Insider Brief
- Experts gathered in West Palm Beach to emphasize the need for reauthorizing the National Quantum Initiative Act, calling it a critical step to maintain U.S. leadership in quantum technology and national security.
- Matt Cimaglia and Paul Stimers underscored the urgency of funding quantum research and workforce development, warning of the risks of losing ground to rival nations like China.
- Panelists explored applications in encryption, healthcare, and AI, emphasizing how quantum innovation will shape industries and secure U.S. economic and geopolitical advantages.
PRESS RELEASE — Just miles from Mar-a-Lago, America’s top tech, policy, and legal minds convened in West Palm Beach last week to confront a pivotal challenge: ensuring U.S. leadership in quantum technology and national security through the urgent reauthorization of the National Quantum Initiative Act.
Hosted by Holland & Knight and Quantum Coast Capital, highlighting the growing stakes in the global race for quantum leadership. Key speakers included Matt Cimaglia, Managing Partner of Quantum Coast Capital, and Paul Stimers, Executive Director of the Quantum Industry Coalition and Partner at Holland & Knight.
“Quantum technology is not just the future—it’s happening now,” said Matt Cimaglia. “If we don’t take bold steps to fund and develop this technology today, we risk falling behind not just as innovators but as a nation capable of securing its infrastructure, economy, and global influence.”
Paul Stimers echoed this urgency, stating, “The reauthorization of the National Quantum Initiative Act is not just policy—it’s strategy. Without decisive action, the U.S. risks losing its technological edge due to aggressive investments from rival nations.” Speakers emphasized the Act’s vital role in ensuring continued funding for research, workforce development, and the commercialization of quantum technologies.
The event’s proximity to Mar-a-Lago underscored its importance as a direct call to policymakers and influencers in the region. Bipartisan collaboration is essential to secure America’s quantum future and protect its leadership in this transformative era. Discussions explored the geopolitical stakes, the necessity for secure quantum systems, and how policy frameworks can drive national competitiveness.
“The United States has to be at the forefront of quantum computing, and whoever gets there first will control world economics and national security,” said Corey McClelland, Chief Revenue Officer at Qubitekk.
Also contributing to the discussions were leading figures from quantum startups, research institutions, and policy organizations, including:
- Andrew McAllister, Partner (Int’l Trade Regulation and Nat’l Security), Holland & Knight
- Amanda Stein, Chief Executive Officer, Quantum Catalyzer (Q-Cat)
- Eric Crusius, Partner (Government Contracts), Holland & Knight
- Lamont Silves, Head of Government Solutions, IonQ
- Mark Francis, Partner (Tech and Data), Holland & Knight
- Ryan McKenney, Director of Government Relations and General Counsel of Compliance, Quantinuum
- Tom Dakich, Chief Executive Officer, Quantum Corridor
“China is investing ten times what the U.S. government is investing in quantum,” said Lamont Silves. “They’re doing it because not every investment will pay off, but leadership in this field is critical.”
Quantum technology, rooted in the principles of quantum mechanics, represents a revolutionary shift in how the world approaches computation, communication, sensing, and problem-solving. Unlike classical computing, which processes information using binary bits (0s and 1s), quantum computing leverages quantum bits—or qubits—that can exist in multiple states simultaneously due to the phenomenon of superposition. This allows quantum systems to process vast amounts of data and solve complex problems far beyond the reach of traditional computers.
The applications of quantum technology are vast and critical to U.S. interests. From advancing drug discovery and transforming healthcare to securing communications through quantum cryptography and revolutionizing artificial intelligence, quantum innovation will drive progress across industries. Financial modeling, supply chain optimization, and climate forecasting are just a few areas poised to benefit from quantum advancements. Furthermore, quantum technologies play a pivotal role in national security, providing tools for advanced encryption and safeguarding critical infrastructure against emerging cyber threats.
The reauthorization of the National Quantum Initiative Act is a vital step in maintaining U.S. leadership in this transformative field. By investing in research, workforce development, and the commercialization of quantum technologies, the United States can ensure its technological edge, protect its economic future, and lead in an era where quantum capabilities will define global competitiveness.
To watch the entire event: click here
