Presented by Ernst & Young, LLP, with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Penny Pritzker, Microsoft’s Jason Zander, Cognizant’s Ravi Kumar, Exelon’s Calvin Butler, Kara Swisher, WNBA HOF Candace Parker, and more than 60 other prominent speakers to explore how quantum will influence the world

International Global Quantum Fellowship cohort announced

CHICAGO, July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Chicago will once again become the meeting place for leaders at the forefront of quantum and its impact on industry, government, and discovery, when the second annual Global Quantum Forum (GQF) “Solving Grand Challenges” convenes July 22-23. Hosted by P33 and the Illinois Economic Development Corporation (Illinois EDC), and presented by Ernst & Young, LLP, the forum will explore how quantum technologies may tackle some of society’s most complex problems, from strengthening cybersecurity and modernizing energy systems to accelerating medical breakthroughs. 

“I’m honored that Illinois is once again hosting the Global Quantum Forum – bringing together researchers, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and policymakers to help shape the future of quantum while creating jobs, attracting investment, and solving some of our greatest challenges,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Through historic investments, world-class talent, and robust private-public partnership, Illinois has established itself as a global capital for quantum innovation, ushering in the next great wave of scientific innovation and economic opportunity.” 

Distinct from conferences focused on the technological aspects of quantum, the GQF is intended to bring together an intersection of international leaders–quantum companies, researchers, scientists, and innovators, as well as business executives in finance, energy, pharma and other industries, global investors, and policymakers. This year’s theme, “Solving Grand Challenges,” reflects the forum’s focus on people rather than technology alone—highlighting how quantum has the potential to improve lives, strengthen economies, and help solve increasingly complex global problems. 

The program features an exceptional lineup of leaders, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker; Microsoft Executive Vice President Jason Zander; New York Times bestselling author and technology journalist Kara Swisher; former U.S. Commerce Secretary and P33 co-founder Penny Pritzker; Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar; Exelon President and CEO Calvin Butler; WNBA Hall of Famer Candace Parker; and dozens of executives, researchers and policymakers helping shape the future of quantum.

The forum will kick off with a fireside chat between Governor Pritzker and Kara Swisher on how Illinois is staking its claim in the global quantum race, from bold public-private investments to the launch of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP).

Illinois has rapidly emerged as one of the world’s leading quantum ecosystems, bringing together nationally recognized research universities, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, IQMP, innovative startups, established global companies, and strategic public-private partnerships that are accelerating commercialization and economic opportunity.

“The Global Quantum Forum brings together leaders across industries and borders to explore how quantum computing can take on society’s biggest challenges—from cybersecurity and clean energy to drug discovery,” said Illinois EDC President and CEO Christy George. “With Chicago once again serving as host, the world will see firsthand why Illinois is becoming the global center of this industry.”

“As the centerpiece of TechChicago Week 2026, our second annual Global Quantum Forum will explore the most important problems of our time and how quantum computing will help address these issues and shape our future,” said Brad Henderson, CEO at P33. “We’re excited to again welcome quantum leaders from across the world to Chicago, the heart of global quantum innovation.”

P33 and Illinois EDC also announced today the Global Quantum Forum Fellowship program. The inaugural cohort will bring rising leaders who are shaping the future of quantum across research, industry, and policy to Illinois for GQF 2026. Represented countries include Australia, Canada, France, Japan, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

GQF 2026 keynote speakers include Matthew Kinsella, CEO of Infleqtion, and Calvin Butler, CEO of Exelon. Conversations will focus on:

The Long Bet: How Investors Decide What Quantum and Other Frontier Technologies Are Worth, and WhenThe Quantum Governance Gap: Security, Trust, and Who Sets the RulesPowering Grand Challenges: The Energy Systems Behind BreakthroughsCan Quantum Break the Bottleneck in Scientific Discovery?Other topics include quantum’s role in the history of computing, how quantum could complement AI to unlock discoveries, global diplomacy shaping quantum conversations, and classical computing’s limitations

Featured speakers throughout the program include leaders from Microsoft, IBM, Google, PsiQuantum, Infleqtion, Cognizant, JPMorgan Chase, Allstate, Exelon, Southern Company, AbbVie, UL Solutions, the World Economic Forum, Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, and numerous universities, national laboratories, and government agencies.

