Main Conference Day Two

As quantum technologies rapidly evolve, their potential to transform industries and national security has drawn the attention of global leaders. This panel will bring together International Ambassadors and Chief Scientists to discuss and debate the implications, opportunities, and challenges of quantum technologies on a global scale 

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Key discussion points include: 

• What are the key national interests driving countries’ investments in quantum technologies? 
• Exploring how different nations view quantum technology in the context of economic growth, national security, and technological leadership. 
• How can international collaboration accelerate advancements in quantum research and development? 
• Discussing successful partnerships and initiatives that highlight the importance of cross-border collaboration in addressing global challenges. 
• What ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks are emerging around quantum technologies? 
• Examining the need for international standards and guidelines to ensure responsible development and deployment of quantum applications. 
• What are the potential risks associated with the proliferation of quantum technologies? 
• Analyzing concerns related to cybersecurity, economic disparities, and geopolitical tensions as nations race to advance their quantum capabilities. 
• How do chief scientists envision the future impact of quantum technologies on global industries? 
• Sharing insights on the transformative potential of quantum computing, sensing, and communication across sectors like healthcare, finance, and defense. 
• What strategies should governments and organizations adopt to prepare for the quantum revolution? 
• Discussing actionable recommendations for policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to harness the benefits of quantum technologies while mitigating risks. 

This panel will kick off the day and feature esteemed international ambassadors and leading scientists, providing a platform for rich dialogue on the global landscape of quantum technologies. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of quantum innovation and collaboration in the international arena. 

Ambassador Jarmo Sareva

Consul General, Ambassador
Consulate General of Finland

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Neil Abroug

Head of Quantum
INRIA

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Jesper Møller Sørensen

Ambassador of Denmark to the United States
Royal Embassy of Denmark

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Paolo Cezar Rotella Braga

Head of Science and Technology Office
Embassy of Brazil

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Stephanie Simmons

Founder & Chief Quantum Officer
Photonic Inc.

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As we transition towards a post-NISQ (Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum) era, the role of hardware and software technology companies becomes increasingly critical—but are they genuinely ready to meet the demands of quantum computing? This panel invites industry leaders to engage in a heated discussion about the state of the quantum supply chain, the challenges of scaling qubits, and the innovations in software platforms. 

Key points for debate include: 

1. Are We Really Overcoming the Challenges of Error Correction? 

Despite significant progress, error correction remains a monumental barrier. Are we just spinning our wheels with theoretical solutions, or is there real progress to report? 

1. Is Quantum Computing Becoming Cost-Effective? 

As companies race to harness quantum potential, the question arises: Are we making quantum technologies accessible, or are we perpetuating an elite tech bubble that few can afford to enter? 

1. What Truly Sets Us Apart? 

Amidst the hype, what genuine advancements are being made? Are the current solutions truly innovative, or are they simply repackaged versions of existing technologies? 

Each C-Suite industry leader will have 10 minutes to present their case, but we’ll encourage a robust dialogue where panelists can challenge each other’s claims and engage the audience in this critical conversation. Is the quantum industry genuinely prepared for the next leap, or are we in for a rude awakening? Join us for a thought-provoking session that promises to be as contentious as it is enlightening. 

In the past century, quantum has evolved from a baffling curiosity to a transformative force in technology. Join Deloitte’s Quantum Computing Lead as he paints a picture of the history, highlights the progress and pitfalls in quantum computing, and shares near term adoption strategies as well as what’s in store for the future. As the world moves from detached observers to passionate actors in quantum computing, we share a collective responsibility to demonstrate how revolutionary the technology is poised to be. 

• Looking into the past to better understand the future  
• Practical applications today for quantum-inspired techniques as a path to quantum computing use cases tomorrow 
• The importance of setting realistic expectations for the future of quantum  
• The role we all share in quantum computing adoption and education 

Scott Bucholz

Global Quantum Lead & CTO, Government & Public Services
Deloitte Consulting LLP

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Quantum computing is poised to revolutionize various industries, and Fortune 500 organizations are at the forefront of exploring its transformative potential. This panel will delve into how quantum technologies are reshaping business operations, driving innovation, and creating competitive advantages for these leading companies. 

