Connected DMV

The future of quantum innovation starts NOW! Connected DMV, qBraid, aqora, and Quantum World Congress are proud to launch the 2025 Global Industry Challenge, an official program of the United Nations' International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. This is more than a competition—it’s a global movement to drive quantum breakthroughs in life sciences, financial services, energy, and beyond. Innovators, researchers, and industry leaders will collaborate to solve real-world challenges, gaining access to cutting-edge quantum platforms like D-Wave, NVIDIA, Q-CTRL, IQM Quantum Computers, Amazon Braket, and QuEra Computing Inc. ?? Key Dates: ?? Registration Opens: Feb 14, 2025 ?? Challenge Launch: World Quantum Day – April 14, 2025 ?? Winner Showcase: Quantum World Congress – Sept 16-18, 2025 ?? With competition nodes in Washington, D.C., Amsterdam, Brisbane, and Waterloo, this challenge will showcase the best of global quantum talent. The winning teams will gain global recognition and present their solutions at Quantum World Congress 2025. Be part of this historic opportunity. Register now: pqic.org/challenge #Quantum2025 #QWC2025 #QuantumComputing #AI #Innovation #GlobalIndustryChallenge #InternationalYearofQuantum #Quantum

Excited to share an incredible opportunity for rising high school seniors passionate about quantum technology and its future! In partnership with area K-12 school systems, Connected DMV’s Potomac Quantum Innovation Center (PQIC) and George Mason University's Quantum Science and Engineering Center (QSEC) are inviting rising high school seniors from across the DMV to participate in the 2025 Pathways to Quantum Summer Immersion Program. This unique program offers a comprehensive introduction to quantum science, highlighting the vast career opportunities in the industry. Participants will enjoy a blend of virtual learning and a week-long in-person experience at GMU, including visits to leading organizations within the quantum ecosystem. Previous sites include NASA, IonQ, The MITRE Corporation, The White House (OSTP), George Mason University, University of Maryland, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, and George Washington University. The program is entirely free, covering room and board at GMU, and includes a $500 stipend upon completion of the program. Students will emerge with foundational quantum knowledge, two online credentials, and firsthand insights into how quantum technology is poised to change the world. ?? Application Deadline: February 23, 2025. Don’t miss this chance to dive into the quantum realm and possibly set the stage for your future career. For details on the application process and program schedule, visit: https://lnkd.in/eK9GUBtj #QuantumTechnology #STEM #PathwaystoQuantum

Such a cool day on Tuesday! I attended THE COMMECIALIZATION OF SPACE event hosted by Connected DMV Stu Solomon George D Thomas and the Embassy of France in the United States. Fairfax County Economic Development Authority Victor Hoskins Anna Nissinen David Kelley sponsored the event and has been a driving force in bringing so many leaders together on this incredible opportunity for the DMV (15,000 jobs and 15 BILLION in revenue). It was fun to have so many Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) members in attendance. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Rob Ruyak, Aperio Global, LLC Earl Stafford, Jr., Booz Allen Hamilton, CACI International Inc Glenn Light, J.P. Morgan, JLL, MITRE, Permion John Sankovich, Arlington Economic Development, Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, Loudoun County Economic Development Dave Diaz, CEcD, EDP

It’s no secret that humanity is entering a new era of exploration and innovation—the commercialization of #space. What may still be surprising to many is the transformative and pivotal role the Greater Washington, D.C., region plays in shaping this future. Our region becoming the center of gravity for space innovation didn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of deliberate efforts, unique regional strengths, and a forward-thinking community of leaders, scientists, and innovators. Earlier this week, Connected DMV, in partnership with Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, convened 100+ global leaders at the Embassy of France in the United States to explore the immense opportunities and challenges of the rapidly growing $1 trillion space economy. From NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Chief Technologist A.C. Charania to HawkEye 360’s John Serafini, Arkenstone’s Preston Dunlap, and the many public and private sector leaders at the table, the resounding call for action was collaboration beyond boundaries and across organizations. It was inspiring to engage in deep and honest conversations with so many of our international partners and our #Fairfax County space sector leaders from organizations like The Aerospace Corporation, MITRE, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Blue Origin, Peraton, Booz Allen Hamilton, CACI International Inc, Scout Space and Aperio Global, LLC as we rise to meet this moment and lean into this incredible opportunity, together. So, as we look to the moon and the stars, it is clear that the path forward runs through the Greater Washington region. We are not just participating in the bold new era in space exploration — we are leading it. ?? https://lnkd.in/dYdtUBDa #SpaceCommercialization #Innovation #FutureOfSpace #DentTheUniverse Fairfax County Economic Development Authority I Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) I Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance I Virginia Economic Development Partnership I Virginia Spaceport Authority I George D Thomas I Stu Solomon

