Competitiveness Conversations Across America: Maryland
Unlocking American Innovation in the AI and Quantum Era
CO-HOSTS
Morgan State University, March 23 University of Maryland, College Park, March 24
The technologies that will define the rest of the century — and shape U.S. global competitiveness — are emerging at exceptional speed today. Artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum science and technologies are transforming productivity, national security, discovery, the future of work, and the prosperity of all Americans. And Maryland is a growing powerhouse for both of these transformative technologies.
On March 23–24, 2026, national leaders from industry, academia, labor, frontier research enterprises, and government will convene in Maryland for a landmark edition of the Competitiveness Conversations Across America series to confront the opportunities — and responsibilities — of leading the AI and quantum era.
Co-hosted by Dr. Darryll Pines, President of the University of Maryland, College Park, Dr. David Wilson, President of Morgan State University, and the Hon. Deborah L. Wince-Smith, President and CEO of the Council on Competitiveness, this two-day gathering showcases Maryland as a living laboratory for place-making innovation. From world-class research universities and federal laboratories to pioneering startups and global technology firms, Maryland’s ecosystem is demonstrating how collaboration across sectors and institutions can translate breakthrough science into national advantage.
This Conversation will help define how — and where — the future is built. Join us in Maryland as we chart the path forward for U.S. innovation and global competitiveness in the frontiers of AI and quantum.
Time, Location, and Shuttle Service
March 23: Morgan State University Student Center Ballroom 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane Baltimore, MD 9:15 AM – Registration, Continental Breakfast, and Networking 9:50 AM – Conversation Programming 12:00 PM – Lunch 1:00 PM – Conversation Programming 4:45 PM – Presidential Reception 5:30 PM – President's Dinner 8:00 PM – Adjourn
March 24 : University of Maryland The Hotel at The University of Maryland 7777 Baltimore Ave College Park, MD 20740 8:30 AM – Registration, Continental Breakfast, and Networking 9:00 AM – Conversation Programming 12:00 PM – Lunch 12:45 PM – Conversation Programming and Strategic Exploration of the Discovery District Maryland 5:00 PM – President’s Reception 6:00 PM – Adjourn
Where to Stay and Shuttle Service Between Venues
Attendees of the Maryland Competitiveness Conversation are eligible for discounted rates at The Hotel at The University of Maryland . Discounted rates are available to attendees who reserve a room here .
Shuttle Schedule on March 23 from The Hotel (pre-registration is required to ride ):
7:30 AM – Shuttle arrives at The Hotel at The University of Maryland
7:45 AM – Shuttle departs The Hotel for Morgan State University
8:00 PM – Shuttle departs Morgan State following the President’s Dinner
Our Hosts
Conversation Partners
Confirmed Speakers
Mr. Jonathan R. Alger PresidentAmerican University
Dr. Joshua Baron Deputy Chief Strategy Officer OUSW(R&E) United States Department of Wa r
Dr. John Beieler Executive Director Applied Research Lab for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) University of Maryland
Mr. Taylor Black Director AI & Venture Ecosystems Microsoft Founding Director Interdisciplinary Institute on AI and Emerging Technologies The Catholic University of America
Dr. Rezlind Bushati CEO PhaseShift
Dr. Gretchen Campbell Associate Vice President Quantum Research and Education University of Maryland, College Park
Dr. Vinton G. Cerf Vice President Chief Internet Evangelist Google
Dr. Dean Chang Chief Innovation Officer University of Maryland, College Park
Dr. Niccolo de Masi Chairman and CEO IonQ
Dr. Sheena Erete Associate professor College of Information Associate Director of Research for the Artificial Intelligence Interdisciplinary Institute University of Maryland, College Park
Mr. Chad Evans Executive Vice President Chief Operating Officer Council on Competitiveness
Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick President Howard University
Hon. Dr. Darío Gil Under Secretary for Science Director, Genesis Mission U.S. Department of Energy
