qConnect 2024

Thank you for joining us Oct. 2-3 at the Telus Convention Centre!

qConnect 2023 stage

Connecting quantum creators + users 

qConnect 2024 was a unique two-day summit in Calgary that connected quantum creators with prospective users of their technology. Included within the programming, inspiring presenters and panels explored potential applications of quantum technologies in health, energy, and sustainable cities.

qConnect 2024 offered a dynamic platform for industry leaders, government representatives, and stakeholders from around the world to converge and explore the transformative potential of quantum applications while engaging with quantum creators whose technologies disrupted - and improved - industries in the years ahead.

qConnect 2024 summit graphic with white lettering

qConnect 2024 Day 1 Agenda: Wednesday, October 2


Check-in, Networking Breakfast & Opening Remarks

Kick off the first day of qConnect 2024 with us! Enjoy a delightful breakfast followed by inspiring opening remarks.

Megan Lee, Managing Director, Quantum City 

ELI5 (Explain it to me like I'm 5): Quantum Science to Application

Martin Laforest, Managing Partner, Quantacet

The Role of Quantum Solutions in Creating Sustainable Communities

Nannette Ho-Covernton, Sustainability Leader, P.Eng.; Spartan Controls 
Catherine Lefebvre, Senior Advisor Open Quantum Institute, GESDA
Marc Lijour, Head of Innovation and Business Development | Financial Services Industry, EXAION
Murray Thom, Vice President Quantum Technology Evangelism, D-Wave

The Role of Quantum Solutions in Modern Energy for All

Ian Gates, Associate Vice-President (Research and Innovation); Professor, Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary 
Rafal Janik, COO, Xanadu
Rhonda Jewett, VP, Growth and Operations, Arcus Power
Bob Parney, IBM Global Lead for Quantum in Energy and Sustainability

The Role of Quantum Solutions in Human Health

Elica Kyoseva, Director of Quantum Algorithm Engineering, NVIDIA
Morten Bache, Scientific Director of Quantum and AI, Novo Nordisk Foundation
J. Wade Davis, VP of Computational Science and Head of Digital Research, Moderna
Matthew Rosen, Director, Low Field MRI and Hyperpolarized Media Laboratory, Co-Director, Center for Machine Learning, and  Associate Professor of Radiology, Mass General/Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging and Harvard Medical School

Incubators and Accelerators for Quantum Innovators

David Yiptong, Manager, QAI Accelerator (powered by Quantum City)  
Ezunial (Eze) Burts III, Director, Duality Quantum Startup Accelerator at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business
Sarah Jenna, Managing Director, QV Studio
Thomas Landis, COO, QAI Ventures 
Jake Malliaros, Quantum Stream Lead, Creative Destructive Lab

How Do We Set Up the Right Conditions for Success in the Quantum Ecosystem?

Martin Laforest, Managing Partner, Quantacet 
Alexandra Beckstein, CEO, QAI Ventures 
Elica Kyoseva, Director of Quantum Algorithm Engineering, NVIDIA
Kate Waimey Timmerman, CEO, Chicago Quantum Exchange

Reaping the quantum promise, in Alberta and Canada

Joanne Cuthbertson, Co-Founder, Quantum Horizons Alberta

Closing Remarks for Day 1

As we conclude the first day of qConnect 2024, join us for the closing remarks to reflect on today’s breakthroughs and connections, and set the stage for another day of quantum innovation tomorrow.

qConnect 2024 Day 2 Agenda: Thursday, October 3


Check-in, Networking Breakfast & Opening Remarks

Start your day with breakfast and inspiring opening remarks as we kick off the second day of qConnect 2024.

Megan Lee, Managing Director, Quantum City 

How are Global Enterprises Getting Ready to be Quantum Safe?