The Global Quantum Forum is hosted by P33 and the Illinois EDC. GQF 2026 is supported by presenting sponsor Ernst & Young, LLP. The lead sponsor is ComEd. Major sponsors include Clayco, IBM, Infleqtion, JLL, PsiQuantum, Quantum Shore, and Related Midwest. Quantum Sponsors include AbbVie, Bank of America and Merrill, Constellation, J.P. Morgan Chase, Microsoft, and The Rockefeller Foundation. Emerging Sponsors include BDO, The Comer Science & Education Foundation, Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest, Google, IonQ, memQ, Northern Trust, Optiver, UL Solutions, and Workbox. Supporting organizations include Q-STAR and JETRO.

Additionally, the fifth annual TechChicago Week, powered by P33, will feature eleven other anchor events, including Chicago Climate Week, Aspen Ideas: Climate 2026, Chicago Sports Tech Week, 1871 TechPalooza, WMN in Fintech Showcase, Co-Invest Climate, the Best Buy Teen Tech Center Grand Opening, Smart Tech, Big Dreams: Learning AI for the Future, Building Resilient Communities Brunch, Founder Fest, and Technology That Starts in the Community. More than 130 partner events will take place across the city. To view the full TechChicago Week schedule, visit: https://gotechchicago.com/week/.

QUOTE APPENDIX:

“As a proud sponsor of the second annual Global Quantum Forum, we are honored to support the innovation, partnership, and knowledge-sharing that are driving the future of quantum,” said Kevin Cole, Ernst & Young, LLP Chicago Office Managing Partner. “By bringing together leading researchers, industry experts, policymakers, and innovators from around the world, the forum serves as a catalyst for meaningful collaboration and progress. We’re excited to be part of these important conversations and to help advance the growth of the quantum ecosystem in Illinois and beyond.”

“A world-changing technology like quantum should have power it can trust, and ComEd’s nation-leading reliability will provide critical support to the IQMP,” said ComEd President and CEO Gil Quiniones. “It is our privilege to power a technology that has the potential to transform the healthcare, energy and financial industries, while also creating local jobs and boosting economic growth across our region.”

“With the eyes of the quantum world on Chicago, the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is further establishing Illinois as the global destination for innovation,” said Harley Johnson, CEO of the IQMP. “As the Park rises on the South Side, we’re excited to welcome leaders from across the industry and beyond to our city for impactful conversations about solving grand challenges.” 

“Illinois is proving that when we invest in new technology, talent, and collaboration, we can shape the future of the global economy,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “The Global Quantum Forum highlights our state’s growing leadership in quantum technology while strengthening partnerships that drive innovation, create good-paying jobs, and expand opportunity for communities across Illinois.”

“Illinois is at the center of the quantum computing revolution—thanks to our world-class research institutions and the expanding Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park,” said Senator Dick Durbin. “I’m excited to welcome quantum technology leaders and researchers to Chicago for the Global Quantum Forum, giving us the opportunity to demonstrate our state’s expertise in quantum technologies that will grow the medical, financial, and material industries across the globe.”

“As a proven leader in quantum technology, Chicago is the perfect place to hold this global forum that will bring together the brightest minds to discuss the future of this booming industry,” said Senator Tammy Duckworth. “As home to the Argonne National Laboratory and the Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park, Illinois knows that the benefits of investing in quantum are endless, allowing us to create more jobs, boost economic growth, safeguard our privacy, enhance our national security, help cure diseases, bend the curve on climate change, protect our financial system and so much more. Chicago is leading the way, and I’ll continue to support quantum technology advancement at home and around the world.”

“Cook County is dedicated to forging innovative investments and partnerships that will position this region at the forefront of the global quantum economy,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “We’re thrilled the Global Quantum Forum is returning to the region, and we look forward to engaging with leaders and decision makers from around the world as we build the future of Cook County’s economic growth.”