We can't wait to see you at #CES2025 in Las Vegas for Quantum Means Business with Quantum World Congress!

Today, Aperio Global, led by our VP of Space Operations Col (Ret) El Gardner , and I proudly participated in Connected DMV's Space Summit sponsored by Fairfax County Economic Development Authority held at the distinguished Embassy of France in Washington, D.C. This premier event, titled "The Commercialization of Space: Building a Next-Generation Industry," brought together leaders and innovators to establish the DMV as the epicenter of the global space economy. Event Highlights: A dynamic fireside chat featuring Preston Dunlap (Founder & CEO of Arkenstone Ventures) and John Serafini (CEO of Hawkeye 360), where they shared groundbreaking insights into space innovation, public-private collaboration, and the future of the commercial space industry. Keynote by NASA Chief Technologist A.C. Charania, emphasizing "Driving Innovation in Partnership" and the crucial role of technology in shaping the next generation of space exploration. Lively networking and workshops that inspired collaboration across public and private sectors to unlock the full potential of space commercialization. Set against the inspiring backdrop of La Maison Fran?aise, this summit underscored the DMV region's pivotal role in advancing global space innovation. Aperio Global is proud to stand at the forefront of this movement, leveraging our expertise in Cyber, Data, and AI to shape the future of space operations. Together, we are charting a bold course for the next generation of the space economy. #AperioGlobal #SpaceInnovation #ConnectedDMV #SpaceEconomy #LeadershipInSpace #SpaceSummit2024 #SolveForNext

?? "Lowering the cost to access space is not just a technical feat; it’s the key to unlocking economic and scientific opportunities that were unimaginable a decade ago." – A.C. Charania, NASA Chief Technologist At Connected DMV’s Space Summit, Charania’s powerful keynote set the tone for exploring how innovation and collaboration can drive the future of space commercialization. The event brought together leaders to chart a bold path for the $1 trillion space economy. Learn more about the summit and its vision for a thriving, collaborative space industry: https://lnkd.in/dYdtUBDa #SpaceCommercialization #Innovation #NASA #FutureOfSpace #ConnectedDMV #Leadership

"The DMV is home to the most concentrated ecosystem of federal space agencies, leading aerospace companies, and world-class universities. This is where the next generation of space innovation can thrive." — Fairfax County Economic Development Authority's Victor Hoskins highlighted the Greater Washington's leadership potential at Connected DMV’s Space Summit. The region is ready to lead the space economy. Catch up: https://lnkd.in/dYdtUBDa #DMVLeadership #SpaceInnovation

Inspired by the discussion at the Commercialization of Space Summit hosted by Connected DMV at the Embassy of France. Leaders from industry, government, and academia gathered to learn and collaborate on strategies that our region should focus on to continue to be on the forefront of breakthroughs in this sector. A.C. Charania, Preston Dunlap, John Serafini , George D Thomas, and Victor Hoskins shared their insights and experience about this dynamic sector and its incredible potential in the DMV. Looking forward to seeing how this summit moves this important work forward!

"We stand at the threshold of a new frontier, one where partnerships across sectors and nations will not only drive innovation but also build a thriving space economy." A powerful call to action from George Thomas at today's Space Summit. Together, we’re building the future of space. Catch up: https://lnkd.in/dYdtUBDa #SpaceInnovation #Collaboration?