Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative CEO Charlie Brock to Keynote Nov. 12 Event
Alabama A&M to Host First Quantum Workshop, Spotlighting Future of Technology
Alabama A&M University will take another step in advancing quantum science and technology as it hosts its first Southeastern Quantum Collaborative Workforce Development Workshop on Thursday, Nov. 12, bringing together academic and industry experts to explore emerging technologies and prepare the next generation of innovators.
The free workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Arthur Bond Engineering Building auditorium, Room 233. The event will feature a keynote presentation by Charlie Brock, CEO of the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative, along with a panel discussion featuring experts from academia and industry. Lunch will be provided.
The workshop marks an important milestone in Alabama A&M’s involvement with the Southeastern Quantum Collaborative (SQC), a regional initiative focused on advancing quantum research, innovation and workforce development across the Southeast.
As quantum technologies continue to evolve, the demand for professionals equipped with specialized scientific, engineering and technical skills is expected to grow. The workshop will provide an opportunity for students, faculty, researchers and industry professionals to explore the field's potential and the skills needed to support its development.
Brock, a longtime leader in entrepreneurship, innovation and economic development, will share insights from his work building partnerships and strengthening regional technology ecosystems. As CEO of the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative, he leads efforts to connect businesses, researchers and community partners with opportunities emerging from the region's quantum technology infrastructure.
The workshop will also feature a panel discussion bringing academic and industry perspectives together to examine workforce readiness, research collaboration and opportunities in the rapidly developing quantum technology sector.
Alabama A&M became a founding member of the Southeastern Quantum Collaborative in December 2025, joining the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) and industry partners in an initiative designed to strengthen the region's leadership in quantum science and technology.
Officially launched in January 2026 and housed within UAH’s College of Science, the collaborative brings together universities, industry partners and government organizations to accelerate research, expand educational opportunities and develop a workforce capable of supporting emerging quantum technologies.
The initiative focuses on areas including quantum computing, sensing, communications and networking, with applications that could transform industries ranging from cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing to defense and information technology.
Alabama A&M’s participation builds on existing quantum research and educational initiatives within its College of Engineering, Technology and Physical Sciences. University researchers have secured National Science Foundation support for quantum computing research, while faculty have collaborated with IBM to introduce engineering students to quantum computing concepts and applications.
Hosting the workshop further positions Alabama A&M as an active partner in regional efforts to connect scientific discovery with education, workforce preparation and economic opportunity.
The event is free and open to students, faculty, staff and others interested in learning more about quantum technology and its future applications.
Participants are encouraged to register.