Travis L. Scholten

Science and Power co-exist in an uneasy equilibrium.I seek to steady the situation and unlock a prosperous future serving the common good.

What interests me

Quantum Computing
Having worked in the field for over a decade now -- and witnessing firsthand the remarkable advances made by industry -- the feasibility of quantum computing is increasingly a question of "when", not "if".How do organizations, public and private, capitalize on this to drive technical, economic, and social impact?Read my work Assessing the Benefits and Risks of Quantum Computers.Science Policy
The past ~80 years of science policy in the US has been inspired by Dr. Vannevar Bush's 1945 tract Science, the Endless Frontier. The situation on the ground has changed dramatically since then.What is a 22nd-century-oriented vision for science policy?Governance Futurism
The US government is perhaps the most complex organization ever created. It could (has?) become a victim of its own success.How can that complexity be harnessed toward bold and innovative ends which promote true human dignity and flourishing, especially for families?

Opportunities for Collaboration

Committee ServiceI am happy to serve on temporary, ad-hoc committees focused on quantum technology and science.Recent Service:
* 2025 QED-C Report on Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence Use Cases
* 2024 US Department of Energy Quantum Information Science Applications Roadmap
* 2024 CSIS Commission on US Quantum Leadership

Engaging in Public DiscourseI am passionate about sharing my knowledge and experiences, and am keen to speak at conferences, participate in panel discussions, and otherwise contribute informing the public and stakeholders.

Biography

Dr. Travis L. Scholten is deeply engaged in the quantum computing ecosystem, driving strategic initiatives to leverage quantum computing for technical, economic, and social impact. Through this work, he advances regional quantum innovation hubs, educates diverse audiences on quantum computing’s potential, and informs high-impact public sector strategies. In earlier work, he fostered and led research collaborations on quantum benchmarking and applications. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Unitary Foundation, a non-profit promoting innovation and opportunity in quantum technology, and on the Ecosystem Advisory Board for Fermilab’s Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center (SQMS) . Additionally, he is the creator of The Quantum Stack, a Substack exploring quantum computing trends. Moreover, he is a non-resident fellow with the Foundation for American Innovation, where he was previously a Policy Hacker Fellow. There, he explores the intersection of quantum computing, technology, and society.Travis holds a PhD in Physics from the University of New Mexico and a BS in Physics from Caltech.