“Momentum continues to build for the Illinois Quantum Microelectronics Park (IQMP) and there is no greater evidence than welcoming the Global Quantum Forum for the second year in a row,” said 10th Ward Alderman Peter Chico. “As I see the excitement grow from all over the world, I am equally excited for the impact the IQMP will have on the southeast side of Chicago. We have already made investments in our youth and workforce, helping to start rebuilding our community through quantum.” 

“The return of the Global Quantum Forum to Chicago for a second consecutive year affirms our city’s growing role as a global leader in quantum innovation. It is especially meaningful that this international conversation is taking place in the city that is home to the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, where groundbreaking research, investment, and collaboration are helping shape the future of technology,” said 7th Ward Alderman Greg Mitchell. “We are proud to welcome innovators, researchers, investors, and policymakers from around the world to Chicago and look forward to the partnerships and opportunities that will continue to strengthen our city, our region, and our economy.”

HOST ORGANIZATIONS

About P33: P33 is a publicly and privately-funded non-profit with a mission to transform Chicago into a tier 1 tech and innovation hub driving inclusive economic growth. P33’s work is anchored in deep research and driven by a need to unlock the potential of the digital age to solve some of the toughest problems facing Chicago, such as equitable access to digital careers, talent retention, deep science commercialization, and gaps in the growth-stage startup ecosystem. P33 was launched in 2019 by Penny Pritzker, former Secretary of Commerce and founder and chairman of PSP Partners; Chris Gladwin, CEO and co-founder of Ocient and Cleversafe; and Kelly Welsh, former President of the Civic Committee of The Commercial Club of Chicago. Learn more at p33chicago.com.

About Illinois EDC: The Illinois Economic Development Corporation (Illinois EDC) is the statewide economic development organization focused on bringing new businesses, jobs, and investment to Illinois. Illinois EDC collaborates with industry, academic, and government partners to grow Illinois’ economy across competitive, priority industries and showcase why Illinois is the best location for domestic and international companies to relocate and expand. For more information, visit illinoisedc.org. Follow us at @IllinoisEDC. 

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SOURCE P33

Agronomic data, climate sensors and artificial intelligence are being deployed across all of the Group’s estates in the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions of Italy, driving a new approach to vineyard management that reduces resource consumption while enhancing grape quality.

CROCETTA DEL MONTELLO, Italy, July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Villa Sandi, a historic family-owned winery in Italy’s Veneto region and a pioneer of premium Prosecco, is accelerating its commitment to precision viticulture by transforming its vineyards into an intelligent ecosystem where sensors, satellite imagery, drones and decision support systems work together to make every intervention more targeted and sustainable, while helping agronomists identify the ideal harvest window.

Among the wineries at the forefront of digital innovation in the Prosecco category, Villa Sandi has implemented a precision viticulture ecosystem connecting more than 200 hectares of vineyards through a single digital platform that collects and interprets agronomic and climate data in real time. The initiative, launched more than two years ago, is part of a broader sustainability strategy that has also earned all of Villa Sandi’s vineyards Biodiversity Friend certification, recognizing farming practices that protect ecosystems and natural resources.

The investment is designed to make vineyard management more precise, sustainable and resilient to climate change, while reinforcing the quality that underpins Villa Sandi’s continued growth in key export markets – foremost among them the United States, where demand for authentic, high-quality Prosecco continues to grow.

The system combines weather stations monitoring temperature, humidity, rainfall and wind; electronic leaf sensors measuring leaf wetness; and soil sensors reading moisture down to roughly 70 centimeters. AI-powered decision support tools transform this data into practical recommendations for agronomists, while drones and satellite imagery monitor vegetative vigor plot by plot, identifying variations within just a few meters, early signs of vine stress and the optimal harvest timing.

“Technology does not replace human expertise — it makes it more informed,” says Leonardo Moretti Polegato, Vice President of Villa Sandi. “Viticulture is built on observation, sensitivity and an in-depth knowledge of the land. Today, we can complement that experience with digital tools and artificial intelligence that help us interpret large volumes of data and better understand the specific needs of every vineyard. This allows us to intervene only where necessary, at the right time and with the appropriate level of intensity, improving grape quality while reducing our environmental impact.”

