Who We Are

The Northwest Quantum Nexus (NQN) is a coalition of research, industry, academic, and governmental organizations across the Pacific Northwest and neighboring regions.
With one of the highest concentrations of Quantum Information Sciences (QIS) research in the United States, the Pacific Northwest is uniquely positioned to address the field’s most pressing needs, from training and workforce development to cutting-edge research, commercialization, and technology transfer.

Our Mission

The Northwest Quantum Nexus (NQN) exists to accelerate discovery and innovation in quantum technologies, with a particular focus on scalable quantum computing for clean energy, quantum algorithms, and materials for QIS. We are committed to attracting and retaining world-class talent, securing funding, and fostering industrial investment to strengthen the Pacific Northwest’s position as a global leader in quantum science.

Our Vision

We envision the Pacific Northwest as a center of geographic and intellectual gravity for quantum innovation, a place where cutting-edge research, strong partnerships, and an exceptional talent pool converge to shape the quantum economy and deliver meaningful societal and economic impact.

Our Story

The NQN was founded as a coalition of research institutions, companies, universities, and national laboratories across the Pacific Northwest and neighboring regions.

Recognizing the area’s high concentration of Quantum Information Sciences (QIS) research, the NQN set out to:

  • Bridge the gap between research, workforce development, and commercialization.
  • Leverage regional strengths to attract global collaboration and investment.
  • Create a thriving innovation ecosystem.



Over time, our network has expanded to include academic leaders, global technology companies, and specialized research centers, all united by a shared commitment to advancing QIS.

Our Story

The NQN was founded as a coalition of research institutions, companies, universities, and national laboratories across the Pacific Northwest and neighboring regions.

Recognizing the area’s high concentration of Quantum Information Sciences (QIS) research, the NQN set out to:

  • Bridge the gap between research, workforce development, and commercialization.
  • Leverage regional strengths to attract global collaboration and investment.
  • Create a thriving innovation ecosystem.



 

Over time, our network has expanded to include academic leaders, global technology companies, and specialized research centers, all united by a shared commitment to advancing QIS.

Key Milestones

2019

Formation of the Northwest Quantum Nexus.

2020–2021

Launch of workforce development initiatives and joint research programs.

2022

Expansion of partnerships across the U.S. and Canada.

2024

Strategic focus on scalable quantum computing for clean energy applications.

2025

Introduction of MonArK collaboration in Montana and new partner engagement programs.

Partners

Our strength lies in our diverse network of partners, representing industry, academia, national
labs, and business organizations.

Steering Committee

Our Steering Committee provides strategic direction, ensures alignment with the NQN mission, and fosters collaboration across sectors. Comprised of leaders from partner organizations, the committee shapes research priorities, outreach strategies, and workforce development programs.

University of Washington

Charles Marcus

Director

State of Washington

Joseph Williams

Co-Director

Amazon

Sebastian Hassinger

University of Washington

Kaela Worrall

Boeing

Marna Kagele

Boeing

Benjamin Koltenbah

IBM

Jamie Garcia

IonQ

Howard Lock

IonQ

Dina Moy

Director

K & L Gates

John Bender

Co-Director

Meta

Pasqual Rivera

Micron

Chris Petz

Microsoft

Lindsay Bayne

MPQA (Montana)

Jason Yeager

PNNL

Peter Sushko

PNNL

Mark Raugas

PNNL

Ang Li

Seattle University

Amit Shukla

University of Oregon

Nik Zhelev

Washington State University

Michael Forbes

Washington State University

Qingze Guan

Washington State University

Yefeng Mei

Washington State University

Nella Ludlow

WTIA

Nick Ellingson

Brandfluence

Bardha Ajvazi

Communications

University of Washington

Charles Marcus

Director

State of Washington

Joseph Williams

Co-Director

Amazon

Sebastian Hassinger

University of Washington

Kaela Worrall

Administrator

Boeing

Marna Kagele

Boeing

Benjamin Koltenbah

IBM

Jamie Garcia

IonQ

Howard Lock

IonQ

Dina Moy

K & L Gates

John Bender

Meta

Pasqual Rivera

Micron

Chris Petz

Microsoft

Lindsay Bayne

MPQA (Montana)

Jason Yeager

PNNL

Peter Sushko

PNNL

Mark Raugas

PNNL

Ang Li

Seattle University

Amit Shukla

University of Oregon

Nik Zhelev

Washington State University

Michael Forbes

Washington State University

Qingze Guan

Washington State University

Yefeng Mei

Washington State University

Nella Ludlow

WTIA

Nick Ellingson

Brandfluence

Bardha Ajvazi

Communications

Strategic Goals & Impact

Capitalize on Public–Private Partnerships

Collaborative projects, workshops, and knowledge exchange accelerate the timeline from discovery to real-world applications and cultivate the future quantum workforce.

Develop a Vibrant Quantum Ecosystem & Economy

Support startup incubation, spin-offs, and commercialization of quantum-enabled products and practices.

Capitalize on Public–Private Partnerships

Collaborative projects, workshops, and knowledge exchange accelerate the timeline from discovery to real-world applications and cultivate the future quantum workforce.

Capitalize on Public–Private Partnerships

Collaborative projects, workshops, and knowledge exchange accelerate the timeline from discovery to real-world applications and cultivate the future quantum workforce.