Rice Quantum Frontiers Summit
September 9-10, 2026 | Rice University, Houston, TXA strategic summit and workshop dedicated to the bleeding edge research, advancement, and protection of dual-use quantum technologies.
The Summit
The Rice Defense Research Advancement (DRA) and Smalley-Curl Institute are convening a high-level summit focused on the rapid evolution of bleeding-edge quantum technologies. The global race for quantum supremacy is not just a scientific challenge; it is a security imperative.
This event serves as a critical nexus for government and industry leaders to address the "dual-use" nature of quantum advancements—innovations that hold equal potential for transformative civilian prosperity and strategic national defense.
- When September 9-10, 2026
- Where Rice University, Houston
- Format A multi-day program consisting of high-level plenary sessions, student poster sessions, and collaborative industry-government workshops.
Core Domains
Quantum Computing
Reshaping global power through unparalleled processing speed and computational capability.
Quantum Sensing
Revolutionizing navigation and detection in contested and GPS-denied environments.
Quantum Networking
Securing the future of unhackable information transfer and data protection.
Why Attend?
Understand Bleeding-Edge R&D
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the current research landscape to support the seamless technology transition of dual-use applications from the laboratory to the field.
Strengthen Innovation
Ensure that breakthroughs in quantum technology can safely spark entirely new industries and revolutionize the way we live and work.
Secure the Ecosystem
Discuss best practices and operational strategies to protect our quantum breakthroughs from physical, cyber, and intellectual property threats.
Address Dual-Use Risks
Proactively manage and regulate technologies that possess the raw potential to permanently reshape the global balance of power.
Featured Speakers
Amit Agrawal
LinkedInUniversity Associate Professor in Optical Engineering, University of Cambridge
READ BIO ↗
Alessandro Alabastri
LinkedInAssistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering at Rice University
Director, Applied Physics Graduate Program
Eric Bittner
LinkedInHugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen Distinguished Professor, Department of Physics at University of Houston
READ BIO ↗
Vir B. Bulchandani
LinkedInAssistant Professor, Physics and Astronomy at Rice University
READ BIO ↗
Songtao Chen
LinkedInAssistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering at Rice University
Member, Ken Kennedy Institute
Nai-Hui Chia
LinkedInAssistant Professor of Computer Science at Rice University
Member, Ken Kennedy Institute
Henry Everitt
LinkedInSenior Technologist for Optical Sciences, US Army DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory
Adjunct Professor, Rice University
Fredrik Fatemi
LinkedInSenior Research Scientist, U.S. Army DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory
READ BIO ↗
Montgomery B. Goforth
LinkedInAssistant Director, Strategic Pursuits & Partnerships
Engineering Directorate, NASA JSC
Kaden Hazzard
LinkedInAssociate Professor, Physics and Astronomy at Rice University
Chair of Graduate Program
Member, Ken Kennedy Institute
Shengxi Huang
LinkedInAssociate Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering at Rice University
Associate Professor, Materials Science and NanoEngineering at Rice University
Travis S. Humble
LinkedInDirector & Distinguished Scientist, Quantum Science Center / ORNL / DOE
READ BIO ↗
Jun Kono
LinkedInDirector, Smalley-Curl Institute, Rice University
Karl F. Hasselmann Chair in Engineering Professor
Prem Kumar
LinkedInProfessor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northwestern University
Director of Center for Photonic Communication and Computing
Paul Kunz
LinkedInChief of the Quantum Science & Technology Branch, DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory
READ BIO ↗
Tasos Kyrillidis
LinkedInNoah Harding Associate Professor, Computer Science at Rice University
Member, Ken Kennedy Institute
Paul Larcey
LinkedInCo-Director, Global Systemic Risk Group at Princeton University
Founder and CEO, bForm technologies
Rima Kasia Oueid
LinkedInSenior Commercialization Executive, U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Technology Commercialization
READ BIO ↗
Tirthak Patel
LinkedInAssistant Professor of Computer Science at Rice University
Member, Ken Kennedy Institute
David Sholl
LinkedInExecutive Vice President for Research and Professor of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University
READ BIO ↗
Vinod Veedu
LinkedInAssistant Vice President, Office of Research
Executive Director, Defense Research Advancement
Ronald Walsworth
LinkedInFounding Director, Quantum Technology Center
Professor, University of Maryland
Agenda
Location: Common Area
Registration and light breakfast.
Location: 1st Floor Meeting Room
Location: 1st Floor Meeting Room
Location: 1st Floor Meeting Room
Location: 1st Floor Meeting Room
Location: Common Area
Coffee and networking break.
Location: 1st Floor Meeting Room
Location: 1st Floor Meeting Room
Location: Common Area
Location: 1st Floor Meeting Room
Location: 1st Floor Meeting Room
Moderator: Kaden Hazzard, Associate Professor, Physics & Astronomy
Location: Common Area
Coffee break.
Location: 1st Floor Meeting Room
Moderator: Travis Scholten, Technical Lead, Public Sector — IBM Quantum
Location: 1st Floor Meeting Room
Moderator: Vir B. Bulchandani, Assistant Professor, Physics & Astronomy
Location: Common Area
Poster presentation and reception.
Location: Common Area
Light refreshments.
Location: 1st Floor Meeting Room
Location: 1st Floor Meeting Room
Location: 1st Floor Meeting Room
Location: 1st Floor Meeting Room
Location: Common Area
Coffee break.
Location: 1st Floor Meeting Room
Location: 1st Floor Meeting Room
Moderator: Vinod Veedu, Assistant Vice President, Office of Research — Rice University
Location: Common Area
Location: 1st Floor Meeting Room
Moderator: Shengxi Huang, Associate Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering
Location: Common Area
Coffee break.
Location: 1st Floor Meeting Room
Moderator: Alessandro Alabastri, Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Location: 1st Floor Meeting Room
Speakers: Leadership & Hosts
Final thoughts, closing remarks, and wrap-up.
Social hour at Valhalla.