Agronomists now have real-time visibility into climate conditions, soil moisture, plant behavior and vineyard variability, enabling more accurate planning and targeted interventions. Their role has evolved from collecting information to interpreting it and applying field expertise. This approach responds directly to rising temperatures, increasingly erratic weather and growing pressure on water resources, which have led to more frequent heat stress, irregular rainfall and water scarcity. Continuous monitoring allows irrigation and plant protection treatments to be fine-tuned before problems arise, rather than reacting after the fact.

“Over the next 10 to 20 years, I believe AI will have its greatest impact in helping us understand vineyards more deeply and make increasingly precise decisions,” Moretti Polegato adds. “The ability to collect, analyze and interpret large amounts of data will allow us to anticipate plant needs, respond more effectively to climate challenges and optimize the use of natural resources. But the future of viticulture will not be driven by technology alone. The greatest value will come from combining artificial intelligence with human expertise. Technology can generate new insights, but it is the knowledge and sensitivity of viticulturists that transform data into meaningful decisions.”

The results are already tangible. Villa Sandi estimates it has reduced plant protection treatments by up to 20% and cut water consumption by an average of around 10% through optimized irrigation. Even greater gains have been achieved in vineyards where precision management is combined with soil composition studies and the “M” series rootstocks developed with the University of Milan’s Wine Research Team. In these plots, water savings reach up to 70% compared with neighboring vineyards, providing a practical response to increasingly frequent water stress.

This intelligent ecosystem marks a new phase in Villa Sandi’s innovation journey, driven by the daily collaboration of agronomists, winemakers and technical specialists, and designed to evolve as new technologies and expertise emerge. The goal is to deepen understanding of every vineyard, preserve its natural balance and consistently deliver grapes of the highest quality, harvest after harvest.

About Villa Sandi
Villa Sandi is a family-owned winery based in the Veneto region of Italy, housed in a historic 17th-century Palladian villa. Since its acquisition by the Moretti Polegato family in 1975, the estate has become a benchmark producer of Prosecco and a key ambassador of Italian sparkling wines worldwide. With a presence in over 130 markets and a strong focus on quality, sustainability, and hospitality, Villa Sandi continues to promote the culture and heritage of its territory on a global scale.

Media Contact
Morgana Germanetto – mgermanetto@colangelopr.com

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SOURCE Villa Sandi

INEC Tech Hub to Lead National Effort in Next Generation Energy Innovation

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho, July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium (IAEC) announced today that the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded the Intermountain-west Nuclear Energy Corridor (INEC) Tech Hub $31 million in Implementation Funding. Combined with matching contributions from INEC’s 45+ stakeholder partners, the award brings more than $40 million to the Idaho-Wyoming region.

“The Tech Hub designation and funding award reflects the strength of our entire IAEC membership,” said Christi Gilchrist, Executive Director of IAEC. “Our universities, community colleges, private companies, utilities, manufacturers, national laboratory, and community partners are all essential to this work.” 

The award positions INEC’s coalition of industry, research, education, and workforce partners at the center of America’s nuclear energy leadership to accelerate advanced reactor deployment, strengthen domestic fuel production, and expand the nuclear workforce right here in the Intermountain West. 

“What we’re building here is bigger than any one organization, any one company, or any one community,” said Hope Morrow, IAEC Vice President and Workforce and Economic Development Manager at INL. “The INEC Tech Hub is what American innovation looks like when everyone brings their best — and the people of the Intermountain West are going to see the benefits in jobs, opportunity, and long-term energy security.”

Regional and National Economic Impact:

Over the next five years, the Tech Hub is expected to create hundreds of high paying energy jobs across Idaho and Wyoming and thousands more nationwide, while driving private investment. Every federal dollar invested is projected to generate $3 to $4 in follow on funding. The initiative will also help lower long-term energy costs and strengthen grid reliability across the Intermountain West. 

About the Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium (IAEC):

IAEC is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit consortium dedicated to accelerating the commercialization of advanced nuclear energy across Idaho and the intermountain west. As the coordinating organization for the INEC Tech Hub, IAEC brings together universities, community colleges, private companies, utilities, manufacturers, workforce partners, and communities to advance U.S. energy security, economic competitiveness, and domestic energy production. For more information about IAEC go to https://idahoadvancedenergy.org/

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SOURCE Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium