About Denise Ruffner

Denise Ruffner is a business leader in the field of advanced computing technologies and a popular keynote speaker. With a deep understanding of next-generation computing modalities, she has built a career around helping organizations embrace the future of technology to drive innovation and business value.

She is a sought-after speaker with her ability to demystify complex technologies and make them accessible to audiences. She is skilled at giving context by discussing the evolving ecosystem and the strengths of the different offerings and business models as well as to see the future potential.

With over a decade of experience working with quantum computing, Denise has a passion for promoting diversity in the quantum workforce which led her to co-found Diversity in Quantum (DiviQ.org), an organization dedicated to mentoring and supporting diverse talent in the field.

As a strategic advisor and business development consultant, Denise has helped numerous companies raise funds, craft go-to-market strategies, and drive growth and partnerships.

Denise was recently named a Fellow at UC San Diego’s Arthur C. Clarke Center for Human Imagination, recognized for her expertise in neuroscience. This interdisciplinary center is dedicated to exploring the science, art, and potential of human imagination. By uniting experts from diverse fields—neuroscience, technology, the arts, and more—the Clarke Center examines how imagination drives innovation and shapes our future. Through research, public events, and collaborative projects, the center seeks to expand our understanding of creativity, its role in advancing knowledge, and its potential to address global challenges.