The Expo will welcome IonQ’s Matt Keesan for the fireside discussion with TEDCO’s Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund Executive Director, Ruchika Nijhara
COLUMBIA, Md., (July 6, 2026) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announces the “Fireside Chat: From Qubits to Cures: Maryland’s Opportunity to Lead in Quantum-Enabled Regenerative Medicine” session at the upcoming 2026 Entrepreneur Expo taking place at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor on October 27, 2026. The session will bring together Matthew Keesan, vice president at IonQ, and Ruchika Nijhara, executive director of the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF) for a candid conversation on how quantum computing is poised to reshape regenerative medicine and why Maryland is uniquely positioned to lead that transformation.
"Quantum computing has the potential to transform regenerative medicine by helping us understand complex biological systems, accelerate discovery, and design more precise, personalized therapies," said Nijhara. "This convergence represents an exciting frontier — where Maryland's strengths in advanced computing, stem cell science, and clinical translation can come together to move innovative treatments closer to patients. I am excited to dive into the conversation that explores the potential quantum computing offers for stem cell researchers and innovators and the regenerative medicine industry overall."
Maryland holds rare dual strength: a thriving quantum computing sector anchored by companies like IonQ, and a nationally recognized stem cell research community supported by MSCRF. The fireside chat will explore how these two fields are converging — and what that means for researchers, innovators, and patients.
“With the potential to transform industries, quantum computing is bringing new opportunities that researchers and entrepreneurs could benefit from,” said Troy LeMaile-Stovall, TEDCO CEO. “This discussion will help interested parties start thinking about how they could utilize the technology, learn more about Maryland’s commitment to becoming the capital of quantum and gather information on what that could mean for researchers and businesses in the region looking to expand.”
TEDCO’s award-winning Entrepreneur Expo shines a spotlight on regional entrepreneurship. Attracting more than 1,170 attendees, the event collects some of the region’s top entrepreneurs, business owners, innovators, venture capital investors, legislators and resources for a day of celebration. This year, the event will take place in Baltimore, offering a full day of interactive workshops, insightful discussions and inspiring connections in one of the top 20 best cities for entrepreneurs.
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from the region’s top experts, including keynote guests Anirban Basu, Tamala Olivier and TEDCO’s very own LeMaile-Stovall; secure your spot at this impactful event now at tedcomdexpo.com/event/2026/register.