Quantum Corridor is a Chicago-area quantum-ready network company connecting enterprise, research, government, and data center partners through quantum-safe connectivity, precision timing, platform orchestration, and quantum compute access.
Founded in 2022, Quantum Corridor was built on the conviction that quantum-safe networking should not be limited to research labs and national security programs. We exist to bring quantum-grade security, timing, and connectivity to enterprises, universities, data centers, and government agencies — today.
The Midwest is uniquely positioned for this work. Chicago's fiber infrastructure, the University of Chicago's quantum research ecosystem, Purdue's engineering programs, and the emerging Indiana-Illinois tech corridor make this region one of the most important quantum commercialization zones in the country.
The Biden-Harris Administration's designation of the Bloch Tech Hub confirmed what Quantum Corridor's founders already knew: this is where quantum technology moves from the lab to the market.
Packaged quantum-ready services for enterprise, defense, research, and critical infrastructure — not research grants.
Bridging university quantum research, national labs, defense programs, and commercial enterprises through a single commercial network.
Starting from Chicago to Indiana, expanding routes and capabilities to serve the broader national quantum infrastructure need.
Quantum Corridor's leadership brings together founders and operators from enterprise technology, national security, optical networking, data center infrastructure, law, capital markets, and government advisory roles.
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Mit Jha is currently serving as the CEO for Quantum Corridor. He is also a Managing Principal at Keystone Global with more than 20 years of experience in all aspects of infrastructure markets in the United States, Europe and India. The cornerstone of his success is his demonstrated ability to integrate creative thinking, commercial insights, and project and company level technical information to develop implementable solutions.
President & CTO Ryan Lafler co-founded Quantum Corridor in 2022. He has extensive experience building large-scale data and voice networks and previously co-founded two MSPs: Coeo Solutions and FIT Telco. Coeo built fiber networks in 39 states, and FIT Telco helped design PQC fiber connectivity between the Pentagon and Peraton Labs. He has two decades in telecom and defense contracting.
Patrick Scully, P. Eng., MBA, has been involved in the research and development of optical networks for over 25 years. Over the last 15 years, he pioneered and oversaw the development and market introduction of several generations of industry leading optical encryption (OTNsec) solutions, including recent advances in post-quantum cryptography.
Dr. Chesley brings 40 years of experience in national security, satellite systems and advanced communications and sensing. At Quantum Corridor, he develops solution architectures using quantum capabilities for real-world aerospace, defense and commercial needs. His career includes executive industry leadership, a foundation in the U.S. Air Force and contributions to space innovation.
Over more than a dozen years as a public relations professional, Kevin Loughery has achieved national and local earned media wins for properties across tech, entertainment and sports and for such brands as Allstate, Discover, McDonald’s, Northwestern Mutual and Winnebago.
Jeffrey Cohn brings more than 25 years of experience leading enterprise technology, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and AI initiatives. He has held executive leadership roles at Playboy Enterprises, Guaranteed Rate and Grant Thornton, and founded RootAxcess, a cloud services provider acquired by Fusion Connect. Cohn also founded C4 Technology Group , where he advises clients on quantum networking and emerging technologies. At Quantum Corridor, he leads the platform and technology initiatives that support the company and its customers.
Maria Kang is a Managing Director at Keystone Global and serves as a Strategic Advisor to Quantum Corridor supporting strategic infrastructure initiatives and assisting in its implementation. She has more than 20 years of experience within global financial institutions with the past 15 years focused on the global infrastructure market.
Upon enlisting in the U.S. Air Force, Robert Lafler earned a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics and distinguished himself as a combat veteran and officer. Robert has held various leadership positions in the civilian sector, including healthcare and communications. As the company’s Defense Initiatives Liaison, Lafler collaborates on projects with the Department of Defense.
Cristina Rives is a Managing Director at Keystone Global and is serving as a Development Advisor to Quantum Corridor driving project growth and execution . She has more than 15 years of experience in nearly all aspects of infrastructure markets internationally.
Michael O’Meara is an experienced venture capital and private equity investor with a successful track record of originating, structuring & exiting private investments in early stage, growth stage & distressed companies. As managing partner for his private equity firm & family investment group, he is responsible for sourcing new deals, capital formation, negotiating and closing transactions & developing business strategy.
Kathleen Stern brings to Quantum Corridor extensive experience leading finance, operations, IT & HR for private equity-backed companies. She focuses on execution, driving disciplined growth, strengthening margins & improving cash flow. Her expertise includes FP&A, treasury oversight, M&A integration & building financial systems that support scalable operations.
Ciena's coherent flexible-grid technology forms the optical foundation of the Quantum Corridor network — enabling the fastest, most secure connectivity on the continent. Ciena's collaboration supports QKD deployment and quantum-safe networking at scale.
The Chicago Quantum Exchange connects top universities, national labs, and industry partners to advance quantum science and engineering. CQE is based at the University of Chicago and anchored by Argonne National Laboratory and Fermilab.
C1 is a leading IP-enabled, services-led customer experience solutions provider. C1 combines scalable network capabilities with deep experience in highly secure environments — a key delivery and services partner for Quantum Corridor.
qBraid is an innovative cloud-based platform for quantum computing, offering software tools and access to quantum hardware for researchers and developers. Quantum Corridor and qBraid are developing quantum commercialization support offerings together.
Purdue QSEI brings together over 60 leading quantum researchers dedicated to transforming academic quantum science into practical and commercial applications. Purdue is a key research and ecosystem partner on the Quantum Corridor network.
Digital Crossroad is a wholesale colocation provider committed to sustainable, secure data center solutions. The first leg of the Quantum Corridor fiber network is anchored at Digital Crossroad's Hammond, Indiana campus.
"The Quantum Corridor® platform is the first of its kind to enable quantum communication across distances, allowing researchers to collaborate on making these breakthrough applications and devices a reality. The disruptive technologies that will emerge from quantum research will span materials science, electrical engineering, nano-optics, bioscience, machine learning, and more."Prof. Alexandra Boltasseva
"Ciena's collaboration with Quantum Corridor® and C1 provides the foundation for universities, research centers, data centers and other institutions to more quickly put into action the transformative power of quantum technology. Quantum computing will be a catalyst for unprecedented economic and technological advancements."Patrick Scully
"As one of the few North American sites that can facilitate QKD transmission, Quantum Corridor's network will enable government contracts and accelerate product development. Quantum Corridor's services will play a key role in connecting researchers, hyperscalers and developers along a secure quantum software pipeline."Kanav Setia
We work with enterprises, researchers, government agencies, and infrastructure operators to build the quantum-safe network of the future. Start a conversation.