Swiss Quantum Week, held from 13-19 October, brought together a diverse range of stakeholders from academia, industry, policymakers and the general public, to celebrate quantum advancements in Switzerland and grow the Swiss and global quantum ecosystems as part of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) 2025.

Throughout the week, events and activities took place across Switzerland, including the GESDA Summit from 15-17 October in the Science Gateway at CERN, gathering over 1,000 participants and more than 90 speakers on the theme of  “The Age of Possibilities: Science, Sovereignty and a Shared Future.” During the Summit, the global OQI community gathered for a series of workshops centered around OQI’s main activities.

In the Summit’s opening remarks, the importance of science anticipation was highlighted, featuring OQI as a leading example of putting science diplomacy and anticipation into practice. Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, Chairman of the Board of GESDA Directors, emphasised OQI’s role in shaping applications with the potential of transforming a range of fields, giving examples such as climate modelling and drug discovery, and stressing the need to proactively build frameworks before the technology is fully realised: “We should not wait for breakthroughs to land on our doorstep – we must build the frameworks today to use them for the good of humanity.”

OQI workshops

OQI use case workshop

The A1 community, exploring quantum computing use cases relevant to the SDGs, came together to exchange knowledge, share best practices and foster new multidisciplinary collaborations on applying quantum approaches to address computational problems aligning with the SDGs. During the workshop, some use case teams supported by OQI had the opportunity to present their work to the wider A1 community.

OQI methodology workshop

OQI has created a Framework to develop use cases from ideas to proof of concepts. During a dedicated methodology workshop, representatives from leading quantum hubs and organisations worldwide gathered to share their insights about exploring use cases to build regional and national quantum ecosystems. These contributions from representatives will be integrated into the Framework – further strengthening them and giving acknowledgement through endorsement.

OQI capacity building workshop

The OQI Educational Consortium came together to take part in an interactive workshop focused on how OQI can enhance the learning, collaboration and engagement experience of its hackathon participants and partners. The consortium explored best practices from pre-hackathon planning to post-event follow up, while fostering networking and collaboration within the OQI community and partners.

Throughout the GESDA Summit, two members of the winning team from the AIMS Quantathon had the opportunity to visit CERN and OQI and attend the events taking place during the week. During the capacity building workshop, Augustina Agyeman and Prince Dorcis, members of the AIMS Quantathon winning team, Qalaria, shared their first-hand experience of taking part in an OQI-supported hackathon, as well as reflecting on the process of developing a quantum computing solution aligning with the SDGs. It was their first time to visit Europe, and Augustina’s first time travelling – the OQI team were very pleased to have them visit CERN!

Science Diplomacy in Action

During a panel discussion exploring real-world applications of science diplomacy, Enrica Porcari Head of CERN IT and Strategic Advisor to OQI, presented OQI as an example of how science diplomacy is actively shaping international cooperation, governance and innovation of quantum computing. She highlighted CERN’s history of global collaboration and OQI’s commitment to the responsible development of quantum computing, stating: “As quantum technologies continue to shape science, industry and society, we have a responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind, that this technology is shaped inclusively and in a safe way.”

Looking beyond 2025

As the Summit drew to a close, Fabiola Gianotti, Director General of CERN, participated in a panel discussion on how to translate the momentum of the IYQ into inclusive infrastructure, effective global governance and tangible societal impact.

Fabiola emphasised CERN’s commitment to open science and highlighted CERN’s contribution to quantum technology through the Quantum Technology Initiative (QTI) and OQI, noting the importance of multistakeholder collaboration across research, diplomacy, industry and philanthropy to bridge the quantum divide.

The panel highlighted science diplomacy as being essential to guide emerging technologies, noting OQI’s mission as a promising model for guiding the future governance of developing technologies: “OQI is the paradigm of how we should be working today. To successfully address today’s global challenges, we have to work across borders across disciplines across sectors all together. I hope OQI will become a template in the future and pursue all facets of OQI’s mission.”

Panelists called for sustained efforts to ensure that quantum technology is developed equitable beyond the IYQ in 2025. The recently published Intelligence Report on Quantum Diplomacy in Action was outlined, building on the momentum of the IYQ and reflecting on the innovative partnerships created during the IYQ and OQI’s call to action at the start of the year – urging all actors to champion quantum  innovation centered on ethics, inclusion and the wellbeing of humanity beyond 2025. 

GenQ Hackathon

Swiss Quantum Week came to a close with the GenQ Hackathon, organised by QAI Ventures and hosted at CERN, with participation from OQI. The hackathon brought together global participants to develop innovative quantum solutions focused on addressing SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing.

From workshops to hackathons and panel discussions, the range of events across Swiss Quantum Week and the GESDA Summit highlight the growing quantum ecosystem in Switzerland and globally. At OQI, we are excited to be contributing to efforts towards developing equitable and inclusive quantum computing technology, extending beyond the IYQ in 2025 and thinking ahead to the future.