IEEE Quantum Week Panels feature enlightening and impactful discussions among experts on different perspectives of quantum computing and engineering. Panel topics include but are not limited to hardware-software co-design, hybrid quantum-classical computing, quantum advantage, quantum applications, post-quantum cryptography, fault-tolerant quantum computers, quantum error correction, quantum systems engineering, quantum programming education & training, quantum workforce training, or frontiers of quantum information science & algorithms. The panelists, a set of diverse researchers and practitioners, aim to share their insightful perspectives and engage the broader community in a stimulating dialogue.
Kristen Pudenz: Atom Computing, USA
Sponsored by IBM Quantum
Mentors from IBM, Q-CTRL, Classiq, Microsoft, Atom Computing
Denise Ruffner: Atom Computing, USA
Kristen Pudenz: Atom Computing, USA
Erik Garcell: Classiq Technologies, USA
Fred Chong: ColdQuanta and Univ. of Chicago, USA
Travis Humble: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA
Venkatesh Kannan: Irish Centre for High-End Computing, Ireland
Tennin Yan: QunaSys, Japan
Shannon Whitlock: Univ. of Strasbourg, France
Soichiro Nishio: Kyoto University, Japan
Yunzhe Zheng: TU Delft, The Netherlands
Elena Yndurain: QunaSys, Japan
Denise Ruffner: Atom Computing, USA
Kristen Pudenz: Atom Computing, USA
Tom Markham: Quantinuum, USA
Matthew Blain: Quantinuum,USA
Tom Markham: Quantinuum, USA
Natalie Brown: Quantinuum, USA
Ciaran Ryan-Anderson: Quantinuum, USA
Raouf Dridi: Quantum Computing, Inc., Canada
Lorenzo Leandro: Quantum Machines, Denmark
Steve Reinhardt: Quantum Machines, USA
Jaikishen Jayesingha: Qblox, The Netherlands
Folkert de Vries: Qblox, The Netherlands
Niels Bultink: Qblox, The Netherlands
Anna Grasselino: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, USA
Simon Gustavsson: Atlantic Quantum, USA
Kasra Nowrouzi: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, USA
Mark Kasperczyk: Zurich Instruments, Switzerland
Vikrant Mahajan: Zurich Instruments, USA
Edward Kluender: Zurich Instruments, USA
Lorenzo Leandro: Quantum Machines, Denmark
Yonatan Cohen: Quantum Machines, Israel
Kallie Ferguson: IBM Quantum, USA
Setareh Derakhshandeh: IBM Quantum, USA
Natalie Brown: Quantinuum, USA
Kristen Pudenz: Atom Computing, USA (Panel Moderator)
Date: Sunday, September 18
Time: 15:00-17:00 Mountain Time (UTC-6)
Abstract: Two (1-hour) panel sessions designed for users of quantum technology and products.
Moderated by Kristen Pudenz, Principal Quantum Scientist, Atom Computing, the panel will include representatives from sponsoring companies for Q&A and networking.
15:00-16:00 — How Quantum Technology is Transforming Industry Sectors
For end-users from industry sectors, such as finance, transportation, pharma, as well as university users.
16:00-17:00 — Full Stack Quantum Solutions by QCE22 Sponsors
For decision-makers from companies in the quantum ecosystem.
Sponsored by IBM Quantum
Mentors from IBM, Q-CTRL, Classiq, Microsoft, Atom Computing
Abstract: Students are invited to participate in a 90-minute breakfast session from 9:30 am to 11:00 am (Mountain Time), during which you may ask questions and gain advice from industry experts from a variety of companies. This is your opportunity to get expert advice on career next steps, career choices, and insights into working in the industry.
Denise Ruffner: Atom Computing, USA
Kristen Pudenz: Atom Computing, USA
Panelists:
Mickey McDonald – Atom Computing, [email protected]
Tom Loftus – Lockheed Martin, [email protected]
Emily Edwards – University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, [email protected]
Christian Madsen – AWS, [email protected]
Abstract: What does it take to get a job in quantum computing? How do I transition from another field into quantum computing? What jobs are available in quantum computing and how do I find them?
These are some of the questions members of this panel are asked regularly by students planning to enter the quantum workforce or professionals excited by the promise of quantum computing who want to be part of this exciting industry.
