On August 5, 2025, leaders from government, industry, and academia gathered in Montana for a high-stakes retreat on the future of U.S. quantum leadership. Hosted by Meaningful Ventures 2.0 and Quantum Coast Capital (QCC), the event brought together executives from companies including Atom Computing, Quantinuum, D-Wave, and IonQ, alongside policymakers and regional leaders.
As part of the summit, Amanda Stein, CEO of Q-Cat, participated in the U.S. Quantum Policy panel, contributing her perspective on how policy can accelerate the transition from research to commercialization. Amanda emphasized the need for public–private partnerships, thoughtful investment, and a strong talent pipeline to ensure the United States remains at the forefront of quantum innovation.
Ronald Walsworth, Founder of Q-Cat and Director of the Quantum Technology Center at the University of Maryland, also joined the discussions, underscoring how federal policy shapes the translation of breakthrough research—like quantum sensing and imaging—into technologies critical for national security, navigation, and medicine.
The Montana summit took place against the backdrop of a state already emerging as a hub for quantum. With Montana State University’s QCORE facility leading groundbreaking research and regional companies advancing photonics and cryogenics, participants highlighted how education and workforce development will determine the pace of U.S. leadership.
For Q-Cat, being part of this dialogue reflects our dual role: advancing science from our home in Maryland’s Discovery District—steps from the nation’s capital—while engaging directly in the national conversations that set the framework for quantum innovation.
The retreat underscored what Amanda and Ron both believe: leadership in quantum is not just about machines or patents, but about the networks of people, policies, and ideas working together to shape the future.