Elkhart Rotary Club March 11, 2024 - Quantum Corridor and Surf Internet

 
Today we welcomed Surf Internet's Chief Executive Officer—and fellow Elkhart Rotarian—Gene Crusie, as well as fellow Rotarian and Surf Internet's Director of Business Development and Community Relations, Scott Franko, for this special joint presentation. Gene and Scott were joined by their partner at Quantum Corridor, CEO Thomas P. Dakich. The team discussed the status of deployment, current grant opportunities and innovations that fiber optic broadband can unlock. Quantum Corridor shared information about the Quantum computing data center being developed as well as what Quantum Computing means for our region.
 
After brief remarks by both Gene and Scott providing a general review of Surf Internet, its services and an update on some of their progress in the region, Tom Dakich, CEO of Quantum Corridor was introduced. 
 
What is Quantum Corridor®?
  • Quantum Corridor® Inc. is an innovative technology and network communications company. Its next-generation coherent fiber-optic network creates the first real-world quantum communication that is fast, safe and secure at scale.
  • Quantum Corridor® is a cutting edge coherent optical network technology company that speeds business adoption of quantum computing, sensing and communications discoveries, enabling a Midwest ecosystem of public and private partnerships, world-class companies, researchers, and investors. 
  • Quantum Corridor® is America’s passage to defense, business, science and academic breakthroughs in quantum technology. The fastest and most secure fiber-optic network in the Western Hemisphere allows instantaneous communication between researchers and their collaborators. Accelerating their progress, Quantum Commercialization Centers™ (QC3s) provide lab space and resource hubs to develop and market their discoveries. Quantum Corridor® will attract the brightest tech talent on the planet to the Midwest, speeding decisive discoveries to market.
 
Moving at the Speed of Change
 
Trusted relays will be decisive in moving quantum communications beyond the lab and into the industrial heartland. Quantum Corridor® is the first public/private 40 Tbps network in the Western Hemisphere, 500 times faster than the blink of an eye, with speeds scalable to 1.2 petabits per second (Pbps). The network opens the door for partners such as Toshiba Systems, which is applying quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols along the Quantum Corridor® pipeline.
 
Quantum Corridor® has the speed and capacity to increase the velocity of change for many more academic and commercial partners. Our buildout of data centers across Indiana, south toward Purdue University and east toward Purdue University Northwest and the Ohio state line, will put more quantum breakthroughs within reach.
 
 
Curious about Quantum Computing?
 
Tom referenced a really informative YouTube video Companies, countries battle to develop quantum computers | 60 Minutes
 
For more about Quantum Corridor and this exciting project, visit their website: https://www.quantumcorridor.io/
 
Important News and Reminders
  • Reminder for Rotary Dues - - if you need your current balance/invoice sent to you, please let myself or Marie know so we can get our club's finances caught up. 
  • APRIL 1 is the deadline for Rotary Not for Profit Grants... Download here or visit our club's website (download from the "Important Downloads section of homepage)
  • Elkhart Rotarian Steve Eldridge, 79, of Elkhart, passed away Tuesday morning, March 5, 2024, at Elkhart General Hospital. Arrangements are pending at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home. Steve has been a Rotarian since 2005.
  • MARCH 29 is the deadline for our J&K Kissinger Award Nominations... Download here (also available on the homepage downloads section)

Running List of Rotary Event Announcements 

Rotarians are an integral and engaged part of our active community! Here’s a list of upcoming events represented by Rotarians from the Elkhart Rotary Club. If you’d like more information, contact the Rotarian listed for the event or email elkhartnoonrotary@gmail.com and your message will be forwarded to them. Are you a Rotarian with an event to share? Put it in the format below and email to Eric Garton, he’ll add it to the list.

  • Thursday, March 21, at 5 p.m. Thirsty Thursday - come enjoy a drink and fellowship with fellow Rotarians and guests. Come on, come all, drop in at 5 or later. Location: TBD.  Contact: Peter Norton

  • Saturday, March 23, Leprechaun Leap! A fun annual fundraiser for Cancer Resources of Elkhart County held at Re-Pete’s Simonton Lake Tavern, 51426 State Road 19, Elkhart. Gates open at noon, leaping begins at 2 p.m.. For info and registration visit: https://elkhartcancer.org/leap/. Contact: Peter Norton.

  • Tuesday, March 26, at 6 p.m. The 4th Annual Fathers Matter Forum. DJ Construction and the Community Foundation of Elkhart County have partnered on a special event. We are bringing in, nationally recognized speaker and focus of the documentary, “Undefeated”, Bill Courtney, to discuss the fatherless epidemic in our country. Bill has shown that by stepping up and using your abilities, you can make a massive impact and change the trajectory of the lives of young people right in our communities. Bill’s story is inspiring, and we would love to invite you to come hear it. Information on the event can be found in the attached pdf. Putting a dent in the fatherless epidemic is DJ’s Community Impact Purpose and we would love to have you come, attend, and bring your friends to this event. This is a free event looking to raise awareness of the fatherless epidemic not a fundraiser with a monetary expectation. Contact: Dustin Miller. Here is a link to register if you would like to attend: https://djconstruction.com/fathersmatter 

  • Friday, May 3, early afternoon time TBD. Celebration of Life for Richard "Dick" Brotherson at First Presbyterian Church followed by an Open House at Wellfield Botanic Gardens. Dick was a 55-year Rotarian and loved Wellfield Botanic Gardens. Contact Eric Garton.

  • May 10-18 (tentative). Rotary International Service Trip. Two service aspects: distribute eye glasses from an eye clinic now happening in San Isidro and also to work with Peace Corps volunteers to distribute books in connection with Dickerson Literacy Initiative in an area along the coast. The group will be limited to 15 participants not all from Elkhart Rotary. Contact: Doug Risser