Northwest Quantum Nexus Hosts Quantum Day Event in Seattle

Regional summit brings together leaders to advance quantum innovation and workforce development in the Pacific Northwest.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:56pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a quantum computing processor or circuit board, with neon cyan and magenta lights illuminating the intricate hardware components, conveying a sense of advanced, cutting-edge technology powering the future of computing.The Pacific Northwest's quantum ecosystem is poised to power the next generation of advanced computing and communications.Seattle Today

The Northwest Quantum Nexus (NQN), a regional quantum technology hub, is hosting NW Quantum Day in Seattle to mark World Quantum Day 2026. The event will convene government, industry, and academic leaders to discuss priorities like workforce development, post-quantum cybersecurity, quantum computing commercialization, and policy frameworks to support the quantum economy in the Pacific Northwest.

Why it matters

As quantum technologies move from research to real-world deployment, regions are competing to attract talent and investment in this emerging field. NW Quantum Day is the Pacific Northwest's declaration that it intends to lead in the quantum revolution, bringing together key stakeholders to advance the region's quantum ecosystem.

The details

NW Quantum Day features keynote speakers including Washington Lt. Governor Denny Heck and NVIDIA's Dr. Krysta Svore, along with over a dozen other speakers from industry and academia. The event will address priorities like workforce development, post-quantum cybersecurity, quantum computing commercialization, and the policy frameworks needed to drive federal and private investment to the region.

  • NW Quantum Day will take place on April 14, 2026 in Seattle.
  • World Quantum Day is an annual international initiative observed every April 14th to promote public understanding of quantum science and technology.

The players

Northwest Quantum Nexus

The regional quantum technology hub serving Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana.

Denny Heck

The Lieutenant Governor of Washington State.

Dr. Krysta Svore

Vice President of Applied Research for Quantum Computing at NVIDIA.

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What they’re saying

“World Quantum Day is a reminder that the quantum revolution is not on the horizon — it is already underway. NW Quantum Day is our region's declaration that the Pacific Northwest intends to lead.”

— Joseph Williams, Executive Director, Northwest Quantum Nexus

What’s next

The NW Quantum Day event will help the Pacific Northwest region position itself as a leader in the emerging quantum economy by aligning key stakeholders and setting priorities for workforce development, commercialization, and policy.

The takeaway

The Pacific Northwest is making a concerted effort to establish itself as a hub for quantum innovation, bringing together government, industry, and academia to advance the region's capabilities and competitiveness in this critical new technology field.