Photo by Chris Kowalczyk, Luddy Communications.
Opportunities reach the cutting edge world of Quantum AI, and Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering has been at the forefront with the recent Quantum AI and NLP 2025 conference.
The three-day event, held at the IU Memorial Union and Wittenberger Auditorium, portrayed international corporate executives and world-renowned researchers, as well as faculty and students, discussing the role of academic education, the skills of the industry they desire, and the role of potential partnerships between industry and academics.
Damir Caucas, Associate Professor and Conference Director, said the conference brought together “people interested in quantum computing and those interested in AI in academia, industry, government and defense.”
“We attracted a lot of participants from the Midwest, some from the US and some from around the world,” he said. “The lecture and discussion were very interesting at a high level.”
Quantum AI is trying to use the principles of quantum computing to enhance artificial intelligence systems by using quantum algorithms and architectures to better handle AI tasks than traditional computers.
Approximately 200 people participated. Some are far from Germany, the UK, Spain, India and Bulgaria. The 10 were government employers from organizations such as the Defense Innovation Unit and the Advanced Research Institute. The faculty and students came from universities in Michigan, Maryland, Indiana, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri and Ohio. Participants also included representatives from companies such as Honda, Wells Fargo, Elilily, Bloom, Sewing Tank, Semming and Sloop.
“One of the goals was to connect AI with big players with colleagues and administrators,” Cavar said.
“We organized a small group dinner and social event, which was very successful. Hopefully something comes up to benefit students and targeted research activities.”
Credits: Photo by Chris Kowalczyk, Luddy School Communications.
Luddy School Dean Joanna Millunchick took part in a panel discussing education, research and workforce development. Cavar said the panel aims to promote AI and quantum education in regions, including IU and the Midwest.
The conference brought together well-known speakers such as Microsoft Vice President William Chappell, IBM's Vice President of Quantum and Ai Ismael Faro, Quantinuum's chief scientist Bob Coecke, Qognitive founder and chief scientist Kharen Musaelian, Nvidia's Monica Vandieren, and Nvidia's Monica Vandieren, Mathematics professor at Robert Morris University.
Representatives from industry, academia and government agencies such as NSWC Cranes and ARIs participated.
The panel topics also include cybersecurity and policies.
The poster presentation focuses on quantum and AI, AI and quantum, and cognition and quantum. Topics include “Generalization of quantum questions: Measurement order effects in decision making” and “Oscillating field perturbation: Quantum models of arousal and cognitive control.”
There were even quantum rock concerts exploring the intersection of quantum physics and music.
Cavar said it would be to bring together faculty and students from IU schools and undergraduates, including physics, mathematics and chemistry, cognitive science at the University of Arts and Sciences, social sciences such as psychology and linguistics, and public health.
“What's interesting is that many different research groups are involved in quantum-related research,” Cavar said. “This kind of event brought them together and encouraged interesting discussion and collaboration opportunities.”
During the meeting, Luddy School faculty and students presented their thesis and posters. Cavar said it is a great opportunity for students to meet industry leaders, government representatives, and researchers working on AI and Quantum, and explore internships, work and networking opportunities.
Credits: Photo by Chris Kowalczyk, Luddy School Communications.
Carval said he also reached out to local businesses, Bloomington city, county and state organizations, as well as local politicians.
“The entire conference was a comprehensive educational event,” said Cavar, who hoped to promote a partnership with Nvidia Cuda-Q, the company's software library designed for programming hybrid quantum computing.