Join this panel of seasoned quantum computing veterans, all of whom have different educational backgrounds and experiences, as they discuss how they got into quantum, their experiences working at large companies and startups in the quantum industry, and the skills they view as necessary for establishing a career in the field. They will share their own stories about transitioning from academia to industry or from another field and provide important career advice.
In addition, you will learn the essential skills needed to write a compelling resume, discover resources to help you find the quantum computing job you want, and how to prepare for interviews. Most companies are looking for leaders and strong communicators and the panelists will demonstrate how to set yourself apart as a strong candidate skilled in both.
This panel is designed to provide attendees with a hands-on learning experience, resources for finding your dream job in quantum computing, the different career choices available, and interacting with industry veterans who are passionate about helping others get into quantum
computing.
Erik Garcell: Classiq Technologies, USA
Fred Chong: ColdQuanta and Univ. of Chicago, USA
Panelists:
TBA
Travis Humble: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA
Venkatesh Kannan: Irish Centre for High-End Computing, Ireland
Moderator:
Travis Humble, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Panelists:
Laura Schulz, Leibniz Supercomputing Center
David Rivas, Rigetti Computing
Ismael Faro, IBM
Mark Mattingley-Scott, Quantum Brilliance
Scott Pakin, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Tennin Yan: QunaSys, Japan
Shannon Whitlock: Univ. of Strasbourg, France
Soichiro Nishio: Kyoto University, Japan
Yunzhe Zheng: TU Delft, The Netherlands
Elena Yndurain: QunaSys, Japan
Panelists:
Tennin Yan, Qunasys
Shannon Whitlock, Univ. of Strasbourg
Soichiro Nishio, Kyoto University
Yunzhe Zheng, TU Delft
Abstract: Quantum computing applicability to chemistry is a growing promising field, with its capacity to apply quantum mechanical rules to analyze molecular behaviors at a particle level. The field is rapidly progressing with major developments happening all over the world towards algorithms and use cases. This panel will discuss QPARC’s international hackathon challenge that reunited the entire quantum computing ecosystem and almost 200 participants worldwide to propose innovative ways to improve quantum information and quantum computing chemistry algorithms. The finalists presented their proposals to QPARC, a Quantum Practical Application Research Consortium with more than 50 industry companies that focuses on exploring quantum computing applicability, learning, and keeping up to date. The discussion will focus on how to motivate to explore new ideas to improve the quantum computing field, explain the winning ideas and explain the criteria to short-list and select proposals.
Denise Ruffner: Atom Computing, USA
Kristen Pudenz: Atom Computing, USA
Panelists:
Ben Bloom – Atom Computing, [email protected]
Dani Couger – Lockheed Martin, [email protected]
Carmen Palacios-Berraquero – Nu Quantum, [email protected]
Phil Makotyn, CU Boulder, [email protected]
Michael Brett – AWS, [email protected]
Abstract: Analysts, business and trade publications, and even mainstream media are increasingly publishing articles or blogs on new advancements, products, or commercial applications for quantum computing. This coverage along with the rapid growth of the quantum industry and other factors are prompting companies to research and explore quantum computing and its applications.
Members of this panel are often asked by companies across industries about quantum computing and when and how to incorporate this disruptive technology.
There are numerous considerations, including the type of products and service the company offers, how it wants to use quantum, if it wants to stand up an internal quantum team or whether it is seeking a quantum-enabled solution to a specific operational or research problem.
This panel features experts in the field of quantum computing with deep experience working and collaborating with companies and organizations at various stages of their quantum journey.
Panel members will provide valuable insight, information, tools and resources for companies and organizations that are asking when and how they should incorporate quantum technology into their roadmaps.
Attendees will learn more about potential partnerships and hardware platforms enabling advanced quantum technical development.
