• Kate Timmerman (Chicago Quantum Exchange) will open the program. She leads the coalition that has positioned Chicago as a national center for quantum research and commercialization.
• Hanhee Paik (IBM) will speak on how one of the world’s most influential technology companies is advancing the frontier of quantum computing.
• Nathan Arnold (Photon Queue) will discuss building next-generation quantum networking platforms.
• Professor Enectali Figuroa-Feliciano (Northwestern University) will share insights from research on instrumentation and quantum sensing.
• Aaron Fluitt (PsiQuantum) will highlight progress toward scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computing with practical applications.
• Professor Nancy Kawalek (University of Chicago) will explore how quantum science can connect with the arts and culture.
• Caitlin Carnahan (Infleqtion) will present on developing quantum-enabled solutions for navigation and sensing.

The afternoon ends with a panel conversation and audience Q&A, followed by a networking reception.

1:00 PM · Doors Open

1:30 PM · Welcome and Introduction

1:45 PM · Kate Timmerman, CEO, Chicago Quantum Exchange

2:00 PM · Hanhee Paik, IBM

2:15 PM · Nathan Arnold, Photon Queue

2:30 PM · Professor Tali Figuroa-Feliciano, Northwestern University

2:45 PM · Aaron Fluitt, Senior Director, PsiQuantum

3:00 PM · Break

3:15 PM · Professor Nancy Kawalek, University of Chicago

3:30 PM · Caitlin Carnahan, VP, Infleqtion

3:45 PM · Audience Q&A and Conversation among Presenters

4:30 PM · Cash Bar and Networking

6:00 PM · Doors Close

7:00 PM · Constellations performance at in Studio A

This event is part of Entangled Beauty, a season-long series at the Athenaeum Center exploring the intersection of science, art, and philosophy. Through performances, talks, and public programs, Entangled Beauty invites audiences to experience quantum science not only as technology but also as a cultural and aesthetic force that challenges how we see the world and ourselves.

• “Just over one year ago, the Illinois legislature approved spending more than $700 million to attract and support a new industry: quantum technology.” – WTTW News, June 2025
• “A Boston Consulting Group forecast prepared for the Chicago Quantum Exchange projects that total global quantum economic value creation will reach nearly $1 trillion by 2035, up from about $3 billion today. Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana’s share of that windfall could reach nearly $80 billion.” – Wall Street Journal, December 2024
• “There are several emerging hubs in Asia, especially in Abu Dhabi, Tel Aviv, and Tokyo, and growing clusters in the United States — in Illinois and Maryland, for example.” – McKinsey & Company, June 2025
• “Recent advancements in quantum technologies are bringing us closer to a profound shift for science and technology — one that will have far-reaching implications for our economies, security and defense.” – NATO Quantum Technology Strategy, January 2024

• Students and educators looking to see where the field is headed
• Professionals and entrepreneurs exploring opportunities in a new sector
• Researchers and academics engaging with peers across institutions
• Business and civic leaders seeking to understand the economic and strategic impact
• Curious community members who want to learn what the buzz is about

No technical background is required. Curiosity and an open mind are all you need.