Symposium: Bridging AI and Quantum

 

The symposium was organized by the CARTA Center, the Quantum Science Institute, and the UMBC Center for AI.

We thank our sponsors: UMBC’s Division of Research and Creative Achievements (ORCA), the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (CNMS), the Information Systems Department, and the Computer Science and Electrical Engineering (CSEE) Department.

The rise of next-generation Quantum Computing has attracted the attention of academia, industry, government, and state agencies. However, Quantum Computers are still in their infancy, and their adoption remains slow. This is in part because the development and adoption of Quantum Computers still requires overcoming qubit decoherence and applying Quantum algorithms to commercial or scientific-scale problems. Moreover, there is a lack of involvement from both developers and researchers with established experience in Physics, AI systems, and Security. In addition, there are several challenges in Quantum research, such as scalability and interoperability. Different challenges will also arise when deploying in different applications.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

  • Keynotes & Technical Talks: Insights from UMBC academic leaders.
  • Federal Panel: A comprehensive view on challenges and adoption needs.
  • Collaborative Breakout Sessions: Exchange ideas and identify new research directions.
  • Networking: Connect with peers across UMBC and government sectors.

As a result of the Symposium, we will offer participants a comprehensive update of both AI and Quantum near term technology readiness and the status of coupled AI-Quantum relevant applications. In addition, we will summarize the research challenges and future directions, and specify potential application areas that offer near term scientific and commercial benefits.

AGENDA

 

8:00 am 8:30 am Breakfast and Registration
8:30 8:45 Opening remarks: Provost Manfred van Dulmen
8:45 9:05 Bridging AI and Quantum for Earth Sciences

Dr. Milt Halem will give an overview talk on  Quantum and AI to set the stage for discussions.
9:05 10:45 Research Talks and Discussion     (Moderator: Todd Pittman)

  • “Can Quantum Computing help Agentic AI Governance”, Anupam Joshi – CSEE
  • “The quantum entanglement challenge posed by AI“, Samuel Lomonaco, CSEE
  • “Quantum + AI: beyond the acceleration myth“, Lei Zhang, Information Systems
  • “Early applications of quantum computing“, Sebastian Deffner, Physics
  • “From Linear Systems to Learning: Quantum Algorithms for Optimization and AI”, Mohammad Mohammadisiahroudi, MATH
10:45 11:00 Open Discussion and Break
11:00 11:40 Discussion with External Collaborators  (Moderator: Karuna Joshi)

  • “Quantum Information Research at ARL: Networking and AI-Enabled Opportunities“, Dr. Brian Kirby, Army Research Lab
11:45 12:45 Lunch (provided) & networking. Poster Session
12:45 2:05 Research talks and Discussion    (Moderator: Tim Finin)

  • “Beyond Models: The New Frontier in AI and Quantum Systems”, Deepinder Sidhu, CSEE
  • “A quantum of light and a sea of particles: the quantum optics of correlated materials“, by Daniel Suarez, Physics
  • “AI for Animating Shadows and Clothes“, Adam Bargteil,  CSEE
  • “Agentic Theory – Reflections on the future of theoretical physics”, Fabio Anza, Physics
2:05 3:05 Research in CARTA Universities      (Moderator: Karuna Joshi)

  • “Mixed GPU and Quantum Computations“, Dimitris Metaxas, Rutgers University
  • “AI-Supported Digital Health Applications at CARTA UM“, Mitsu Ogihara, University of Miami
  • “Integrated Photonics Research at UMBC” Gary Carter, UMBC
3:05 3:15 Break
3:15 4:15 Breakout discussion for all attendees (Moderator: Todd Pittman)

What is our strength in Quantum and AI research? How can we collaborate

Who are our potential external collaborators in academia, industry, and government?

What grants/proposals could we target as a cohort?
4:15 5:00 Reception, Poster Session and Networking