Convergence Summit: Quantum & AI in the Northwest

About this event

Convergence Summit: Where AI and Quantum Meet in the Northwest Quantum and AI are converging faster than most organizations can track, and the Northwest corridor is emerging as a critical hub for both. This invitation-only summit brings together the public sector, founders, executives, investors, and researchers shaping what comes next, for one focused day of substantive conversation instead of yet another networking mixer. Join us for a full day exploring what quantum computing is actually good for, how AI and quantum intersect in practice, and how the Seattle and Vancouver regions can build a genuinely cross-border advanced technology corridor. Sessions include a dedicated Canada x Cascadia investment track, panels with leaders from D-Wave, Photonic, Microsoft and WA State, and a keynote conversation on quantum's five-year horizon. The day closes with a Cascadia networking reception. Event Logistics: CONVERGENCE SUMMIT: AI + Quantum in the NorthwestWednesday, October 28, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM PT Please arrive by 9 AM, no later 9:15 AM. Programming will commence at 9:30 AM PT. Building security is strict, and access requires a custom personal QR code that will be sent to invitees and accepted registrants the day before the event. **Only the first 100 registered guests who check in in person will be admitted, so if you RSVP, please make every effort to show up on time. Space cannot be held for late arrivals, unless space opens up. Convergence: Tech Policy Institute (C:TPI) AI, quantum, and blockchain are converging faster than the rules meant to govern them. C:TPI, the think tank arm of 1871, the largest global innovation hub, exists to close that gap, mapping the intersections, stress-testing the risks, and building the coherent frameworks that let breakthrough technology scale responsibly. Our mission: turn convergence from a liability into a strategic advantage for the people and institutions shaping what's next. Learn more → AGENDA: 9:00 – 9:30 AM — Registration & Welcome Coffee 9:30 – 9:45 AM — Opening Remarks 9:45 – 10:30 AM — Keynote: Quantum & AI Level Set 10:30 – 11:15 AM — Panel: The Convergence Landscape 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM — Panel: Building a Northwest Corridor 12:00 – 1:00 PM — Lunch 1:00 – 1:15 PM — Mini Keynote 1:15 – 2:00 PM — Panel: Enterprise AI Adoption 2:00 – 2:45 PM — Panel: Responsibility & Policy in the Age of AI 2:45 – 3:30 PM — Fireside Discussions: Building a Convergence Workforce 3:30 – 4:30 PM — Showcase: Demystifying BC's Quantum Ecosystem 4:30 – 5:30 PM — Closing Networking Reception Thank you: With thanks to our partners and sponsors, whose support makes this summit possible: Convergence: Tech Policy Institute, AI 2030, Global Affairs Canada, Invest Vancouver, Trade & Invest BC, Amazon Quantum, WTIA, Northwest Quantum Nexus, K&L Gates, Birdsight.ai, Seattle Quantum Computing Meetup Group, and the Rainier Club. We look forward to welcoming you. About: Convergence: Tech Policy Institute (C:TPI)Convergence: Tech Policy Institute is a Seattle-based advanced tech policy organization and the think tank arm of 1871, the largest global innovation hub, focused on the intersection of AI, quantum computing, and other emerging technologies, working to build practical frameworks and coherent standards for a rapidly converging technology landscape. AI 2030AI 2030 is a global nonprofit initiative advancing the responsible development and governance of artificial intelligence. It brings together leaders across industry, government, academia, and civil society to close gaps in talent, awareness, and policy so AI benefits people broadly. Invest in CanadaInvest in Canada is the Government of Canada's national investment promotion agency, mandated to attract, facilitate, and accelerate foreign direct investment into Canada in partnership with provinces, municipalities, and industry stakeholders. Invest VancouverInvest Vancouver is Metro Vancouver's regional economic development service, working to attract strategic investment, foster global collaboration, and grow high-quality jobs across the region's key export-oriented industries. Trade and Invest BCTrade and Invest BC is the Government of British Columbia's trade and investment agency, helping international companies establish and grow a business presence in B.C. across sectors including technology, life sciences, aerospace, clean energy, and digital media. Amazon QuantumAmazon Quantum refers to AWS's quantum computing initiatives, including Amazon Braket, a managed service for building and testing quantum algorithms, and the AWS Center for Quantum Computing, which advances quantum hardware and applications in partnership with leading research institutions. WTIA (Washington Technology Industry Association)WTIA is Washington State's technology trade association, working to accelerate startups, attract investment, and shape smart policy across AI, quantum, and other advanced technologies to make the Pacific Northwest a global hub for innovation. Northwest Quantum Nexus (NQN)Northwest Quantum Nexus is a collaborative organization advancing quantum research, talent, and innovation across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, working to build a thriving regional quantum economy.