HARRISBURG, PA (Oct. 6, 2026) — What is real in quantum technology, and what should businesses and government leaders be preparing for? More than 30 industry leaders, government partners, educators, and regional stakeholders gathered at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) on October 6 to take up those questions at The Future of Quantum: A Regional Discussion, a half-day forum presented by SE&M Solutions and HU that examined the opportunities and challenges of this rapidly evolving technology.
The event focused on practical insights rather than technical theory, giving attendees an opportunity to explore the potential impact of quantum technology on cybersecurity, business, workforce development, and the regional economy.
HU Provost Kevin Purcell, Ph.D., welcomed participants, and HU School of Analytics and Computer Science Dean Roozbeh Sadeghian, Ph.D., joined SE&M Solutions CEO Charlie Sowell in framing why quantum readiness matters now. Lorelee Isbell, HU’s vice president for external affairs and strategic growth, joined SE&M Chief Operating Officer Larry Rose, Ph.D., for the closing discussion, connecting the day’s insights to practical organizational action and future collaboration. HU President Christopher M. Reber, Ph.D., delivered final remarks.
Topics included:
- Quantum computing, sensing, and networking.
- What is real today vs. what is still emerging.
- The potential quantum threat to encryption, sensitive data, and intellectual property.
- Emerging business applications, including optimization, AI, sensing, and security.
- Practical steps organizations can take to assess readiness and prepare for the future.
- Opportunities for regional collaboration in workforce development, research, and innovation.
The closing message was clear: organizations can begin preparing without waiting for quantum technology to fully mature. Participants were encouraged to examine their existing technology systems, identify potential vulnerabilities and applications, engage organizational leadership, and begin planning for the investment and workforce skills that readiness will require. The discussion also highlighted opportunities to connect industry needs with university expertise through professional education, applied projects, and student learning experiences.
The discussion built on the partnership between SE&M Solutions and Harrisburg University, including the Quantum Storm initiative and a new endowed scholarship supporting students pursuing quantum-related fields.
“A new age is here. Quantum computing offers significant opportunities: it could accelerate scientific discovery, advance drug and materials development, improve optimization and logistics, and potentially solve certain complex problems that are difficult or impossible for today’s computers,” said Sadeghian, who leads the University’s cybersecurity programs and provided opening remarks.
“But that same power could eventually break widely used encryption that protects sensitive information and underpins digital trust,” he continued. “If we delay preparation, we risk exposing personal information, intellectual property, and confidential government and business records for years to come. Organizations should begin identifying vulnerable systems, planning the transition to quantum-resistant security, and preparing their workforce now. Through our partnership with SE&M Solutions, we are helping Central Pennsylvania turn awareness into practical action.”
“SE&M was proud to unveil our partnership with Harrisburg University at this quantum readiness forum,” said Charlie Sowell, CEO of SE&M Solutions, LLC. “Our Quantum Storm initiatives are already developing quantum applications and a quantum-experienced workforce here in Central Pennsylvania. SE&M and HU are already implementing programs that other institutions and regions are contemplating. Our mutual organizational agility and speed-to-action are putting Central PA on the Quantum map.”
“Our next step is to turn the interest generated by this forum into meaningful opportunities for organizations and students,” said Lorelee Isbell, HU’s vice president for external affairs and strategic growth. “We will gather participant feedback, connect interested organizations with HU and SE&M to discuss their readiness needs, and use those conversations to help shape future education and workforce initiatives. Through Quantum Storm, we are building connections among industry expertise, applied learning, and the talent our region will need.”
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) is an independent, nonprofit university offering degrees in advanced manufacturing, analytics, biotechnology, cybersecurity, nursing, and other critical fields. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, HU serves a diverse student body through bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs that link research with practical applications. For information about HU’s affordable STEM degrees and professional development programs, call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay in the know by following Harrisburg University on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.
MEDIA CONTACT
Do you have questions about this story? Interested in lining up an interview? Please contact Dan Wilhelm, director of communications for Harrisburg University, at DWilhelm@HarrisburgU.edu or 717.901.5100 ext. 1724.
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