EQTC 2024: Bringing Europe's quantum future together

With over 650 participants, the 2024 edition of the European Quantum Technologies Conference (EQTC 2024) again showed itself to be Europe's quantum event of the year. Taking place at the historic Culturgest in Lisbon from 17^th to 20^th November, EQTC 2024 brought together leaders from academia, industry and policy, presenting the latest developments in the field, and discussing Europe's strategy in the crucial domain of quantum technology.

EQTC 2024 featured groundbreaking demonstrations, including the first ever use of a quantum gravimeter to detect an underground archaeological structure, a live demo of quantum-secure communications through a submarine and a terrestrial cable, and many special sessions covering not just quantum technology itself but the vibrant ecosystem around it.

It was also the occasion for the EU inauguration of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, proclaimed by the UN for 2025, and the global launch of the Quantum Cities initiative.

The success of the event was a collective endeavour, and we express our gratitude to all who played a role: speakers, panellists, exhibitors, sponsors, participants, and organisers!

Feedback from the field

“ … Impressed with the number of attendants and diversity of participants. Enjoy being able to talk with policy makers and other industrial colleagues and supply and value chain. It is important to discuss innovation with all stakeholders for the future. Quantum future is European! We need to work together to make it happen. Quantum is Innovation. “

“Great gathering of the community. It is an interesting combination of science, planning and outreach.”

“EQTC 2024 is a good place to come and meet people from different fields of quantum and increase the knowledge in quantum …”

“What inspires me is to build technology that can be useful for society. Quantum future is transformative.”

“ … It’s a great networking event where you can meet people from the community working in the different quantum fields …. Quantum future is bright!"

"Very impressive to see the success and the first results that have been achieved: quantum gravimeters used to see archaeological remains in Lisbon and a Quantum Key Distribution link between two places in Lisbon."
Thierry Debuisschert, Thales and Quantum Coordination Board

"Very important to be at EQTC as QuIC aims to build a network of all the different actors of the quantum value chain. It is important to meet on a regular basis to exchange ideas. Cutting edge technology to bring impact."
Laure Le Bars, SAP and President of QuIC

"EQTC 2024 is a pivoting meeting to bring closer decision makers and stakeholders. Only if we have decisions based on the expertise and a common strategy based on the opinion and joint discussion across the whole community, we can be successful. Quantum future is crazy."
Tommaso Calarco, Quantum Coordination Network

Views from the organisers

"The Future for Quantum Technology will be brilliant if you see were we started more than 25 years ago and where we are now. 25 years ago, we were dreaming and understanding the principles and now we master them to exploit them to our advantage. The first products are coming ok the market and in the next 5 five years when they get adopted by the other markets, we will see the huge change it will make in everyday life."
Gustav Kalbe, European Commission

"When it was decided by the EC to make EQTC an annual event, time was short to act, and we in QUCATS decided to take it in charge. This was not an easy task, but the PQI team was up to the challenge, and they deserve thanks and recognition for this achievement. It is clear for all participants that the conference has been a great success, and has reached its goal of being a forum where all the stakeholders of European quantum technologies can exchange ideas and make progress. We are now looking forward to EQTC 2025!"
Philippe Grangier, coordinator of the Quantum Flagship CSA 'QUCATS'

"It was a great pleasure and honour to host EQTC 2024 in Lisbon, and welcome a record number of participants! I believe EQTC really contributed to bring the community closer together, in all its different dimensions, in a moment when, more than ever, we must continue to build an inclusive and collaborative quantum future for the EU, always based on excellence. Furthermore, EQTC was also the occasion to inaugurate the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology in the EU. Quantum future is exciting!"
Yasser Omar, IST and PQI

Insightful sessions

Bias Busters: Unconscious Bias Training Workshop

A workshop given by Science Melting Pot provided tools to address unconscious bias, starting with an interactive theatre performance and followed by a participatory exercise using the “Six Thinking Hats” method. Participants gained strategies for fostering inclusivity in teamwork and decision-making.

Quantum Finance Lab, hosted by EIB Advisory

The 4th Quantum Finance Lab, organised as part of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Advisory Services, provided valuable insights into EU financing products specifically tailored for European quantum companies. Participants had the opportunity to engage directly with EU product advisors and hear first-hand experiences from successful recipients of these financing solutions. The event also offered excellent networking opportunities, bringing together industry peers and experts. As one attendee remarked, “It was great to meet the investees and the ecosystem players that are instrumental to make this industry a success.”

Ethics and Disruptions of Quantum Technologies

This session examined how quantum technologies might disrupt society and discussed ethical responses. For example, the security of digital communication could be compromised as quantum computing advances, with post-quantum cryptography emerging as an ethical response to this challenge. During the panel, experts explored other societal disruptions that quantum technologies might cause and possible responses to address them.

EQTC 2024 Video

Watch the wrap-up movie of the event to get an impression of our inspiring event or just to remember the experiences shared and connections made. We express our gratitude to all who played a role: speakers, exhibitors, attendees, sponsors, and organisers!

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