NAE Update DRAFT

March 23-24, 2026

Limelight Hotel | Boulder, Colorado

Quantum & Space, the Next Frontier

The convergence of quantum technologies and space applications presents both fundamental engineering challenges and transformative opportunities as laboratory-demonstrated systems transition to operational environments. Quantum-enabled capabilities promise orders-of-magnitude improvements in precision, resilience and performance for missions ranging from autonomous satellite operations to Earth observation, secure communications and scientific discovery.

Participants will discuss technical pathways for space deployment, debate implications for satellite architectures and national security applications and share insights on accelerating the transition from laboratory prototypes to mission-ready systems. The program leverages Colorado’s interconnected ecosystem of academic quantum and aerospace research, national laboratories and commercial quantum, space and technology partners to facilitate technical exchange across academia, government and industry on this emerging frontier.

Your University of Colorado Boulder Hosts:

Scott Diddams
Professor and Robert H. Davis Endowed Chair
University of Colorado Boulder

NAE Election Year: 2025
Electronics, Communication & Information Systems

Hanspeter Schaub
Glenn L. Murphy Endowed Chair & Distinguished Professor
University of Colorado Boulder

NAE Election Year: 2025
Aerospace

Event Schedule

= Invited guests only = Open to all registered attendees

Monday, March 23, 2026	6-7 p.m.	Cocktail Reception NAE Leadership, NAE Members, Special Guests Invited guests only	Limelight Boulder The Den
	7-7:30 p.m.	Break and Seating
	7:30-8:30 p.m.	Introduction & Keynote Address Tory Bruno, President, Blue National Security Open to all registered attendees	Limelight Boulder Meadows Ballroom

Tuesday, March 24, 2026	8- 9 a.m.	Check-in & Breakfast Provided NAE Leadership, NAE Members, Special Guests Invited guests only	Limelight Boulder Bear Peak
	9-10:30 a.m.	NAE Members Business Session NAE Leadership, NAE Members NAE members only	Limelight Boulder Bear Peak
	10:30-10:45 a.m.	Welcome Tsu-Jae King Liu, President, National Academy of Engineering Open to all registered attendees	Limelight Boulder Meadows Ballroom
	10:45-11:15 a.m.	Keynote Address Dana Anderson, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Infleqtion; JILA Institute Fellow; Professor in Physics and Electrical Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder. Open to all registered attendees	Limelight Boulder Meadows Ballroom
	11:15-11:30 a.m.	Break
	11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.	Panel Session 1: Quantum Technologies in Space Lead: John Kitching, NIST Fellow and Group Leader, Atomic Devices and Instrumentation Panelists: Jamil Abo-Shaeer, CEO and Co-founder, Vector Atomic Murray Holland, Professor of Physics and JILA Institute Fellow Michelle Stephens, NIST Group Leader, Sources and Detectors Open to all registered attendees	Limelight Boulder Meadows Ballroom
	12:15-1:15 p.m.	Lunch Provided Open to all registered attendees	Limelight Boulder FlatironsBallroom
	1:15-2 p.m.	Panel Session 2: Space Benefiting from Quantum Advancements Lead: Jade Morton, Distinguished Professor, Aerospace Engineering Sciences; Director, Colorado Center for Astrodynamics Research Panelists: Huascar Ascarrunz, Vice President, Quantum Products at Frequency Electronics Penny Axelrad, Distinguished Professor, Aerospace Engineering Sciences Iain Boyd, Director, Center for National Security Initiatives Steve Nerem, Professor, Aerospace Engineering Sciences, and Director, Colorado Center for Astrodynamics Research Open to all registered attendees	Limelight Boulder Meadows Ballroom
	2-2:15 p.m.	Break
	2:15-3 p.m.	Panel Session 3: Developing Quantum for Space Lead: Mark Sirangelo, Scholar in Residence at the University of Colorado; member of NASA’s Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel Panelists: John Burke, Chief Product Officer, Beacon Photonics Scott Diddams, Professor of Physics and Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering Tom Loftus, Senior Technical Fellow Scott Sternberg, Executive Director of the CUbit Quantum Initiative Open to all registered attendees	Limelight Boulder Meadows Ballroom
	3-3:15 p.m.	Closing Remarks	Limelight Boulder Meadows Ballroom
	3:15-4:15 p.m.	Reception & Poster Session Snacks and drinks provided Open to all registered attendees	Limelight Boulder Flatirons Ballroom
	4:15-4:30 p.m.	Lab Tours Transportation provided
	4:30-6 p.m.	Lab Tours (optional)	CU Boulder Main & East Campus Electrical & Aerospace Facilities