KENOSHA, Wis. — [July 28, 2026] — Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood will bring business, technology and economic development leaders together on September 24, 2026, for Quantum at Scale: Supply Chains & Advanced Industry Adoption, the second event in KIN’s 2026 Quantum Now, Quantum Next series. innovateKIN.org/quantum2026
The event will be held from 1:00 to 5:30 p.m. at the Kenosha Innovation Center, 5522 26th
Avenue in Kenosha. Programming will include expert presentations and industry discussions from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., followed by a networking reception from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.innovatekin.org/quantum2026
Designed for manufacturers, technology companies, corporate innovation teams, supply chain leaders, educators and those seeking a practical introduction to quantum technology, the program will explore what quantum is, why it matters now and how businesses can begin preparing for its future applications. Discussions will also examine how existing strengths in advanced manufacturing, logistics, technology and life sciences can contribute to and benefit from the growing quantum economy.
“Building an innovation center means we have a responsibility to keep our region connected to the technologies that will shape the next generation of industry,” said Kelly Armstrong, president of Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood. “We need to be at the cutting edge, not watching from the sidelines after the market has already moved. Kenosha is uniquely positioned as the only Wisconsin community within the Chicago metropolitan area connected to the federally designated Bloch Quantum Tech Hub. This event is about making that regional advantage meaningful for Wisconsin manufacturers, employers, entrepreneurs and talent.”
Confirmed speakers include:
Maggie Brickerman, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council, Wisconsin’s science and technology advisor to the governor and state Legislature. The council connects businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, research institutions and policymakers across Wisconsin’s technology economy.
Kate Waimey Timmerman, CEO of the Chicago Quantum Exchange, a regional consortium that advances quantum research, develops talent and supports the growth of the quantum economy across the Midwest.
Joe Mariani, emerging technologies research leader for Deloitte’s Center for Government Insights. Mariani’s work focuses on the factors that influence successful technology adoption and the implications of emerging technologies for government and industry.
Brian Martin, senior research fellow and head of artificial intelligence for AbbVie’s Research and Development Information Research division. Martin leads the development and deployment of AI technologies and is part of the leadership team directing the AbbVie R&D Convergence Hub. He previously co-founded quantum computing communities focused on pharmaceutical research and industry collaboration.
Aaron Towns, director of BMO Commercial Bank in Southeast Wisconsin and ambassador for BMO’s Empower initiative. Towns will bring the perspective of established industries, business investment and regional economic growth to the discussion.
Additional industry speakers will be announced as the event approaches.
AbbVie is among the sponsors supporting KIN’s 2026 Quantum Now, Quantum Next series. Additional sponsors include Microsoft, BMO, Jockey International and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. Regional partners include the Milwaukee School of Engineering, Cream City Cyber, University of Wisconsin–Parkside, Kenosha Area Business Alliance, Wisconsin Technology Association, Gateway Technical College and Carthage College.
Building an Industry Ready Quantum Ecosystem
Quantum technologies have the potential to impact advanced industries including the supply chains and logistics necessary to support the implementation. Although specific applications remain in development, businesses can begin preparing by evaluating potential use cases and understanding future implications for their operations.
“Quantum will not grow through research alone,” Armstrong said. “It will require manufacturers, component suppliers, software companies, financial institutions and skilled talent. Southeast Wisconsin has many of the capabilities this emerging sector will need. Our role is to help businesses understand where they fit and begin building those connections now.”
KIN’s Quantum Now, Quantum Next series is designed to build a long-term strategy for quantum leadership and regional economic growth. The series convenes industry executives, supply chain leaders, product innovation teams, higher education institutions and public and nonprofit partners to identify opportunities for regional participation in the emerging quantum economy. The series is intended for attendees at every level of familiarity. No technical background in quantum science is required.
Event Details
Quantum at Scale: Supply Chains & Advanced Industry Adoption
Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Program: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Reception: 4:00–5:30 p.m.
Location: Kenosha Innovation Center, 5522 26th Avenue, Kenosha, Wisconsin Registration and additional information are available at innovateKIN.org/quantum2026.
About the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood
The Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood, Inc., is a non-profit organization led by a volunteer board of directors composed of local and regional leaders dedicated to fostering economic recovery, improving economic sustainability and resiliency, and ensuring equitable community access to prosperity through the development of the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood (KIN).
The KIN is the revitalization and transformation of 107 acres of vacant land in the heart of Kenosha as a collaborative, mixed-use project that is bringing the community together to define and deliver a regional destination with sustainable, innovation- focused office, medical, educational, commercial, and residential space that meets the unique needs of neighbors, the broader Kenosha community, visitors, and end-users.
Learn more about the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood at www.innovatekin.org.
