Zac Dutton

Lead Scientist Raytheon

Dr. Zachary Dutton is a Lead Scientist who currently manages the Physical Sciences and Systems (PS2) business unit within Raytheon BBN Technologies. This group of over 100 staff does advanced R&D across several lines of business, including maritime systems, sensor systems artificial intelligence, embedded processing, quantum and photonic technologies, and hostile fire detection. Previous to that he led the Quantum Information Processing business unit, which more than doubled staff and annual revenue during his tenure. He joined Raytheon BBN Technologies in 2007 and there his research focused on quantum enhanced optical remote sensing (LIDAR), quantum networks, quantum limited communication receivers and codes, superconducting quantum circuits, and quantum computation. Dr. Dutton and his team earned the 2012 Raytheon Excellence in Engineering and Technology Award for contributions to the development and demonstration of novel receivers and codes for photon efficient communications. He was involved in the first demonstration of coherent population trapping in superconducting circuits. He has also contributed to research in extending the rate and distance of quantum communication networks with solid state quantum memories. Dr. Dutton received his B.S. in physics at UC Berkeley (1996) and PhD in theoretical physics at Harvard (2002) in the group of Prof. Lene Hau. Following that he did a National Research Council post-doctoral fellowship at NIST-Gaithersburg with Dr. Charles Clark and was then a staff physicist at the Naval Research Lab. Dr. Dutton’s PhD thesis work included seminal work in nonlinear coherent optics, including observation of optical transparency, ultra-slow light down to 17 m/s, and reversible, coherent storage of optical information in cold atomic systems. Following that he pursued a variety of topics in cold atomic gases, low light level nonlinear optics, quantum memories, and coherent optical storage. Dr. Dutton is a prolific researcher with over 80 papers in refereed journals and conference publications and is an active member of the American Physical Society and Optical Society of America.

Main Conference Day One

5:15 PM Ensuring U.S. Leadership in Quantum Technologies Amidst Global Competition

As the quantum race intensifies, particularly with the growing threat from China, it’s crucial for National Labs and federal institutions to collaborate effectively to maintain U.S. leadership in quantum technologies. This panel will examine the strategic funding, legislation, and collaborative efforts necessary to advance quantum research and development.

Key discussion points include:

How are National Labs and federal institutions coordinating efforts to ensure the U.S. stays at the forefront of the global quantum race?
In what ways are public-private partnerships facilitating funding and driving successful quantum initiatives?
How are education programs being aligned with industry needs to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of supporting quantum advancements?
What alliances are emerging among governmental, academic, and industry players to promote and advance quantum research and applications?
What are the opportunities and challenges in accelerating bilateral and multilateral collaborations to bolster U.S. quantum capabilities?
How does the current legislative landscape impact funding and strategic priorities for quantum technology development?

This closing keynote panel will provide valuable insights into the collaborative frameworks and strategic initiatives necessary to secure U.S. leadership in quantum technologies amidst increasing global competition.

Main Conference Day Two

12:25 PM Quantum in the boardroom. How the C-Suite at Fortune 500 enterprises are looking at quantum. Is there any ROI there yet?

Quantum computing is poised to revolutionize various industries, and Fortune 500 organizations are at the forefront of exploring its transformative potential. This panel will delve into how quantum technologies are reshaping business operations, driving innovation, and creating competitive advantages for these leading companies.

Key discussion points include:

How are Fortune 500 organizations currently leveraging quantum computing?

Explore specific use cases and applications where quantum technologies are being integrated into business processes, from supply chain optimization to advanced data analytics.

What are the competitive advantages gained through early adoption of quantum technologies?

Discuss how organizations that embrace quantum computing are positioning themselves ahead of competitors and reimagining their approach to problem-solving.

What challenges are Fortune 500 companies facing in implementing quantum solutions?

Identify the barriers to adoption, including talent shortages, infrastructure requirements, and integration with existing systems.

How is quantum computing influencing strategic decision-making and innovation within these organizations?

Examine the role of quantum technologies in enhancing R&D efforts, driving product development, and informing business strategies.

What collaborations and partnerships are Fortune 500 companies pursuing in the quantum space?

Highlight how industry leaders are working with academia, startups, and technology providers to accelerate quantum research and application.

What is the future outlook for quantum computing in Fortune 500 organizations?

Discuss emerging trends, anticipated advancements, and the long-term implications of quantum technologies for these companies and their industries.

This panel will feature executives and thought leaders from Fortune 500 organizations, providing valuable insights into the current and future impact of quantum computing on their businesses. Join us for an engaging discussion on how quantum technologies are shaping the landscape for the world's leading companies.

Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Zac.

Download The Latest Agenda