Online event to connect industry, researchers, and academic leaders from the United States and Mexico to advance innovation in quantum computing and semiconductor technologies

Urbana-Champaign, Ill. – The University of Illinois System, in partnership with the Illinois Mexican and Mexican American student (I-MMÁS) initiative, will host the Quantum Computing and Microelectronics Technology: Driving Innovation in Modern Industry Symposium on Aug. 20, 2026, bringing together internationally recognized experts from academia and industry to discuss emerging technologies that are shaping the future of innovation.

The free virtual symposium will be held from 9 a.m. to noon (CT) / 8 to 11 a.m. (Mexico Time) and is designed to strengthen strategic collaborations between the University of Illinois System, industry leaders and academic institutions in Mexico. The event will focus on advances in quantum computing, microelectronics technology, semiconductor innovation and industry partnerships, while highlighting opportunities for collaborative research, workforce development and technological innovation.

Participants will hear from internationally recognized leaders who are advancing research and commercialization in quantum technologies and semiconductor innovation.

Featured speakers include:

• Harley T. Johnson, Ph.D., Executive Director and CEO, Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park; Founder Professor, Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Jeremy O'Brien, Ph.D., Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, PsiQuantum
• Salvador Elías Venegas-Andraca, Ph.D., Adjunct Researcher, School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico
• Heejeong Jeong, Ph.D., Head of Quantum Computing U.S., Pasqal USA Inc.

The symposium will provide a unique forum for faculty members, researchers, students, industry professionals and policymakers interested in exploring the rapidly evolving fields of quantum computing and microelectronics. Discussions will examine how collaborative partnerships between universities and industry can accelerate technological innovation and prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Registration for the symposium is now open. Participation is free, and all attendees will receive a Certificate of Attendance issued by the University of Illinois System.

The symposium is presented by the University of Illinois System and the Illinois Mexican and Mexican American Students Initiative (I-MMÁS) as part of their ongoing commitment to strengthening educational, scientific, and technological collaborations between the United States and Mexico.

To register for the symposium or learn more, please see the online flyer.

Community members, educators, researchers, students, and industry professionals are encouraged to attend and to share this opportunity with colleagues and others who may be interested.

I-MMÁS builds educational, cultural, scientific and research partnerships between the University of Illinois System and institutions throughout Mexico while expanding educational opportunities for Mexican and Mexican American students.

For more information, contact ui-mexico@uillinois.edu.