Quantum Communications in Europe
Building the next generation of European quantum technologies
- AXA Auditorium, Barcelona
- 5 June 2024
See you in...
About the event
Quantum Communications in Europe: Building the next generation of European Quantum Technologies is a premier gathering of experts, researchers, and industry leaders in the field of quantum communication technologies.
This event aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange to advance the development and deployment of European quantum technologies
Programme
Morning session:
- 8:30h – 9:00h Registration
- 9:00h Welcome words
Salvador Estevan Martínez (General Director of Digitalization and AI, Ministry of Digital Transformation and Public Function, Spanish Government) and Gustav Kalbe (Acting Director of Digital Excellence and Science Infrastructure, European Commission)
- 09:30h Keynote Talk – Niko Mohr (Expert Partner, McKinsey)
- 10:00h Europe and the international ecosystem
Chaired by Eleni Diamanti
- Gustav Kalbe, Acting Director of Digital Excellence and Science Infrastructure, European Commission
- Tanner Crowder, Senior Policy Advisor at White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
- Mikio Fujiwara, General Director of Quantum ICT Collaboration Center
10:45 – 11:15h Coffee break
- 11:15h QSNP Introduction – Valerio Pruneri (ICFO, QSNP coordinator) + Pillar Leaders
- 11:45h QIA Introduction – Stephanie Wehner (TUDelft/QuTech, QIA coordinator) + WP Leads
- 12:15h Open discussion – Synergies between QSNP and QIA projects
- 13:00h Qu-Test / Qu-Pilot – Gabriele Bulgarini & Mika Prunnila (Project coordinators)
13:30 – 14:30h Networking Lunch
Afternoon session:
- 14:30h Panel of start-ups – Start-ups in Quantum Communications
- 15:30h Flash talks
- 15:30h Innovation Group meeting (Meeting Room 2)
- Innovation-focused Workshops & Trainings:
- 16:30h Session on Intellectual Property – Pere Arqué Castells, Stream Leader at the EPO Observatory
17:15 – 17:30h Short coffee break
- 17:30 Session on standardization – Vicente Martín, Professor, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid
- 17:45h Technology Initiatives (Forum, deployment and commercialization)
- QIAFT – Vlora Rexhepi-van der Pol, Innovation Manager, QuTech/QIA
- QSNP technology deployment and commercialization – Hannes Hübel, Researcher, Austrian Institute of Technology
- 17:45h Technology Initiatives (Forum, deployment and commercialization)
- 18:15h Poster session
- 19:15h Closing words
19:30h Social dinner (Served at AXA auditorium hall)

Gustav Kalbe
Acting Director, Acting Director Digital Excellence and Science Infrastructure, European Comission
Dr. Gustav Kalbe, with a PhD in Physics from Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium, began his career in photonic networks before joining the European Commission in 1998. Over the years, he managed research projects in quantum technologies, photonics, microelectronics and cybersecurity. In 2014, he became Head of Unit for Administration & Finance, and as of 2016 leading the High Performance Computing and Quantum Technology unit. By 2018, he spearheaded the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking, serving as Interim Executive Director. Appointed Acting Director in 2022 he is responsible among other things for the quantum technologies policies of the Commission encompassing the research, development and deployment of quantum communication networks, and building the manufacturing capabilities of quantum chips in the EU.

Niko Mohr
Expert Partner, McKinsey
Niko is a senior Expert Partner with McKinsey Digital in Germany and the global IoT and quantum technology communities. He has extensive consulting experience, helping senior executives navigate digital ecosystems like smart mobility, connected buildings, and Industry 4.0. Niko specializes in corporate strategy, IT transformation, and organizational development across various industries, including telecommunications, media, automotive, and manufacturing. Notable projects include guiding quantum computing business models and digital strategies for global tech companies. A recognized expert in digital transformation and quantum technologies, Niko is an honorary professor at the University of Regensburg and has taught international business strategy at the University of Georgia.

