qConnect 2025 Agenda & Speakers

1. From Superconducting to Superconfusing: Can You Speak Quantum?

What is quantum, really—and why does it matter? In this keynote, we explore the challenge of making quantum technologies understandable and accessible to non-experts. From foundational concepts to real-world relevance, the talk will address how we can better equip the public and businesses to engage with and benefit from the quantum future.

Keynote Speaker: Adam Bene Watts, Assistant Professor, University of Calgary

2. Crypt-O-Nomics: The City of Calgary's Journey to a Safer Future

Quantum-resistant encryption is no longer a future consideration; it’s a present-day necessity. As quantum computing advances, organizations must act now to protect critical information and ensure long-term data security. This panel explores how the City of Calgary is preparing for a post-quantum world, highlighting its proactive approach to safeguarding infrastructure and data.

Moderator: Jason Cameron, Program Manager, Experimentation & Storytelling Information Technology, City of Calgary 
Panelist: Philippe Barraud, Director, Numana
Panelist: Heling (Alex) Pu, Business Development Lead, Quantum Bridge

3. Power Trip: Can Quantum Help Us Keep the Lights On?

As energy grids become more complex, quantum computing offers a potential solution for optimizing power distribution and integrating renewable energy sources. But can quantum systems handle the growing demands of the global energy grid? How can quantum help balance energy supply and demand, prevent outages, and reduce waste?

Moderator: Anouk Kendall, President, Decentralised Energy Canada (DEC) 
Panelist: Brent Harris, Founder & Executive VP, Eguana Technologies
Panelist: Alexandre Choquette, Global Strategic Research Development, IBM Quantum
Panelist: Andrew Muir, Strategy & Transformation Director, Schneider Electric

Lunch and Networking Opportunity

Relax, refuel and meet fellow attendees.

4. The Cost of Inaction: Why Now Is the Time to Invest in Quantum

While the promise of quantum technologies continues to grow, the risks of delaying investment are becoming clearer. This panel will explore the strategic implications of inaction, highlighting how early adopters are gaining competitive advantages across sectors. From quantum-safe cybersecurity to breakthroughs in optimization and simulation, panelists will provide fact-based insights into the current state of the quantum market.

Moderator: David Yiptong, Manager, QAI Ventures Accelerator Calgary (powered by Quantum City) 
Panelist: Sheetal Mehta, Founder & CEO, UA Innovation Fund
Panelist: Emma Wong, Nuclear Principal Lead for Innovation, Quantum Technologies & International Engagement, EPRI

5. Global Lessons: What Canada Can Learn from Global Quantum Ecosystems

As countries around the world accelerate their quantum strategies, Canada must assess how to stay globally competitive. This panel brings together international and domestic experts to explore what’s working elsewhere and what Canada may be missing. From national policies to commercialization pathways, panelists will share insights into effective models and where Canada can strengthen its position. This session offers a candid look at how to translate global lessons into national impact.

Panelist: Francesco Bova, Chief Quantum Economist, CDL-Toronto

qConnect 2025 Mixer | An Evening of Innovation & Networking

Connect and collaborate with fellow qConnect attendees in a relaxed evening setting. Cash bar available.

Wednesday, November 5
5:00 – 7:00 PM
Bank & Baron P.U.B.

Join us here

1. "Are You Seeing This?" Will Quantum Sensing and Networking Save the World?

Quantum sensing and networking are poised to transform sectors from healthcare to national security, with applications like GPS-free navigation, brain imaging and environmental monitoring. But scaling these technologies requires more than scientific breakthroughs—it demands investment, infrastructure and talent. This panel will explore integration challenges such as entanglement, device scalability and the intersection with AI and data centres. It will highlight why Canada’s quantum industry must invest in sensing, networking and devices—or risk falling behind.

Moderator: Eric J. Henderson, Deputy Director, Quantum Internetworking (QUIN) Challenge Program, National Research Council of Canada 
Panelist: Jeff Salvail, Program Manager for Quantum R&D, Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC)
Panelist: Itzel Lucio Martinez, Head of Product, Quantized Technologies Inc.
Panelist: Mathieu Juan, Co-Founder, SilQ

2. Let's Get Entangled: International Collaboration + Export Control

The International Year of Quantum is an opportunity to deepen global partnerships. As quantum technology evolves, international trade and regulatory standards become increasingly complex. With many countries implementing strict export controls, how can companies navigate these constraints? How can policymakers align national interests with global objectives to foster a collaborative quantum ecosystem, and what are the risks of fragmented approaches?

Moderator: Mercedes Gilroy, Executive Producer, Coin Edge Consulting 
Panelist: Kathrin Spendier, Technical Prize Director, Quantum Applications, XPRIZE
Panelist: Catherine Lefebvre, Senior Advisor, Open Quantum Institute, GESDA
Panelist: Tina Dekker, Intellectual Property Lawyer, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG)

3. Are We Having Fun Yet? What Does This All Mean in the Real World?

Amid the uncertainty around quantum timelines, how do we keep stakeholders engaged and set realistic expectations? This keynote will unpack what it means to be quantum-ready and offer a clear call to action for attendees to translate quantum potential into real-world impact.

Closing Remarks & Reflections

Grab-and-Go Lunch