Special Competitive Studies Project commits funding for Quantum Scholars
Ryan Carpenter speaks at a Quantum Scholars meeting.
The Quantum Scholars Program at the University of Colorado Boulder has gained new support through a partnership with the (SCSP). Approximately 25 Quantum Scholars will receive SCSP quantum scholarships over the next two years, allowing the program to support the growing student demand. The gift also includes travel funding for several Quantum Scholars to attend SCSP’s AI+ Expo planned for May 2026 in Washington, DC.
provides scholarships and opportunities for undergraduates at Boulder to learn about the quantum field through professional development, co-curricular activities and industrial engagement. Scholarship support and engagement with partner organizations, industry and alumni is critical to the program’s success.
“We are grateful for this new partnership with SCSP — it’s a win-win-win,” said Noah Finkelstein, professor of physics and co-director of Quantum Scholars. “SCSP is providing essential funding for Quantum Scholars along with great speakers and perspectives for our monthly seminar series; SCSP is connecting to leading scholars of the next generation; and the students are exposed to applications of AI, quantum sciences, and a rich network of industry, national labs, and government sector leaders.”
What is SCSP?
The Special Competitive Studies Project is a non-profit, non-partisan organization founded by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and Ylli Bajraktari. The organization was inspired by the Rockefeller Special Studies Project of the 1950s and builds upon the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence, incorporating guidance for technologies beyond artificial intelligence.
SCSP provides recommendations to bolster America’s competitiveness in key technologies that are playing a role in national security, the economy and society at large. They bring together industry leaders, policy makers, venture capitalists and academia to forge connections and drive innovation.
SCSP visit inspires the Quantum Scholars
At their March meeting, Quantum Scholars heard from Ryan Carpenter, special advisor at SCSP, and Olivia Armstrong, associate director for future technology platforms. They shared insights about SCSP’s mission and work in six main areas including foreign policy, intelligence, defense, economy, society and future tech platforms.
SCSP’s visit gave the scholars a new perspective on why quantum technology is critical as one of the main platforms of future technology. Along with SCSP’s Vice President of Strategy, P.J. Maykish, Carpenter and Armstrong also held a workshop for the scholars on the landscape of entrepreneurship and engagement in critical technologies for advancing society.
"Our visit with 's Quantum Scholars program was truly inspiring,” said Carpenter. “I am always encouraged about our future when I meet students and seeing these emerging leaders' passion and innovative approaches to tackling hard problems gives me great optimism."
Quantum Scholars attend national conference
Building on SCSP’s visit, three Quantum Scholars represented Boulder at the 2025 AI+ Expo hosted by SCSP in Washington, D.C. The group included Mason Hergert, Nate Moretsky and Joey Pontiff. Quantum Scholars co-director Noah Finkelstein also joined the group at the Expo.
In its second year, the national-level conference brought together leaders from all sectors to explore breakthrough technologies, focusing on the United States and its allies’ competitiveness in these areas. According to SCSP, the AI+ Expo hosted over 15,000 attendees, more than 500 speakers, and over 350 sessions.
The sheer scale of the conference was remarkable according to the Quantum Scholars. The conference put on display just how many innovations and emerging technologies are under development, and how all sectors play a role in the global tech race.
“The expo exposed me to perspectives on technological advancement in ways I never would have had the opportunity to see otherwise,” said Hergert.
The scholars heard impactful talks from CEOs and CTOs of tech companies, governmental leaders and venture capitalists – and how they are all working together to chart the best path forward in this period of rapid technological development.
“The biggest takeaway was that in the time and place we’re in right now, we as Quantum Scholars have the ability to shape the future,” said Pontiff.
Looking ahead
Calling the AI+ Expo one of the “most inspirational events” he’s ever attended, Hergert hopes to encourage more Quantum Scholars to attend next year’s expo.
Partnerships with industry and organizations like SCSP are critical as Quantum Scholars continues to grow.
“We are very optimistic about the future of this partnership and look forward to growing opportunities with SCSP and our remarkable Quantum Scholars,” said Finkelstein.