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Podcast Feature: Wrangling Qubits in the Colorado Quantum Ecosystem

In this episode of The Quantum Spin by HKA, Vescent CEO Scott Davis discusses about the origins of Vescent as well as the company's current role in Colorado's dynamic quantum hardware ecosystem. He shares insights into Vescent's journey from a garage startup to a key player in developing compact laser systems and frequency combs essential for quantum applications.

Davis emphasized that many of the most transformative technologies of the modern world—transistors, lasers, GPS, and the internet—are fundamentally quantum systems that exploit atomic-scale physics in everyday environments. Highly precise atomic clocks, he noted, are among the most economically impactful quantum technologies already in use, underpinning global navigation, power grids, financial markets, logistics, and communications.

However, Davis warned that current timing infrastructure is dangerously fragile. GPS relies on weak signals from space that can be jammed or spoofed, creating national security and economic risks. Momentum is growing toward more resilient, next-generation quantum timing systems that can operate independently of satellite signals, representing both a critical safeguard and a major commercial opportunity.

Davis also highlighted Colorado’s unique quantum ecosystem, anchored by NIST, JILA, and a dense cluster of startups, suppliers, and manufacturers spanning the full value chain. This proximity enables rapid iteration from research to deployment. Building on this strength, the Elevate Quantum consortium—supported by the U.S. Economic Development Administration—aims to accelerate commercialization while creating high-quality jobs, particularly in manufacturing and technical trades. Together, these efforts position the region as a global hub for scalable, real-world quantum technologies.