House Communications & Technology Committee holds informational meeting on quantum technologies
Rep. Joseph Ciresi August 12, 2026 | 11:31 AM
STATE COLLEGE, Aug. 12 – The PA House Communications & Technology Committee held an informational meeting in State College Tuesday to learn about the potential benefits that the development of quantum technologies could bring to Pennsylvania.
Quantum technology uses quantum physics to create new capabilities in computing, sensing, communications, and cybersecurity that current technologies cannot achieve.
“Quantum technologies are the next frontier, and we owe it to Pennsylvania and its people to connect and scale up the tremendous assets we already have -- our universities, manufacturers, technology, and people -- to develop the commonwealth into a world-class leader in the industry,” state Rep. Joe Ciresi, the committee’s chairman, said. “When Pennsylvania leads in innovation, our residents will reap substantial dividends for decades in high-paying jobs and stronger communities.
“A key benefit of acting now before the quantum economy arrives is that we can ensure we have the right workforce education and training in place so that our residents can benefit from jobs in emerging and future technologies, but also so that our state and local governments are resilient and prepared for the very real cybersecurity risks that quantum computing will bring.”
Speakers included:
- Matt Brandsema, associate research professor and Quantum & Multiphysics Department head, Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State
- Jen Gilburg, deputy secretary for technology and entrepreneurship, Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development
- Paul Stimers, executive director, Quantum Industry Coalition
- Mihir Bhaskar, senior vice president, Global R&D, IonQ
Testifiers said that, as quantum computing transitions from research toward commercially useful applications, Pennsylvania is well positioned to become a leader in the field due to its world-class research universities, educated workforce, and existing strengths in industries well aligned with emerging quantum applications.
“Quantum computing has the potential to bring tremendous new capabilities and economic activity to the nation and to Pennsylvania. We are pleased that the committee is addressing this important topic and honored to participate,” said Quantum Industry Coalition Executive Director Paul Stimers.
Testifiers also noted the transformative role of quantum computing for cybersecurity. They highlighted that its advanced abilities are anticipated to put existing cybersecurity protections at risk, emphasizing that the transition to post-quantum standards cannot be delayed for governmental entities and critical infrastructure.
In April, Pennsylvania launched the “Keystone AI + Quantum Factory” collaboration between its seven research-intensive universities, the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Team Pennsylvania. The initiative is intended to drive statewide cooperation and innovation to create emerging-technology jobs in Pennsylvania.
The complete informational meeting can be viewed here, and written testimony can be accessed here.