Ken Barker, Scientific Director – National Cybersecurity Consortium; Professor – University of Calgary
Mark Adcock, Systems Architect Consultant
Martin Charbonneau, Head Quantum-Safe Networks, Network Infrastructure Business Group, Nokia
Lily Chen, Mathematician, NIST Fellow
Alexander Rau, Partner, Canada’s Technology Risk Consulting (TRC) Advisory Practice, KPMG 

Inclusive Pathways Forward to Quantum in Society

Catherine Lefebvre, Senior Advisor Open Quantum Institute, GESDA
Tina Dekker, Associate, BLG
Greg Hart, Co-founder and Chief Design Officer, InceptionU
Ryan Mandelbaum, Editor in Chief, IBM Quantum

Fireside Chat

Christophe Jurczak, Managing Partner, Quantonation 
Barry Sanders, Professor and Scientific Director, Quantum City

Closing Remarks

Join us for the closing remarks and wrap-up of qConnect 2024 as we conclude two impactful days dedicated to exploring quantum technology and fostering connections between creators and users.

qConnect 2024 Exhibitors & Quantum Solutions Showcase

qConnect 2024 included two key opportunities to explore the quantum technology ecosystem: an Exhibitors Area, where select organizations showcased their work, and a dedicated Quantum Solutions Showcase, highlighting some of the most innovative companies in the quantum technology space. The Quantum Solutions Showcase featured Aqarios, Multiverse Computing, qBraid, QCentroid, Quantized Technologies Inc., softwareQ Inc and Mphasis

qConnect 2024 Frequently Asked Questions

Additional information for you to make the most of qConnect 2024

qConnect 2024 will run Wednesday, October 2 and Thursday, October 3, 2024. 

The venue is the Calgary Telus Convention Centre, (CTCC) located at 136 8 Ave SE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2G 0P3.  

The CTCC is approximately 20 km (12.2 miles) from the Calgary International Airport – about 25 minutes by car. There is paid parking onsite at the Convention Centre - Convention Centre Parkade (Lot 60) at 727 1 Street S.E. 
As an alternative to driving, the CTCC is easily reached by Calgary’s C-Train system and several major bus routes. For details, see Calgary Transit

qConnect is a unique two-day summit that connects quantum creators with prospective users of their technology. The focus is on quantum technology and how it can impact our world; the Summit does not focus on the quantum science behind the technology.  

 If you are quantum aware or quantum curious, you will find talks and speakers of interest. Included within the programming, inspiring presenters and panels will explore potential applications of quantum technologies in health, energy and sustainable cities.  

qConnect 2024 offers a dynamic platform for industry leaders, government representatives and stakeholders from around the world to converge and explore the transformative potential of quantum applications, while engaging with quantum creators whose technologies will disrupt - and improve - industries in the years ahead. 

qConnect is a 1.5-day Summit with a range of programming that includes individual speakers, panels, fireside chat, and use-case Showcases. Check the Quantum City website regularly for updates on the schedule and speakers.  

Buffet breakfasts, refreshments at breaks and lunch will be provided as part of your registration fee.  

No. The Summit will be held in-person only. Time for networking is built into the schedule, which is best maximized by attending in person.  

Refunds are not available. Please contact the Summit Producer for any questions. 

No. To ensure we have enough food for everyone, registration closed at 11:59 p.m. MT on Thursday, September 26, 2024. 

If something has changed since you registered, please email the Summit Producer to make arrangements as soon as possible. The Telus Convention Centre is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible site for all participants. Read more about their commitment here.  

The Marriott Calgary Downtown is adjacent to the Telus Convention Centre. A block of discounted rooms was available on a first come first served basis until September 5, 2024.
Other nearby hotels include: 
The Hyatt Regency Calgary – linked to the Telus Convention Centre 
The Fairmont Palliser – also linked to the Telus Convention Centre 

Volunteers are recruited from within Quantum City’s Trainee Community (QCTC). Additional information on the community can be found here

Given qConnect 2024 is not an academic or scientific gathering, there is no poster session planned within the program.  

Policies are in place to ensure a safe, comfortable and productive Summit for all attendees. You can view the policies here

If you feel there is a code of conduct violation or have any other concerns, please contact the Summit Producer or another member of the Quantum City team immediately. 

If we have not answered your question here, and you can’t find what you need elsewhere on the site, please contact the Summit Producer. Thank you for your interest in qConnect 2024: Connecting quantum creators + users. We look forward to connecting with you. 

qConnect 2024 Code of Conduct

Quantum City values the diversity of ideas, experiences and opinions reflected among participants. We are committed to providing a professional, friendly, safe and inclusive environment for all participants, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, religion or any other characteristic. This code of conduct is in place to ensure we can come together collaboratively and respectfully. All attendees, speakers, sponsors and volunteers are expected to read and abide by this code. 

qConnect 2023 Address from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Government of Canada