This track will spotlight how quantum technologies can deliver real-world impact, ensuring everyone can participate in and benefit from the second quantum revolution. It will explore how global collaboration can transform quantum breakthroughs into opportunities that matter for all.

14:00-14:15  Opening remarks

Speaker(s)

• Sameer Chauhan | Director, United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC)
• Leandro Aolita | Acting Chief Researcher, Quantum Research Center

14:15-14:45   Quick-fire: Quantum in action

Quantum technology is evolving rapidly, but where does the industry stand today? This high-energy, quick-fire session brings together experts from across the quantum computing, communication, sensing sectors to answer fast-paced, hard-hitting questions on the current state of the field of quantum technologies, challenges, and breakthroughs shaping the future of quantum.

Panelists:

• Mathias Soeken | Principal Quantum Software Architect, Microsoft
• Mio Murao “Professor, Department of Physics, University of Tokyo
• René Reimann | Senior Director, Quantum Sensing, Technology Innovation Institute (TII)
• Richard Hall-Wilton | Director at Center for Sensors & Devices, Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK), Italy
• Wei Qi | CEO, CAS Quantum Network Co.
• Yaseera Ismail | Senior Lecturer, Department of Physics, Stellenbosch University, South Africa

Moderator(s):

Ulrich Mans | Strategic Partnerships Lead, Quantum Delta, Netherlands

14:45-15:30  From idea to impact: How quantum is transforming sectors today

Quantum technology is moving beyond the lab, shaping industries and solving real-world challenges. But how does an idea evolve from concept to implementation and full-scale deployment? This session takes you on a journey through the lifecycle of quantum applications; showcasing projects at different stages of maturity, from initial scoping to operational deployments. Through concrete examples, this session will explore quantum’s role in critical sectors culminating in a unique perspective on quantum’s intersection with the arts and education while highlighting the challenges, breakthroughs, and lessons learned in bringing quantum solutions to life.

Panelists:

• Ali Taha Koç | CEO, Turkcell
• Joanna Doummar | Associate Professor of Groundwater Hydrology, American University of Beirut in Lebanon
• Gregoire Ribordy | CEO, ID Quantique (IDQ)
• Graham Alabaster | Director Geneva Office, UN-Habitat

Moderator(s):

Catherine Lefebvre | Senior Advisor for Open Quantum Institute (OQI) and GESDA & Applications Lead, Open Quantum Institute (OQI)

15:30-15:45   Coffee break & exhibition walkthrough

15:45-16:15   When the code breaks, who builds what comes next?

The encryption we rely on today will not survive the quantum era. As quantum computing edges closer to breaking traditional cryptographic systems, a quiet but critical race is underway to build what comes next. This session brings together the architects of post-quantum security—those working behind the scenes to redesign the foundation of digital trust. From new algorithms to implementation strategies, discover how a new generation of cryptographic pioneers is preparing for the quantum future before it arrives.

Panelists:

• Anne Dames | Distinguished Engineer, IBM Infrastructure & IBM Z Cryptographic Technology Development, IBM
• Najwa Aaraj | CEO, Technology Innovation Institute (TII)
• Debora Comparin | Standardization Expert, Thales Digital Identity & Security

Moderator(s):

Mira Wolf-Bauwens | Head of Initiatives Development, Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA)

16:15-17:00  Investing in the second quantum revolution: Scaling quantum innovation for real-world impact

What does it take to scale quantum innovation from research to reality? Bold investment, strategic funding, and market-ready solutions that drive both sustainable growth and broader access. This session brings together top industry leaders and investors to explore where capital will drive the biggest returns, how to overcome commercialization challenges, and why now is the time to invest in quantum technologies to support long-term impact.

Panelists:

• Elif Kiesow | Executive Director, Ethicqual and Ethics Subcommittee Lead, Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C)
• Katsuyuki Hanai | Chair of Quantum Cryptography and Quantum Communication subcommittee, Quantum STrategic industry Alliance for Revolution (Q-STAR) | Business Unit Manager, ICT Solutions Division, Toshiba Digital Solutions Corp
• Lisa Lambert | Chief Executive Officer, Quantum Industry Canada (QIC)
• Thierry Botter | Executive Director, European Quantum Industry Consortium (QuIC)

Moderator(s):

Will Zeng | Partner, Quantonation and President, Unitary Foundation

17:00-17:15  Quantum: Hype, hope, or reality?

Is quantum on the verge of revolutionizing industries, or are we still years away from meaningful breakthroughs? This lively realist vs. optimist debate will challenge perspectives on the pace of quantum innovation, commercialization hurdles, and the real-world impact of today’s investments. Tying together key insights from the day, this session asks: Are we moving fast enough, and what will it take to turn promise into progress? Expect bold predictions, tough questions, and a spirited discussion to wrap up the day.

Speaker(s)

Shohini Ghose | Professor, Wilfrid Laurier University and CTO, Quantum Algorithms Institute