Key discussion points include: 

How are Fortune 500 organizations currently leveraging quantum computing? 

Explore specific use cases and applications where quantum technologies are being integrated into business processes, from supply chain optimization to advanced data analytics. 

What are the competitive advantages gained through early adoption of quantum technologies? 

Discuss how organizations that embrace quantum computing are positioning themselves ahead of competitors and reimagining their approach to problem-solving. 

What challenges are Fortune 500 companies facing in implementing quantum solutions? 

Identify the barriers to adoption, including talent shortages, infrastructure requirements, and integration with existing systems. 

How is quantum computing influencing strategic decision-making and innovation within these organizations? 

Examine the role of quantum technologies in enhancing R&D efforts, driving product development, and informing business strategies. 

What collaborations and partnerships are Fortune 500 companies pursuing in the quantum space? 

Highlight how industry leaders are working with academia, startups, and technology providers to accelerate quantum research and application. 

What is the future outlook for quantum computing in Fortune 500 organizations? 

Discuss emerging trends, anticipated advancements, and the long-term implications of quantum technologies for these companies and their industries. 

This panel will feature executives and thought leaders from Fortune 500 organizations, providing valuable insights into the current and future impact of quantum computing on their businesses. Join us for an engaging discussion on how quantum technologies are shaping the landscape for the world's leading companies. 

Matthew Kiser

Doctoral Candidate
Volkswagen

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Jay Lowell

Principal Senior Technical Fellow
Boeing

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Zac Dutton

Lead Scientist
Raytheon

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Sean Jones

Senior Program Manager, Research & Technology - Federal Research & National Labs
Airbus Americas

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The rapid advancements in quantum computing have ignited a lively debate within the scientific community, industry, and beyond, concerning the feasibility of achieving quantum computing's ambitious goals by the end of the decade. This debate explores the potential of quantum computers to transform industries, tackle complex problems, and surpass classical computing capabilities within the next ten years. 

The Proponents ARGUMENT - Quantum computing is on the cusp of a breakthrough. With significant investments from both governments and industry giants, quantum hardware and algorithms are maturing at an unprecedented rate. They believe that, by the end of the decade, we will witness quantum computers outperform classical counterparts in critical applications, from cryptography to drug discovery. 

THE OPPONENTS view- formidable challenges quantum technologies still face, including error correction, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. I argue that while quantum computers may make substantial progress, achieving their full potential within the decade remains a lofty goal, with many technical hurdles to overcome. 

The debate delves into various facets of quantum computing, such as quantum supremacy, quantum advantage, and the real-world impact on fields like artificial intelligence, materials science, and cryptography. Experts from academia, industry, and research institutions offer their perspectives on the timeline, feasibility, and implications of quantum computing's evolution. 

AUDIENCE VOTE DECIDES  

The Quantum.Tech Venture Capital Dragon's Den is an exciting new addition to the program for 2024 that brings together the worlds of quantum technology and venture capital. In this unique showcase, pioneering startups in the quantum tech space will pitch their groundbreaking ideas and innovations to a panel of seasoned venture capitalists, known as the "Dragons." 

The session offers a platform for entrepreneurs and quantum visionaries to present their quantum-enabled technologies, spanning quantum computing, quantum cryptography, quantum sensing, and more. These startups are at the forefront of transforming industries and solving complex challenges using the power of quantum science. 

The Dragons, each with a wealth of experience in venture capital and technology investing, will assess the startups' potential for disruption, market viability, scalability, and overall investment appeal. They will engage in dynamic discussions with the founders, providing valuable feedback, insights, and potentially even offers of investment. 

The Quantum Venture Capital Dragon's Den serves as a bridge between the quantum ecosystem and the investment community, facilitating connections that can accelerate the growth of quantum startups and propel quantum technologies into the mainstream. It represents a unique opportunity for investors to explore the quantum frontier and for entrepreneurs to secure the support needed to turn their quantum dreams into reality. 

QUANTUM START UPS AND SCALE UPS – Sign up NOW to join  

Christophe Jurczak

Managing Partner
Quantonation

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Damien Petty

Partner
Morpheus Ventures

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Nardo Manaloto

Managing Partner
Qubits Ventures

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Matthew Cimaglia

Founder, Managing Partner
Quantum Coast Capital

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