Birds-of-a-Feather sessions or BoFs are informal gatherings of persons interested in discussing a particular topic. The IEEE Quantum Week program features scheduled BoF Sessions addressing timely Quantum Computing and Engineering topics.
Organizer:
Theresa Melvin, Northcentral University and Vertica, USA
Abstract: This BoF will facilitate a vibrant discussion among likeminded individuals on the current state of Artificial Intelligence systems used in the Legal industry; the inexorable ethical and moral dilemma posed by the next generation of Synthetic Intelligence systems created under Quantum Logic; the envisioned regulatory infrastructure needed to achieve compliance, transparency, and explainability in emerging-Hybrid and future-Quantum Machine Learning models; and whether a non-human intelligence can ensure ecological validity for commercial deep learning algorithms.
Organizers:
Stefano Mensa, STFC Hartree Center, UK
Vassil Alexandrov, STFC Hartree Center, UK
Francesco Tacchino, IBM Quantum, Switzerland
Ivano Tavernelli, IBM Quantum, Switzerland
John Helm, Quantum Brilliance, Germany
William Pol, PsiQuantum, USA
Abstract: Quantum Computing is a rapidly growing field set to change forever the way we do applied computational research. However, a suitable quantum software engineering workforce lags the technological advances of quantum hardware development, effectively slowing down software development to solve real-world challenges. A typical vicious circle is that professionals who mastered quantum computing principles identifying hot application areas are usually not software engineers, and software engineers who master algorithmic skills lack the necessary knowledge to understand quantum computation. Therefore, what does a quantum software engineer look like? What are the ideal skills required to get the job done? In this Birds of a Feather session, we want to stimulate a constructive debate over current challenges of quantum software engineering, where the audience will be exchanging opinions over topics such as workforce development, technical skills, and future perspective of the quantum software engineer professional figure, also aided by the presence of leading names in the field coming from IBM, The Hartree Centre, Quantum Brilliance and PsiQuantum.
Organizers:
Terry Janssen, Janssen LLC, USA
Joanna Ptasinski, Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, USA
Barry Smith, Univ. of Buffalo, USA
Charles Clark, Natl. Institutes of Standards & Technology (NIST), USA
Abstract: In the wake of the Human Genome Project, biologists and medical researchers in hundreds of subdisciplines were confronted by vast quantities of data associated with entirely new experimental technologies. To link the results of rapid advances with traditional life science concerns, a biological metascience was devised. It is based on a suite of evolving controlled vocabularies, called “ontologies,” that describe both traditional and novel data consistently across species and disciplines. The suite also includes ontologies that describe experiments, equipment, settings, and results. The reach of this new biological metascience thereby extended well beyond basic sciences to encompass procurement, construction, engineering, facilities and product life-cycle management. The underlying approach has been standardized as ISO/IEC 21838.
With guidance by the U.S. Department of Defense OUSD(R&E), we are now developing a quantum metascience, based on ontologies appropriate to quantum information science and technology (QIST). QIST encompasses mathematics, quantum sciences (both physics and the quantum information sciences), communications, engineering and – increasingly – finance and investment. QIST deploys a wide range of technologies and protocols that are also evolving rapidly and engages aspects of human and institutional infrastructure like those encountered in the genomics era. Development of common terminologies and understandings can both advance progress in QIST and enhance access by customers, suppliers and new entrants to the field.
This session solicits interest/engagement in this enterprise from all members of the QIST community
Organizers:
Brendan Serapiglia, Gates and Cooper LLP, USA
Benjamin Cox, Univ. of Chicago, USA
Harry Harden, Kilburn and Strode, UK
Abstract: Startups understand the critical value of intellectual property (IP) for nurturing growth and obtaining venture capital funding. However, given the relatively nascent state of quantum technology, it can be tricky to formulate inventions in a manner that meets stringent patent office patentability requirements. This unique quantum intellectual property session will educate quantum engineers on the basic requirements for obtaining and evaluating IP protection for inventions in the quantum technology space. Seasoned patent attorneys having experience preparing patent applications on quantum technologies will provide insights from the US and European perspective. The session is co-hosted by a technology transfer specialist from the University of Chicago who manages a diverse portfolio of quantum technologies, including materials, hardware systems, and software. Their office is also experienced in spinning out successful startups in the quantum space (including Super.tech, which was recently acquired by ColdQuanta). Through a stimulating discussion of case studies tailored to the types of technologies being discussed at the conference, and an interactive question and answer session, attendees will gain an understanding on how to frame their inventions in a manner that highlights non-abstract and non-obvious working embodiments as well as drawing attention from potential investors. This can be particularly challenging for quantum computer technologies which are not yet ripe and in a patent landscape that disfavors patentability of software inventions or those inventions based upon natural phenomena. Attendees will also be introduced to methods for evaluating IP for building successful business relationships.
Organizers:
Tyler L. Jaynes, Albany Medical College: Albany, USA and Chair IEEE Nanotechnology Council Standards
Terrill Frantz, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, USA
Abstract: In the wake of the creation of ISO/IEC JTC 1/WG 14 – Quantum Computing, and the initiation of several projects within the IEEE SA on quantum computing architecture, cryptography, and software, this Bird of a Feather event is oriented toward connecting interested members to the present and future of quantum standardization. In this event, a brief scope overview of active Working Groups within the IEEE SA will be given–including those that have recently been approved by the SASB–and be followed by a conversation about how current Standards Committee Chairs envision interaction on these and future project. BoF participants are also welcome to contribute to the establishment of a recommended framework/roadmap for quantum standardization effort