Silicon Slopes Launches Quantum Chapter on World Quantum Day, Eyes Utah's Role in the Emerging Quantum Economy

Lehi, Utah — April 14, 2026

Silicon Slopes officially entered the frontier of quantum computing today with the launch of Silicon Slopes Quantum (SSQ). The inaugural event, held on World Quantum Day at Silicon Slopes headquarters in Lehi, brought together government officials, academic leaders, and industry veterans to chart Utah's course in the emerging quantum economy.

The event was co-hosted by Sumit Parashar and Russ Simon, who guided attendees through a session focused on demystifying quantum science for a general audience. Parashar, who also serves as SSQ's founding Chapter Chair, emphasized that the chapter will prioritize radical inclusion — no advanced degree required to participate in Utah's quantum conversation.

Lehi Proclaimed a "Quantum City"

In one of the event's marquee moments, Lehi Mayor Paul Binns issued a formal proclamation declaring Lehi a Quantum City. He expressed enthusiasm for the momentum building across the tech community and pointed to quantum's potential to create new employment opportunities as the industry matures.

Policy, Parallels, and a Blueprint for Regulation

Margaret Busse, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Commerce, offered a policy perspective on navigating this new era of computing. She drew a direct parallel to Utah's Office of AI Policy, suggesting the state's balanced regulatory framework for artificial intelligence could serve as a template for governing quantum technologies.

Busse expressed confidence that Utah's collaborative culture, paired with a proactive approach to risks like quantum-enabled cybersecurity threats, could position the state as a global leader in quantum development.

Silicon Slopes CEO Clint Betts, who was unable to attend in person, shared a written statement underscoring the significance of the moment:

"Quantum computing has reached its transistor moment. The first commercially available error-corrected machines are shipping this year. The talent race is on — Utah should be in it. Silicon Slopes Quantum exists to make sure we are."

Quantonomy: Inclusion as a Core Mission

The chapter's vision is anchored in a concept Parashar calls Quantonomy, the study of quantum systems and the broader economic opportunity they represent. The goal is straightforward: every founder, engineer, and student in Utah should be able to understand, build on, and benefit from quantum technology.

Several contributors helped flesh out the chapter's priorities:

• Barclay Burns, Assistant Dean at UVU, shared insights from a recent quantum research tour of Japan. He warned that the state must invest in infrastructure now to ensure Utah remains a creator of technology rather than just a consumer
• Pete Codella, co-host of the Entangled Show, spoke to the role of media and accessible storytelling in bringing quantum concepts to mainstream audiences.
• Shadman Bashir of Utah Tech University conveyed academic leadership's commitment to preparing the next generation of quantum-ready talent.

A Call to Action: Fund Utah's First Quantum Computer

The session closed with a bold request. Parashar formally called on state leaders to fund the procurement of a quantum computer for Utah — arguing that hands-on access to the hardware would accelerate workforce development and give local startups a foundation to build native quantum applications.

SSQ also signaled its intention to address the Quantum Cliff, sometimes called Zero-Day-Q — the point at which quantum machines will become capable of breaking current encryption standards. The chapter plans to build awareness and develop strategic responses to this risk in the years ahead.

Learn more at siliconslopes.quantum

And watch video of the Silicon Slopes Quantum chapter launch: