WTIA | Tech in Focus: Washington's Quantum Landscape and Federal Funding Opportunities
Washington is home to one of the country’s most promising deep tech ecosystems, with growing strengths in quantum, AI, advanced computing, and emerging technologies. But how does the state compare nationally, and what funding pathways should startups be paying attention to right now?
As part of Seattle Deep Tech Week’s Funding Day, this session will highlight early findings from an updated report on the Washington State quantum ecosystem, revisiting and expanding on research first conducted three years ago. The discussion will explore how the local quantum landscape has evolved, where Washington’s strengths are emerging, and what gaps remain as the state works to compete in a rapidly accelerating national and global market.
The session will also examine federal funding opportunities for startups and researchers, including programs like SBIR/STTR, and share insights on how Washington compares to other states in attracting federal funding across quantum, AI, and advanced technologies.
Attendees will come away with a clearer picture of Washington’s deep tech funding landscape, the role of federal programs in supporting early-stage innovation, and the opportunities ahead for founders, researchers, investors, and ecosystem partners working to build the next generation of technology companies.
Featuring:
Nirav Desai, CEO, Moonbeam.ai
As CEO and Co-Founder of Moonbeam Exchange, he helps companies source, prototype, and scale emerging technologies using AI-powered platforms and data science. He also serves as Affiliate Assistant Professor in the University of Washington’s Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering. Nirav Desai is also Chief Strategy Officer at Convergence: Tech Policy Institute (C:TPI), a tech led think tank out of Chicago, IL. He serves as Head of Innovation at HP and chairs PNWER’s Innovation Committee. Nirav co-authored the 2024 Washington State AI and Quantum Landscape Reports and is a recognized voice on the future of AI-driven enterprise transformation and the creative economy.Nick Ellingson, VP Innovation & Entrepreneurship, WTIA
Nick Ellingson is a technology ecosystem builder and innovation strategist focused on advancing emerging technologies across Washington state. Through his work with WTIA, he helps connect founders, investors, researchers, and industry leaders around AI, quantum, and deep tech initiatives. Nick has led and contributed to multiple research reports on Washington’s AI, Web3, and quantum landscapes and is a passionate advocate for building inclusive, collaborative innovation communities across the Pacific Northwest.Arry Yu, Chair of Advanced Technology Cluster, WTIA
Arry Yu is Chair of the WTIA Advanced Tech Cluster and Executive Director of Convergence: Tech Policy Institute (C:TPI), a think tank focused on AI, blockchain, and quantum convergence. A 3x serial founder who has raised over $35 million, she co-founded the U.S. Blockchain Coalition and served as Head of Strategy (U.S.) for the Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC). She co-chaired the Washington State Blockchain Work Group and authored its legislative recommendations to the Washington State Legislature. Arry also led an amicus brief to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. A PSBJ “40 Under 40” honoree and former adjunct faculty at Portland State and Seattle Universities, she advises the Milgard School of Business. She serves as Board Director and Head of External Affairs at Northwest Quantum Nexus (NQN) and Chair of the Cascadia Blockchain Council. Recognized as a catalyst for tech ecosystems, Arry excels at scaling bold ideas and convening diverse stakeholders around mission-driven initiatives.
Topics will include:
Early findings from the updated Washington quantum ecosystem report
How the local quantum ecosystem has changed over the past three years
Federal funding pathways for startups, including SBIR/STTR
How Washington compares to other states in federal funding for quantum, AI, and advanced technologies
Opportunities to strengthen Washington’s position as a deep tech hub
Ideal for: startup founders, researchers, investors, university partners, economic development leaders, government partners, and anyone interested in the future of quantum and deep tech in Washington.
This event is part of Deep Tech Week. Create a free profile at deep-tech-week.com/register to help hosts approve your registration and build your schedule for the week.