Aug 16, 2026
In this
episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Travis McCready, Head of
Industries, Leasing Advisory at JLL, joins the conversation to
discuss quantum computing, why real estate professionals are paying
attention, and what this emerging technology could mean for regions
like the BioHealth Capital
Region.
Travis explains that quantum computing should be understood as an
enabling technology, much like earlier waves of innovation that
helped shape new industries, companies, and regional economies.
While the field is still developing, he discusses why quantum is no
longer just a distant concept and why real estate, infrastructure,
workforce, and sector-specific use cases will all play a role in
determining which regions
lead.
The conversation explores the industry’s most likely to benefit
from quantum first, including government and cryptography, life
sciences, and finance and insurance. Travis also discusses how
quantum computing could support areas such as molecular modeling,
materials science, complex risk modeling, and other problems that
involve large numbers of interconnected
variables.
Rich and Travis also look at the real estate side of quantum,
including what makes quantum facilities different from traditional
data centers or life sciences buildings. Travis explains why
energy, vibration sensitivity, floor loads, electromagnetic
shielding, a skilled workforce, and proximity to key research and
industry assets all matter when regions consider quantum site
selection.
The episode also focuses on Maryland’s position in the emerging
quantum economy. Travis and Rich discuss the state’s strengths in
life sciences, federal agencies, defense, cybersecurity,
cryptography, research universities, and companies such as IonQ.
Travis emphasizes that Maryland’s opportunity is not only in
building quantum assets, but in translating those assets into
commercial activity, workforce development, company formation, and
long-term economic
growth.
Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by
The Podcast
Consultant.
Travis A. McCready is Head of Industries, Leasing Advisory in the
Americas for JLL and Chair of the firm’s Global Life Sciences
Advisory Board. In this role, he oversees brokerage and advisory
work across JLL’s key global industry verticals, including life
sciences, healthcare, data centers, energy, security and defense,
technology, and higher education. He is also a member of JLL’s
Innovation Districts Practice, providing strategic advisory
services to innovation districts around the world. Travis has more
than 25 years of experience leading public, private, and nonprofit
ventures focused on science and technology-based real estate and
innovation infrastructure. He also serves on several boards and
advisory groups across the innovation, life sciences, academic, and
energy sectors.