Advancing responsible quantum at QuIC’s QBC Summit

10th December 2025

Article by Alexia Yiannouli

The  QBC Summit took place from 26-27 November, hosted at CERN by QuIC (the European Quantum Industry Consortium). The event brought together the QuIC community to network and discuss key topics for advancing Europe’s leadership in quantum technologies. OQI was represented throughout several discussions exploring how quantum technologies could have the potential to drive real-world impact. 

Martin Gastal (OQI Partnerships and Capacity Building Lead) moderated a panel discussion exploring how quantum technologies could be used to tackle some of today’s most pressing global challenges. The panel included Sara Ibáñez (QUBIZ.team) and Elif Kiesow (Ethicqual), along with the winners of the QAI Ventures Hackathon, which took place in collaboration with OQI during Swiss Quantum Week, who presented their work on using quantum optimisation to accelerate drug discovery.

During the panel, discussions centered around exploring how quantum technologies could be used to address environmental issues, from biomedical applications to climate change. Panelists emphasised the progress already being made with advancing quantum technology, while also outlining what still needs to be done and how to further mitigate the risks.

Mira Wolf-Bauwens (OQI Senior Strategic Advisor, Governance and Responsible Computing) was a speaker in a panel exploring the role of science diplomacy in shaping the development of quantum technology.

Moderated by Thierry Botter (QuIC), the panel also featured Andrés Barreneche (OECD) and Claudia Reinprecht (Austrian Foreign Ministry). Together, they discussed prominent geopolitical and governance challenges surrounding quantum technologies, from concerns around dual use to the inequalities in global access, the need for anticipatory governance and role of concrete solutions such as the OQI. 

Mira shared how science diplomacy can be used to bring together multiple stakeholders to promote equitable and responsible development of the technology. Reflecting on the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), she emphasised the need for sustained multilateral dialogue and responsible governance to ensure that the technology is developed equitably and inclusively for the common good.