Laura Thomas, National Security Implications of Quantum Technology

Quantum technology will be transformational. When applied, quantum has the power to dramatically improve our society, as well as cause major disruptions on the national security and economic security fronts. This presentation will provide an overview of the fundamentals of quantum technology, to include the three major branches of quantum technology development: quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum networking. We will discuss use cases for each and explore where the technology stands today, its commercialization and hardware engineering challenges, and potential pathways for a quantum future. About the speaker: Laura Thomas is the Senior Director of National Security Solutions at ColdQuanta, a quantum sensing and computing company. She is a former U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) case officer and Chief of Base who led sensitive programs at CIA Headquarters and abroad in multiple, international assignments. She is a subject matter expert on the intersection of emerging technology and national security. She has served over 15 years in national security and leadership roles, working extensively across the U.S. intelligence community, National Security Council, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Congress, and with foreign partners.