17 - 18 November 2026
Boulder, Colorado, US

SPIE Quantum Catalyst Program

Come listen to a line up of important invited speakers and join the networking events
A quantum computer’s intricate inner workings are showcased, featuring a multi-layered structure with gold-colored components, including wires, coils, and other precisely arranged elements. The complex design is highlighted against a blurred background, emphasizing the advanced engineering behind quantum computing.

A great program is being built for 2026

Join us once again in November when this important community gathers to share research, explore breakthroughs, and connect with colleagues.

Venue and registration information


Venue

Limelight Boulder Hotel and Conference Center
1295 University Ave
Boulder, CO 80302

Registration will open in August

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2025 Program outline


Tuesday, 11 November

5:30 PM MST Kickoff Happy Hour: The Attic Bar & Bistro

Wednesday, 12 November

8:00 AM MST Registration opens, coffee and continental breakfast available
9:00 AM MST

Opening Keynote Session: A Few Femtoseconds Late: Opportunities and Challenges with Optical Timekeeping

Jeffrey Sherman (National Institute of Standards and Technology)

10:00 AM MST Coffee Break
10:30 AM MST Session 1: Are Optical Clocks Ready for Prime Time?
12:30 PM MST Networking Lunch
2:00 PM MST Session 2: Inertial Sensors: Technical Challenges in the Shift from Lab to Market
4:00 PM MST Coffee Break
4:30 PM MST

Keynote Session 2: Beyond the Echo Chamber: Scaling Quantum

Scott Davis (Vescent)

5:30 PM MST Welcome Reception: Bear Peak Ballroom

Thursday, 13 November

8:00 AM MST Registration opens, coffee and continental breakfast available
9:00 AM MST Session 3: A Venture Capital View on Quantum Technologies
10:00 AM MST Coffee Break
10:30 AM MST Session 4: Building a Quantum Ecosystem
12:15 PM MST Networking Lunch
1:30 PM MST Session 5: Building the Quantum Workforce: Challenges, Solutions, and Collaboration
3:00 PM MST Coffee Break
3:30 PM MST Session 6: Quantum Luminaries Panel: The Current Reality on the Path to Commercializing Quantum Technologies 
4:30 PM MST Closing Remarks

2025 Steering Committee


Mark P. Wippich, MPW
Anjul Loiacono, Elevate Quantum
Damon Lenski, Colorado Photonics Industry Association and Avantes
Scott Davis, Vescent Photonics
Tanya Ramond, Sapienne Consulting
Zachary Newman, Octave Photonics
Matt Jungwirth, SPIE
Scott Sternberg, University of Colorado Boulder, CUbit Quantum Initiative

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