Supporting USAF’s $35 Million STTR Quantum Event

The U.S. Air Force (USAF), the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate (AFRL/RI), USAF Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) programs, Innovare Advancement Center, and the Griffiss Institute partnered with NYSTEC and IgniteU NY to host the Virtual Quantum Collider 2.0 two-day event. Because of the pandemic, the December 2020 event was virtual.

Our Solution

NYSTEC provided event planning, production, and presentation support for the two-day event, which included:

  • 23 speakers
  • 420 minutes of content
  • 829 registrations
  • Keynote from astronaut-in-training and global TEDx speaker Alyssa Carson and her father
  • STTR private showcase featuring innovations in quantum timing, sensing, computing, and communications

The Result

  • AFRL/RI presented 23 awards to 15 small businesses, totaling $35 million.

The Virtual Quantum Collider 2.0 brought in 2,200 views over seven days, 19 Innovare partnership requests, and 76 procurement technical assistance inquiries. This collaborative event further developed the quantum ecosystem in Central New York and across the country by fostering connections among government, industry, academia, and the small business community.