Prof. Lajos Hanzo
Title: Advances in Quantum Communications
Abstract : The recent advances in quantum information processing, sensing and communications are surveyed with the objective of identifying the associated knowledge gaps and formulating a roadmap for their future evolution. Since the operation of quantum systems is prone to the deleterious effects of decoherence, which manifests itself in terms of bit-flips, phase-flips or both, the pivotal subject of quantum error mitigation and coding, quantum key distribution and quantum search algorithms are touched upon. We conclude with a set of promising future research directions, gleaning ideas also from the classical communications field.

Bio : Lajos Hanzo (FIEEE'04) received Honorary Doctorates from the Technical University of Budapest (2009) and Edinburgh University (2015). He is a Foreign Member of the Hungarian Science-Academy, Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng), of the IET, of EURASIP and holds the IEEE Eric Sumner Technical Field Award.

For further details please see
http://www-mobile.ecs.soton.ac.uk,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lajos_Hanzo

Prof. Enrique Solano Co-CEO, Kipu Quantum, Berlin, Germany

Title: Quantum Advantage and Quantum Usefulness for Academic and Industrial Applications
Bio : Enrique Solano lives in Berlin, Germany, where he develops entrepreneurial activities with the position of Co-CEO at Kipu Quantum, a startup designing quantum computing solutions that is currently delivering quantum advantage and quantum usefulness for industrial applications. As a scientist, he has worked in Peru, France, Brazil, Germany, China, and Spain, occupying leading positions in academic institutions as full professor and director of research centers. He has published around 350 impactful scientific articles and is one of the most influential voices in quantum computing and quantum artificial intelligence today. He constantly explores interdisciplinary ideas merging arts, science, technology, and entrepreneurship. Apart from pioneering works in quantum computing, quantum artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies, he develops interdisciplinary fields in quantum arts, neuromorphic quantum computing, quantum brain networks, and the quantum metaverse.

Kipu Quantum: Kipu Quantum is a world-class German company developing application- and hardware specific quantum computing solutions for a wide range of industries. Founded in 2021, Kipu Quantum’s approach can solve industry-relevant problems in the order of 100-1,000 physical qubits, immediately adaptable to fault-tolerant quantum computers, due to innovative quantum algorithmic compression methods. Kipu’s technology is compatible with all leading quantum hardware technologies. Kipu is the world-class pioneer in delivering useful quantum technologies to customers in the pharmaceutical, chemical, logistics, energy, artificial intelligence, and finance industries.

Abstract: I will explain the current state of quantum computing paradigms and the diverse modalities of quantum processors. I will also discuss how it is possible to extract quantum advantage and quantum usefulness from them for both academic and industrial applications. Finally, I will illustrate these claims with key examples that demonstrate their applicability to combinatorial optimization and quantum artificial intelligence.

Dr. Victoria Goliber

Title: Quantum Computing: Tackling Hard Problems with Energy-Efficient Computation
Bio : Dr. Victoria Goliber serves as a strategic lead for research partnerships and government programs, working to identify opportunities for D-Wave’s research and development programs. With nearly 15 years of experience in quantum computing and its applications, her background spans industry, academia, and government roles in computing and mathematics. Dr. Goliber holds a doctorate in discrete mathematics and a masters in computer science, focusing on machine learning

Abstract: D-Wave Quantum develops quantum computers to tackle hard problems with energy efficient computation. The promise of quantum computing is to extend computation beyond the capabilities of what’s possible with classical computing architectures, the basis of Moore’s Law. This is being realized today. D-Wave’s recent publication with researchers from ORNL showed that for Ising spin glasses, D-Wave’s Advantage2 TM  quantum annealing system was better able to handle simulations of that magnetic material than state of the art computational methods on ORNL’s Frontier system. Outside of research labs, industry is also seeing competitive advantage by leveraging quantum computing in their standard workflows. Harnessing this power within a hybrid computing architecture brings the best of both worlds – incorporating the disruptive capabilities of quantum computing when necessary for tackling difficult problems with the standard architectures of current classical computing configurations.

Prof. Richard Curry
Title: Quantum Technologies – From Laboratories to Impact
Bio : Prof Richard Curry obtained his BSc in Theoretical Physics (1st class Hons) and PhD from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) in 1996 and 1999 respectively. Following a research post at the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) at the University of Southampton he moved to the University of Surrey becoming Professor of Photonics in 2015. In December 2016 he moved to the University of Manchester as Professor of Advanced Electronic Materials where he is currently Associate Vice- President for Research & Innovation. He is the principal investigator of a portfolio of several research grants including the EPSRC Programme Grant 'Nanoscale Advanced Materials Engineering' and co-leads the EPSRC Materials for Quantum Network (M4QN).