Tom Markham: Quantinuum, USA
Matthew Blain: Quantinuum, USA
Moderator:
Dr. Bob Horning — Sr. Technical Manager for Wafer Fabrication, Quantinuum
Panelists:
Prof. Michael J. Biercuk — Prof. of Quantum Physics, Quantum Technology, University of Sydney; CEO and Founder, Q-CTRL
Dr. Ted Letavic — Corporate Fellow, Global Foundries
Dr. Michael Geiselmann — Co-founder and managing director, Ligentec
Dr. Steve Kosier — Chief Technical Officer, Skywater Technology
Dr. Celia Merzbacher — Executive director of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C) at SRI International
Dr. Daniel Stick — Distinguished Member of Technical Staff, Sandia National Laboratories
Dr. Charles Tahan — Director – National Quantum Coordination Office (NQCO), White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP)
Tom Markham: Quantinuum, USA
Natalie Brown: Quantinuum, USA
Ciaran Ryan-Anderson: Quantinuum, USA
Moderator:
Ken Brown, Duke University
Panelists:
Ciaran Ryan-Anderson, Quantinuum
Mercedes Gimeno-Segovia, PsiQuantum
Michael Beverland, Microsoft
Adam Zalcman, Google
Abstract: The community has long recognized the need for logical computation to suppress errors rates low enough to support complex algorithms providing commercial value. Progress in increasing qubit count and quantum error correction algorithms leads to questions of how architectures should be designed for processing logical qubits. Logical qubits imply different connectivity patterns among the physical qubits than the physical circuit diagrams used with purely physical circuits. The quantum error correction algorithms typically rely upon classical computations which must be performed before certain quantum processes are completed. Is an architecture designed for processing physical qubits optimal for processing logical qubits? The sources of error depend upon the qubit technology which in turn influences error correction approaches. Much of the early quantum error correction work consisted of architecture independent algorithms or tailored to specific hardware noise. What are the strengths and weaknesses of different error correction approaches? Are some error correction approaches optimal for one architecture and suboptimal for others? What can be learned when we compare architecture requirements for less than 100 physical qubits to architecture requirements for greater than 100 logical qubits? The panel will explore multiple approaches for implementing logical qubits and the opportunity for optimization of the underlying architecture.
The panel brings together thought leaders with backgrounds in superconducting, Majorana, trapped ions and photonic qubits. Panelists will present their diverse perspectives and emerging approaches.
Raouf Dridi: Quantum Computing, Inc., Canada
Lorenzo Leandro: Quantum Machines, Denmark
Steve Reinhardt: Quantum Machines, USA
Abstract: Application developers for quantum computers are being pulled in at least two directions – to delve into lower-level programming details in order to deliver quantum advantage as soon as practical, and to hew to higher-level programming models to scale up quantum application development once quantum advantage is proven. In this panel we focus on pulse-level programming, whereby an app developer provides not only the gates to accomplish a given quantum algorithm but also guides the lowering of those gates into the pulses sent to control a specific quantum processor (QPU). With our panel of experts in developing apps for early quantum processors, we will explore the use of pulse-level methods.
Jaikishen Jayesingha: Qblox, The Netherlands
Folkert de Vries: Qblox, The Netherlands
Niels Bultink: Qblox, The Netherlands
Moderator:
Folkert de Vries, Qblox, the Netherlands
Panelists:
Niels Bultink, Qblox, the Netherlands
Joaquin Chung, The University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory, USA
Ilia Khait, Entangled Networks, Canada
Abstract: A quantum internet aims to send quantum information, e.g., qubits, from one point to another over a large-distance network and enables quantum-communication applications that are not possible with the internet today. Current efforts by academia and industry investigate feasible frameworks that can support such applications, for example by connecting quantum nodes via a standard telecommunication line and a quantum link that is enhanced by quantum repeaters. Thus, building such networks is a multifold challenge, further including the development of quantum devices, hardware architecture and software stack. Several initiatives in the USA and in Europe have started collaborations that lay the foundations for a widely available quantum internet. In this panel, key researchers from these initiatives will discuss these layers, identify the main challenges, compare their solutions and point to a possible roadmap for the near and far future.
Anna Grasselino: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, USA
Simon Gustavsson: Atlantic Quantum, USA
Kasra Nowrouzi: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, USA
Mark Kasperczyk: Zurich Instruments, Switzerland
Vikrant Mahajan: Zurich Instruments, USA
Edward Kluender: Zurich Instruments, USA
Moderator:
Mark Kasperczyk, Zurich Instruments
Panelists:
Silvia Zorzetti, Fermilab
Simon Gustavsson, Atlantic Quantum and MIT
Kasra Nowrouzi, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Abstract: Compared to general-purpose control electronics, tailored, application-specific control electronics offers a route to combine high performance with the best value for the customer. Yet even within the circuit QED/superconducting qubit community, different types of superconducting qubits with diverging requirements are gearing up to scale to qubit numbers beyond 100–and it is not at all obvious which ones are here to stay. To be able to focus their resources on the development of the quantum hardware and full-stack development, many players are looking for commercial solutions to speed up their progress. This poses a challenge to general control electronics providers, as they need to fully support different sets of specialized requirements while keeping the price per channel low. In this panel, we would like to have an open discussion about the challenges and opportunities regarding this topic.
