 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 Grand Hyatt 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 “Nashville Yards”. 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.
Reserve your room.
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 registration. For questions or concerns, contact Ella Russell at ella.russell@vanderbilt.edu.
Is this event in person or virtual?

The Vanderbilt Quantum Forum will take place in person at the Grand Hyatt Nashville.
Is there a cost to attend?

Yes. Tickets are required for attendance and must be purchased in advance. Pricing details are available through the registration page.
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.

Join the conversation online:

#VanderbiltQuantumForum

April 9, 2026

The Vanderbilt Quantum Forum