Abstract: Quantum technologies (QTs) have the potential to provide capabilities that will enable us to measure, understand and shape our world as never before. Public and private investment into the development of QTs has as a result surged, with a corresponding increase in the number of patents and start-ups, with predictions of a future market size of ~$100 billion by 2035. The UK was one of the first countries to invest in a national quantum technologies programme (NQTP in 2014) which is now (2025) entering its third phase of funding. Over this time the focus of the NQTP has evolved to now focus on the delivery of five key missions as part of the National Quantum Strategy. The delivery of these will lead to transformative advanced relating to the conference themes:

• Quantum for ICT Infrastructure and Smart Cities
• Quantum Innovation in Finance and Fintech
• Quantum Applications in Healthcare and Bioinformatics
• Quantum Solutions for Energy, Climate, and Environmental Sustainability

An overview of challenges and potential approaches to realising this ambition will be given, drawing on exemplars from the UK’s investment in QT research and innovation.

Mr. Martin Gastal
Title: Introducing the Open Quantum Institute at CERN
Bio : Mr. Martin Gastal is an Applied Physicist and senior staff member of CERN, the largest laboratory dedicated to research in particle physics. Between 2006 and  2024, Mr. Gastal has been the manager of the experimental area of the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) detector, one of the two experiments involved in the discovery of the Higgs Boson. This apparatus, designed to uncover new particles over 30 years, is one of the largest and most advanced machines that humankind has ever built. 

Mr. Gastal is also a facilitator for the integration of new universities into the CMS collaboration through engagement focused on engineering and technology development. He sets-up and supports the development of projects that, using CERN technology, benefit local communities and promote economic development in partner countries. Since 2018, he is also the CERN adviser for the Middle East and North

Africa (MENA) region. In this role, he sets up collaborations between the countries of the MENA region and CERN, including training programs and technology transfers initiatives. In August 2024, Mr Gastal took over the position of Partnership and Engagement Lead at the Open Quantum Institute at CERN. This new open science outfit is a collaborative technology development platform dedicated to innovation in Quantum Computing algorithms. It aims at developing applications of Quantum Computing to reach UN Sustainable Development Goals. In April 2025, Mr Gastal became the leader of the OQI Capacity building activities, including the organisation of hackathons and internships worldwide.

Abstract: For almost two years, CERN has been hosting the Open Quantum Institute (OQI). This new initiative aims at developing and sharing applications based on QC algorithms applied to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this talk, Martin will present the 4 pillars of the mission of OQI: Technology, Access for all, Capacity building, and science diplomacy. The latest Use Cases under development will be presented and various Education programs described. All of these are implemented to bring QC to underserved regions of the world while sharing the benefits of QC for society.

Dr. Eyob A. Sete
Title: A scalable chiplet-based superconducting quantum processor architecture
Bio : Eyob Sete is a Principal Scientist and early member of Rigetti Computing, where he leads and manages the device theory team advancing superconducting qubit technologies and scalable quantum computing architectures. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from Texas A&M University. His research focuses on quantum device modeling, decoherence mitigation, and hybrid qubit–coupler systems. He has made key contributions to the development of parametric gates, tunable couplers, and modular processor designs. He is an author of more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and holds over 20 granted patents in quantum computing.

Abstract: Realizing large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computation requires architectures that are both modular and manufacturable at scale. In this talk, I will present a scalable chiplet-based superconducting quantum processor architecture that leverages modularity to overcome the fabrication and yield challenges inherent in monolithic designs. Our approach utilizes floating tunable couplers to interconnect chiplets, enabling strong and flexible coupling between qubits distributed across separate dies. These couplers are mediated through a secondary wafer that integrates shared infrastructure for readout feedlines and control wiring, simplifying packaging and improving signal integrity.

By partitioning the quantum processor into independently tested chiplet unit cells, we achieve higher overall yield and design flexibility — only high-performing chiplets are assembled into the final array. To further optimize system performance, we introduce an alternative biased annealing technique that compensates for post-fabrication frequency deviations in superconducting qubits. This process effectively tunes the qubit frequencies toward their design targets, resulting in high-fidelity entangling gates and improved device uniformity across the multi-chip platform.

Together, these advances establish a practical path toward scalable, high-yield superconducting quantum processors. We believe that this architecture — combining chiplet modularity, tunable interconnects, and post-fabrication frequency correction — can be extended to support quantum systems with tens of thousands of qubits, paving the way toward utility scale  quantum computing.

Prof. Rosario Fazio
Title: Quantum simulations: Past and present, with a glance on the future  
Bio : Rosario Fazio received his PhD in Physics in 1990 at the University of Catania. He is currently Head of the Condensed Matter and Statistical Physics Section of the Abdus Salam International Center for Theoretical Physics (Trieste) and Professor of Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics at the University of Naples "Federico II" . He is the Director of the Institute for Quantum Theoretical Technologies of Trieste.