Dr. Alexey Gorshkov Adjunct Professor of Physics and Advanced Computer Studies University of Maryland Physicist NIST
Dr. Mohammad Hafezi Minta Martin Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Physics University of Maryland, College Park
Dr. Peter J. S. Heim Chief Technology Officer Thorlabs Quantum Electronics
Dr. Joan Hoffmann Mission Area Executive Research and Exploratory Development Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Hon. Glenn F. Ivey Member of Congress U.S. House of Representatives
Dr. Bruce E. Jarrell President University of Maryland, Baltimore
Dr. Mansoureh Jeihani Professor and Director National Transportation Center Morgan State University; Safety & Mobility Advancement Regional Transportation and Economics Research Center United States Department of Transportation
Dr. Anupam Joshi Vice Provost and Chief AI Officer Director UMBC Cybersecurity Institute University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Mr. Dan Kunitz Executive Director NSF Mid-Atlantic I-Corps Hub University of Maryland, College Park
Dr. James Kushmerick Director Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML) NIST
Mr. Troy A. LeMaile-Stovall CEO TEDCO
Mr. Andy Lin Vice President of Strategy Chief Technology Officer Mark III Systems
Dr. Norbert M. Linke Associate Professor of Physics Director or QLab University of Maryland
Hon. Dr. Laurie E. Locascio President and CEO American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
Dr. Paul Lopata Visiting Research Scientist Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) University of Maryland, College Park
Dr. Dennis Lucarelli CEO and Founder Error Corp
Dr. Shirley Malcom Regent Morgan State University
Dr. Craig H. Martell Vice President Chief Technology Officer Lockheed Martin Corporation
Dr. Amen Ra Mashariki Director AI and Data Strategies Bezos Earth Fund
Hon. Dr. Willie E. May Vice President for Research and Economic Development Morgan State University
Dr. Victor R. McCrary Vice Provost for National Security Innovation The Catholic University of America
Hon. Wes Moore Governor State of Maryland
Dr. James Moreland , Jr. Owner and Principal Engineer MEI Innovative Solutions, Inc.
Dr. Rick Muller Senior Vice President Technical Lead IonQ Federal
Prof. Maajida Murdock Adjunct Professor of Physics Morgan State University
Dr. Gracie Narcho Directorate Head for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships National Science Foundation
Dr. Kofi Nyarko Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Director of Center for Equitable Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Systems (CEAMLS) Morgan State University
Dr. Patrick G. O'Shea Vice President and Chief Research Officer, University of Maryland, College Park and University of Maryland, Baltimore
Dr. Birol Ozturk Associate Professor Graduate Program Director Interim Chair Department of Physics Morgan State University
Dr. Sudip Parikh CEO American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Dr. Mark Peters President and CEO MITRE
Dr. William D. Phillips Professor Joint Quantum Institute (JQI) University of Maryland, College Park Distinguished Visiting Professor Morgan State University
Hon. Dr. Sanjay Rai Secretary Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC)
Dr. Beth Rheingold CEO Greater Baltimore Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Jennifer King Rice Senior Vice President Provost University of Maryland, College Park
Dr. Steven Rolston Professor and Chair Department of Physics University of Maryland, College Park
Dr. Kasra Sardashti Assistant Research Professor of Physics Principal Investigator Laboratory for Physical Sciences University of Maryland, College Park
Mr. Stan Smith Managing Director Discovery Fund and Terrapin Fund University of Maryland, College Park
Dr. Jamila Smith-Loud Head of the Impact Lab Google Research
Dr. Corey Stambaugh Director Capital of Quantum
Dr. Timothy C. Summer s Vice President Information Technology and Chief Information Officer Morgan State University
Mr. Wayne E. Swann DirectorOffice of Technology Transfer Morgan State University
Mr. Ken Ulman President Terrapin Development Company UMD Chief Strategy Officer for Economic Development
Dr. Gregory Washington President George Mason University
Ms. Gabriella Waters Director Center for Responsible AI Virginia State University
Dr. Hongtao Yu Senior Vice President Provost Morgan State University