All are invited to attend a special presentation, “How Quantum is Changing Jobs, Industries, and Opportunities” on Thursday, February 12 from 2-3 pm in Altgeld Hall Auditorium featuring Quantum expert attorneys Robert Karr and Martin Montes, who are Partners at Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Quantum Technology Industry Group Co-Chairs, and authors of the Quantum Law Navigator (QLN), published by the Chicago Quantum Exchange on November 3, 2025.
Light refreshments provided. RSVP recommended by February 10.
Chicago has quickly become a world leader in quantum science and technology, with approximately $1 billion in state investment catalyzing research, commercialization, and talent development. Major companies are expanding in the region to tap into this momentum, and NIU – through our Physics and Computer Science Departments and the Division of Research and Innovation Partnerships – is becoming deeply engaged.
This program offers a practical look at quantum through the perspective of two attorneys focused on the legal, regulatory, and policy challenges that will define the field’s trajectory. They will address national security considerations, supply chain vulnerabilities, intellectual property strategy, export controls, workforce and immigration issues, government funding programs, venture capital trends, and more.
Whether you work in STEM, business, law, policy, or operations, you will leave with a clearer understanding of the quantum ecosystem, the risks and opportunities it presents, and how organizations can position themselves to participate in, and benefit from, the rapidly evolving quantum revolution.
RSVP recommended by February 10.
Parking for guests will be available Lot 3 (next to Art Building) from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Be sure to park there only within this time frame. No physical permits required.
Presenters:
Robert Karr is a partner in the Corporate and Government Services Departments and co-chair of the firm’s Quantum Technology Industry (QTI) Group. He advises stakeholders across the quantum technology ecosystem on technology development, government funding, venture capital, compliance, commercialization, and strategic transactions, including joint ventures, partnerships, and mergers and acquisitions.
In 2025, in partnership with the Chicago Quantum Exchange, he led a team of attorneys and industry experts to create the Quantum Law Navigator — a first-of-its-kind resource that maps the U.S. policy, legal, and regulatory landscape shaping the quantum industry. The report provides clear, practical analysis of four cross-cutting challenges — national security, funding, workforce, and supply chain—to help organizations translate complex rules into actionable strategies.
In addition to his work in the quantum technology industry, Bob has deep experience representing manufacturers across sectors and through mergers and acquisitions, joint venture, financing, and strategic alliances. He regularly advises on matters involving real estate, construction, intellectual property, compliance and risk management, human resources, and government relations, bringing a practical, business-oriented approach to complex commercial objectives.
Martín Montes is an accomplished lawyer and business executive with three decades of experience helping clients navigate legal, regulatory, economic development and government relations strategies globally. He has managed cross-functional, multidisciplinary teams to achieve client success across a diverse and complex international, federal, state, and local legislative and regulatory landscape.
Martín leads the Chicago office Government Services and Finance team and is a member of the firm’s Federal Relations lobbying practice group. He is a trusted adviser to a range of industries, including energy, utility, retail, data centers, technology, manufacturing, higher education and healthcare. As advancements in emerging technologies — such as quantum computing and AI — intersect with regulatory and economic development policies, Martín helps clients navigate compliance requirements and strategic opportunities at the federal, state, and international levels.
As a member of the firm’s Mexico and Latin America legal services team, Martín counsels clients doing business in the U.S., Mexico and Latin America, advising on limiting risks and exposure while facilitating a smooth transition across their international operations.
Full online bios: Robert Karr Jr | Barnes & Thornburg; Martín Montes | Barnes & Thornburg
Download the QLN at: www.chicagoquantum.org/qln-exec-summary