Gabrielle Bulgarini
Coordinator of Qu-Test, Project Manager, TNO
Gabriele started his journey in quantum technologies with a PhD at TU Delft on semiconductor non-classical light sources in photonics nanostructures. In 2014, he joined Single Quantum where he contributed to establishing the company. Since 2019, Gabriele is Program Manager for quantum technologies at TNO and is coordinator of the European project Qu-Test that aims to establish the first network of distributed testbeds for quantum devices and systems.

Tanner Crowder
Senior Policy Advisor, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
Tanner Crowder is a Senior Policy Advisor in the National Quantum Coordination Office where he leads activities around the economic and national security implications of QIS and access to quantum-related R&D, as well as industrial engagement. He is currently on detail from the Naval Research Laboratory, where he is a Research Mathematician and has served as PI on several QIS projects addressing challenges in error characterization and correction and performance analysis of quantum information processing systems. Tanner earned a B.S. in Mathematics and Physics from The College of William and Mary (2008) and a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Howard University (2013).

Mikio Fujiwara
General Director, Quantum ICT Collaboration Center
Gabriele started his journey in quantum technologies with a PhD at TU Delft on semiconductor non-classical light sources in photonics nanostructures. In 2014, he joined Single Quantum where he contributed to establishing the company. Since 2019, Gabriele is Program Manager for quantum technologies at TNO and is coordinator of the European project Qu-Test that aims to establish the first network of distributed testbeds for quantum devices and systems.

Gina Tost
Secretary of Digital Policies, Government of Catalonia
Born in Barcelona (Barcelonès) in 1985. She has a degree in Electronic Art and Digital Design from the ESDi-School of Design, Ramon Llull University. An experienced journalist and communicator, she has built her career in technology, mobile apps, start-ups and videogames. Co-founder and CEO of the tech firm and app promotion platform Geenapp, featured in Wired Magazine as “one of the 100 best start-ups of 2015”. She has led several businesses, departments and technological initiatives. She has directed the European subsidiary of the Asia-based company IGG and the digital content department at publishing house EDEBÉ. Her most public role has been in the media. She has contributed to several national and international media outlets including the programme Generació Digital on Catalunya Ràdio and TV3 and the Sunday supplement of newspaper Ara. She has also worked for TV networks, newspapers, websites and radio stations all over the world including in Spain, Latin America and Japan. She has taught at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) and at the Tecnocampus in Mataró, among others, and is co-author of the book Vida Extra (Extra Life), published by Columna (in Catalan) and Grijalbo (in Spanish).
FAQ
AXA Auditorium is conveniently located at L’Illa Mall (Av. Diagonal, 547, Les Corts, 08029 Barcelona), close to the Tram station “L’Illa”. It is also easily accessible within a 10-minute walk from the “L3 Les Corts” metro station. Additionally, several bus routes (7, 59, 63, 67) serve the area, providing further accessibility options for attendees.
In our effort to prioritize environmental sustainability, we kindly encourage attendees to use public transportation whenever available. Your cooperation in this regard is greatly appreciated. Thank you for helping us reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a more eco-friendly event.
Find all the information about tickets and fares here.
Find in this link the Barcelona map with hotels near AXA Auditorium.
For insights into dining options in Barcelona, we suggest checking out the Instagram account @bcnbyfood (run by QSNP’s communications manager). This account offers suggestions and reviews of restaurants, bars, and cafes across the city. Whether you’re craving authentic Catalan cuisine or international fare, they provide reliable guidance on the finest establishments for enjoying a delightful meal in Barcelona. Be sure to explore their recommendations!
Registration is only available to QSNP and QIA members at the moment. If you are part of these consortiums please check your email for the registration link. In case you haven’t received the invitation don’t hesitate to get it touch with the organisation (projectmanager@icfo.eu)
AXA Auditorium
Av. Diagonal, 547,
Les Corts, 08029 Barcelona