The diverse background and interests of our panelists will not only lead to interesting discussions around such questions, but will hopefully produce new insights and help identify synergies in the community.
Lorenzo Leandro: Quantum Machines, Denmark
Yonatan Cohen: Quantum Machines, Israel
Moderator:
Lorenzo Leandro, Quantum Machines
Panelists:
Mark Saffman, Cold Quanta and Univ. of Wisconsin Madison
Chris Monroe, IonQ and Duke University
Evan Jeffrey, Google
Carmen Almudever, Tech Univ. of Valencia
Yonatan Cohen, Quantum Machines
Abstract: The many proposed applications of a practical quantum computer require scaling up the number of useful qubits, among other metrics. Although quantum processors have already exceeded the hundred-qubit mark, the community anticipates the need for QPUs with thousands of qubits for practical NISQ applications and even millions of qubits for fault-tolerant quantum computation. Such ambitious plans pose an immediate question: how do we build a quantum controller capable of handling 1000 or more qubits?
This panel will discuss the key challenges of a scalable quantum control system aiming at a practical quantum computer – from the low-level requirements of, e.g., latency and channel density to the more high-level considerations of the necessary capabilities of a quantum controller. Our panelists will freely examine ideas and ponder over the ideal controller architecture and the requirements for scaling it up. During this discussion, we will cover today’s needs in state-of-art quantum labs as well as the vision for the future of quantum control. This future may include a multi-instruments approach, application-specific chips, or a more generic and compact architecture. During the session, the top minds in the quantum field will share their visions of what control architectures will look like in the future and what they believe is critical to getting there.
Kallie Ferguson: IBM Quantum, USA
Setareh Derakhshandeh: IBM Quantum, USA
Natalie Brown: Quantinuum, USA
Panelists:
Caroline Figgatt (she/her/hers), Quantinuum
Ana Maria Rey (she/her/hers), JILA
Cassandra Granade (she/they), Microsoft
Kaelyn Ferris (she/her/hers), IBM and Ohio University
Liz Argueta (she/her/hers), Quantinuum
Victor A. Rodriguez-Toro (he/him/his), IBM
Tammie Boarders (she/her/hers), Quantinuum
Ani Nersysian (she/her/hers), Google Quantum AI
Abstract: The goal of this panel is to highlight the lack of diversity, equality and inclusion within the quantum field and call out the importance of fostering a diverse quantum community while welcoming all members to be their authentic selves. This panel is intended for a broad audience and represents a wide range of underrepresented perspectives and experiences, including different stages in careers, professions, race, gender identity and nationality. We will discuss the challenges our panelists faced, how they’ll be able to grow, what inspires them as members of the quantum community and what changes will make quantum computing more welcoming to people from all backgrounds. Specific questions may focus on what it’s like to be from a traditionally underrepresented background and work in this field, plus code switching, imposter syndrome and more. The growth and proliferation of quantum computing has relied upon a variety of perspectives across fields, from computer science to semiconductor physics. Therefore, it should be clear to physicists how important human diversity is to the success of this field, such as gender identity, ethnicity, and disability status. We hope participants will leave this panel with concrete ways to talk their own institutions about how to foster a diverse quantum computing community.
Moderator:
André M. König, OneQuantum
Panelists:
Carmen Palacios-Berraquero, Nu Quantum
Niels Bultink, QBlox
Simon Gustavsson, Atlantic Quantum and MIT
Tennin Yan, Qunasys
Abstract: The news around Quantum Tech startups is dominated by large deals – firms going public, raising hundreds of millions in venture capital and making deals with large strategic partners.
In this panel we will take a look at how several founders/CEOs of highly respected and successful Quantum Tech startups did it without any of that. We will hear their stories from idea to startup and first customers, learn their lessons on how to start, position, pivot and lead a venture in quantum tech and get their thoughts on the future of the startup ecosystem in quantum.
Our goal is to give our audience actionable tips and insights into how to think about quantum tech startups, whether you wish to start, join or assess one.