He received the international "Luigi Tartufari" prize from the Accademia Nazionale Lincei in 2016, the "Google Quantum Research Award" in 2019, and an ERC Advanced Grant in 2022. His reseach interests are in theoretical condensed matter and quantum information processing focusing on quantum transport in nano-devices, mesoscopic superconductivity, quantum simulators, quantum information & many-body systems, open many-body systems. He is corresponding member of Accademia dei Lincei.

Abstract: According to Feynman the best way to simulate a complex quantum system is to use another quantum system, a quantum simulator. After so many years from Feynman's proposal the level of experimental control on certain quantum many-body systems became such that his vision has become reality. At present there are a number of platforms, ranging from cold atoms in optical lattices to trapped ions and solid state nano-circuits that are best suited to this aim.  Together with these impressive progresses, a large body of theoretical work has also shaped considerably the field of quantum simulations. Numerous works found applications of quantum simulators in a wide range of fields from condensed-matter physics to high-energy physics or quantum chemistry.  In addition to their impact in fundamental science, quantum simulations will have a tremendous impact on society by revolutionizing drug discovery and material science, or by enhancing artificial intelligence and machine learning.  In my talk I will briefly review the main ideas behind quantum simulators, some of its achievement and possible developments.

Title: Mapping the Path to Fault-Tolerant Quantum Advantage for Global Sustainability Applications
Speakers: Ahmed Al-Qatatsheh , Alexandre Choquette , and Voica Radescu

Abstract : The global pursuit of sustainability—encompassing climate change, energy transition, and resource optimisation—is fundamentally a challenge of complex systems modelling and material science. Classical computing resources are increasingly strained by the scale of these problems, from simulating novel catalysts for carbon capture to optimising global logistics networks for minimal emissions. The advent of quantum computing offers a paradigm shift in our computational capability to address these critical challenges.

This presentation will outline IBM's roadmap to quantum advantage, specifically through the lens of achieving utility-scale and fault-tolerant quantum computation. We will detail the critical milestones, from the current era of noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices to the future of error-corrected quantum systems. The core of our discussion will focus on how fault tolerance is not merely a technical prerequisite for quantum computing, but the essential key to unlocking reliable, large-scale simulations of molecular and logistical systems that are directly relevant to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We will present a vision for the "Quantum Decade," arguing that the strategic development of quantum technology is inextricably linked to sustainability. By building a scalable and fault-tolerant quantum architecture today, we are constructing the foundational tools to solve the most pressing environmental and societal problems of tomorrow. This talk will connect our hardware and software development goals to specific sustainability use cases, demonstrating how a fault-tolerant quantum computer could ultimately serve as a powerful engine for global sustainable development.

Dr Ahmed Al-Qatatsheh
Bio : Dr Ahmed Al-Qatatsheh leads the quantum business, including quantum strategy formulation and development, as well as quantum computing and research collaboration for IBM Quantum in the Middle East and Africa. Dr Ahmed is an IBM Senior Quantum Ambassador and QISKIT Advocate, as well as a leading researcher in material science, nanotechnology, and quantum computing. His research focuses on practical applications in aerospace, automotive, defense, healthcare, and sustainability. Dr Ahmed aims to address real-world challenges using material science, quantum technology, and nanoscale innovations. With a strong track record in academia and industry, Dr Ahmed has conducted collaborative research with renowned institutions, including the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), and the Innovative Manufacturing CRC (IMCRC). Before working with IBM, Ahmed worked for renowned international companies in the automotive, Electric Vehicle, and Consulting Sectors.

Alexandre Choquette
Bio : Alexandre Choquette is a quantum computing researcher with experience in academia and industry. His experiences include work in the development of quantum algorithms, condensed matter physics, and the design of superconducting qubits. At IBM, he is responsible for driving the adoption of quantum computing through the development of a strategic research ecosystem, fostering scientific collaborations worldwide. He is also the leader of the Sustainability Quantum Working Group, which drives multidisciplinary international collaborations on quantum computing applications for materials, energy and other sustainability- related fields.

Alexandre holds an MSc in Quantum Computing from the Université de Sherbrooke. Prior to his current role, he worked as a research scientist at IBM Research Zürich and 1QBit. Although he is based in Montreal, you may often find him backcountry skiing or whitewater canoeing!

Dr Voica Radescu
Bio : Dr Voica Radescu is leading the IBM Quantum Innovation Centres in EMEA and APAC, which are scientific partnerships aimed at accelerating the adoption and development of quantum computing technologies. Before joining IBM in 2017, Voica earned her PhD in High Energy Physics from the University of Pittsburgh, followed by rich research activities at the top laboratories CERN, DESY, the University of Oxford, and Heidelberg, where she was involved in the LHC, HERA, and neutrino experiments.