Tucson, AZ and College Park, MD, September 1, 2026 – The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) announces the formation of the AURP Quantum Tech Caucus, expanding its organization scope to include communities of quantum computing, quantum sensing, quantum communications, and related technologies.
Quantum advancements enable faster drug discovery, precise climate modeling, and optimized logistics creating new industries in pharmaceuticals, finance, and energy.
AURP, the leading North American innovation association, already represents research institutions, innovation districts, and quantum research and business clusters including those in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Toronto.
Steering the AURP Quantum Tech Caucus Scientific and Business Advisory Board are distinguished leaders spanning academia, industry, research, and quantum commercialization:
- Raul Vasquez., Jr., Executive Director, UChicago Science Incubator
- Shahar Keinan, CEO, PolarisQB
- Amanda Stein, CEO, Q-Catalyzer
- Brian Rashap, Quantum Director, Central New Mexico Community College
- Cameron Chehreh, Vice President of Engineering, IonQ
- Wolfgang Losert, Professor of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park
- Tasia Malaksis, CEO, The Company Lab
- John Yesawich, VP for Strategic Initiatives for Connected DMV
This advisory board includes pioneers across university research incubators, industry, and academia supporting the development of quantum technologies. The Quantum Tech Caucus will work with state business councils and associations, research universities and national organizations to advance national and regional networks and public policies supporting communities and hubs pioneering quantum innovation.
Underscoring the importance of quantum technology to national competitiveness,
- The National Science Foundation (NSF) X-Labs just announced a new $1.5B funding opportunity for advances in quantum sensing and photonics.
- JLL released a new report outlining the importance of quantum tech from a global real estate with a special emphasis on its role in building quantum hubs in the U.S.
- AURP led a panel at the University Industry Innovation Network in Stockholm Sweden earlier this summer.
- AURP will participate at the Quantum World Congress at The Hotel at UMD in College Park, Maryland on September 23-24, hosting a panel on quantum economic development hubs across the U.S.
The AURP International Conference taking place at Pegasus Park in Dallas, Texas Sept 28- Oct 1 will feature a quantum tech panel with representatives from Texas and quantum hubs across North America.
“Quantum is quickly moving from the laboratory into the marketplace, and the communities that connect research, talent, industry, infrastructure and investment will determine where that growth takes root,” said AURP CEO Vickie Palmer. “Through the Quantum Tech Caucus, AURP will bring together leaders across our network to share best practices, strengthen regional quantum hubs and help translate scientific discovery into companies, jobs and long-term economic opportunity.”
“Quantum technologies have reached a commercial tipping point, and are vital for national competitiveness, alongside energy and AI,” commented AURP Chief Strategy Officer Brian Darmody. “The launching of this initiative comes at a critical juncture of the maturation of quantum technology across the country.”
AURP also announces that IONQ and The Company Lab of Chattanooga, Tennessee are joining AURP and its Quantum Tech Caucus.
The Quantum Tech Caucus joins AURP’s Bio Health, Clean Tech & Building Resiliency, and Air & Space Caucuses, serving as special interest groups for its AURP membership. Learn more or join AURP.
About AURP:
AURP, a non-profit international organization with offices in Tucson, Arizona, at the University of Arizona Tech Park, and in the Washington DC area at the University of Maryland Discovery District, focuses on creating communities of innovation and education for research parks, both operating and planned, plus innovation districts, incubators, accelerators and the businesses that support the research park industry. AURP and its global membership promote research, institute-industry relations and innovation districts to foster innovation and to facilitate the transfer of technology from such institutions to the private sector. Learn more: AURP.org
Media Contact:
Ariana Deitch, AURP Marketing & Community Engagement Specialist
520.529.2521
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