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Kristi Dula-Ferguson
Director of the Office of Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Technology at Illinois Department of Commerce
Kristi Dula is a visionary leader with over 15 years of experience in establishing and managing relationships across diverse industries nationally and internationally. She excels in strategy development and providing intrapreneurial/entrepreneurial vision for tech ecosystems.
Kristi is adept at converting strategic plans into actionable initiatives by linking entrepreneurs, investors, incubators/accelerators, universities, corporations, and other stakeholders. She has a proven track record of devising and implementing innovative programs that connect entrepreneurs with potential customers, attract and retain talent, drive investments, and optimize returns.
Highlights
🚀 Big News for #Quantum and #Illinois! 🌟
Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined representatives from Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), legislative leaders, and Illinois’ congressional delegation to announce the #QuantumProvingGround partnership, exploring the potential of quantum computing right here in Illinois!
🖥️🔬 Illinois' budget allocated $500 million in state investment to help fund quantum research and build a campus. Illinois will commit $140 million in matching funds for the Quantum Proving Ground. DARPA’s level of investment in the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative will be determined by the quality of proposals, evaluation results, and availability of federal funding with the goal of matching up to $140 million for this critical research. 🌐💡
Key Highlights:
🖥️ Establishment of Illinois’ quantum campus as the site for a Quantum Proving Ground program. 🔬 DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative to test and evaluate quantum computing prototypes. 🤝 Invitation to companies and research institutions to collaborate and innovate.
Dr. Joseph Altepeter, DARPA's Program Manager, emphasized the call for quantum hardware developers nationwide to join this groundbreaking effort. 💼🔗
With this partnership, Illinois continues its legacy of innovation and solidifies its position as a global tech and innovation hub. 🏙️🔝
Stay tuned for more updates on this transformative project and see the more information in the press release below! 📢✨
#NationalSecurity #QuantumComputing #Innovation #DARPA #TechNews #EconomicGrowth #ResearchAndDevelopment #Commercialization #IllinoisInnovation #Chicago #ChicagoInnovation #ChicagoTech #IllinoisTech
Senator Dick Durbin, Congressman Bill Foster, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, United States Department of Defense, P33 Chicago, MxD, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Research Park, Illinois Quantum Information Science and Technology Center, University of Chicago, Chicago Quantum Exchange, Duality Accelerator, Argonne National Laboratory, Q-NEXT, Northwestern University, Northwestern's Querrey InQbation Lab, Chain Reaction Innovations, Fermilab, SQMS Center, mHUB , Quantum Corridor, Intersect Illinois, Polsky Center at the University of Chicago, State of Illinois, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Illinois Innovation Network, Chicago State University, Illinois Institute of Technology, Illinois APEX Accelerator
🎉 Congratulations Anna Grassellino! 🌟
We celebrate Anna as a key expert in #Illinois’ incredible #quantum ecosystem. As senior scientist at Fermilab and Director of the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center (SQMS Center), Anna has revolutionized superconducting radiofrequency technology, essential for particle accelerators and quantum computing. Her groundbreaking work is shaping the future of scientific discovery. 🔬🌌
Anna’s leadership and dedication make her a role model for aspiring women in STEM worldwide. Her receipt of the #MarisaBellisarioAward 🇮🇹highlights her international influence and dedication to advancing #STEM fields. 🏆👩🔬
#QuantumTechnology #STEMLeadership #WomenInSTEM #BellisarioAward #IllinoisInnovation #ChicagoTech #Chicago
