TEDCO's Entrepreneur Expo to Host Panel "Triple Threat: Quantum, AI & Blockchain"

Session will convene leaders from Mind Over Machines, Quantum Catalyst and the Maryland BlockchAIn Association, moderated by Virgent AI's Jesse Alton

COLUMBIA, Md., (September 3,  2026) — TEDCO, Maryland's economic engine for technology companies, announces the "Triple Threat: Quantum, AI & Blockchain — How do they converge, what can they provide, how do we get there?" session at the upcoming 2026 Entrepreneur Expo taking place at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor on October 27, 2026.

The session will feature Jacqueline Cooper of the Maryland BlockchAIn Association, Ken Lawrence of Mind Over Machines, and Amanda Stein of Quantum Catalyzer in a conversation moderated by Jesse Alton of Virgent AI. 

Quantum computing, artificial intelligence and blockchain are each reshaping industries on their own. This panel asks what happens when they converge — bringing together leaders from all three ecosystems to examine where the technologies intersect today, the capabilities their convergence could unlock and the problems that must be solved before that potential is realized.

"Quantum is often discussed as though it arrives fully formed and changes everything at once, but the more useful question is what it can do alongside the tools we already have," said Alton. "Maryland has genuine research depth here and pairing that with work happening in AI and in decentralized systems is where I expect the near-term opportunities to show up."

This discussion couldn’t come at a better time. Recently, the State committed to the growth of quantum; through their $1 billion "Capital of Quantum" initiative — anchored by the University of Maryland and quantum computing leader IonQ — Maryland is working to be at the forefront of the next wave of advanced computing. 

From next-generation intelligence and secure decentralized systems to breakthrough scientific and commercial applications, attendees will gain insight into how these three transformative technologies may work together to shape the future of innovation. The panel will also address commercialization challenges and adoption barriers, and what founders, investors and innovators should do now to prepare for what comes next.

"With the potential to transform industries, these technologies are creating opportunities that researchers and entrepreneurs across the region can benefit from," said Troy LeMaile-Stovall, TEDCO CEO. "This discussion will help attendees start thinking about how the three fit together, and what Maryland's strengths in each mean for businesses looking to build and expand here."

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; secure your spot at this impactful event now at tedcomdexpo.com/event/2026/register.