Cal State San Bernardino will welcome technology executive and cybersecurity innovator David Harding as the opening keynote speaker for its upcoming Defining the Future conference, the nation’s first conference focused on accelerated workforce development in emerging technologies.

The conference, scheduled for April 15-16, will gather industry leaders, researchers and students to explore the ways in which emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital identity, are reshaping the future of work. Harding’s keynote, scheduled for Wednesday, April 15, at 9:15 a.m. is titled “Securing America in the Quantum Age.”

Harding has more than 30 years of experience in cybersecurity, digital identity and emerging technologies. He currently serves as chairman and CEO of Entrokey Labs, a company developing advanced encryption technologies designed to protect digital systems from emerging threats posed by artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

Over the course of his career, Harding has held senior leadership roles across the technology sector. He previously served as senior vice president of engineering at CLEAR, where he helped lead the development of large-scale digital identity platforms used by millions of travelers and consumers. He also spent more than a decade as chief technology officer and senior vice president at ImageWare Systems, overseeing the development of global cybersecurity and biometric identity technologies.

In addition to his industry leadership, Harding advises early-stage technology companies as a partner at North Pacific Ventures, where he works with startups and investors focused on areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and digital identity.

“The pace of innovation in industries such as cybersecurity, digital identity and artificial intelligence is accelerating,” Harding said. “Preparing the next generation to lead in these fields starts with conversations like the ones happening at Cal State San Bernardino.”

The Defining the Future conference will feature industry presentations, workshops, exhibits and networking opportunities designed to connect students, faculty, researchers and industry leaders. The event will also run concurrently with CSUSB’s annual Meeting of the Minds student research showcase, highlighting the work of hundreds of student researchers.

For more information and to register, visit the conference website.