The CIQC was excited to participate in a two-day NSF Quantum Showcase, held April 29 and 30, 2024, which highlighted the successes of the Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes, the Quantum Foundries, and other major QIS efforts supported by the NSF. CIQC graduate student Méabh Allen and Founding Director Dan Stamper-Kurn met with leaders from across the NSF Directorates during the first-day showcase held at the NSF headquarters in Alexandria, VA, and with Members of Congress, Congressional staffers, and NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan during the second-day’s event at the Rayburn House Office Building.

When they weren't too preoccupied admiring their colleagues speak on the screen next to them, Dan and Méabh took the opportunity to describe the innovations realized in our research, the translations of our work and personnel to industry and other QIS sectors, and the educational impact of our winter schools, Master’s program, campus quantum gatherings, and other efforts. The enthusiastic attendance at these events demonstrated that Institutes like the CIQC have stoked strong National-level interest in quantum information science, engineering and technology, which, in turn, is an auspicious sign for the future of the CIQC. Who knows, after making such an impression on the Hill, maybe it'll be Dan and Méabh making the decisions soon enough...