The International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP), in partnership with UNESCO, is pleased to announce the 4th session of the International Colloquia on Physics for Society, to be held on 20 October 2025 from 14:00 to 15:30 CEST in virtual format.

This session will explore the intersection of industry and the quantum world, showcasing how global companies and innovative start-ups are commercializing quantum technologies and integrating them into real-world applications. The colloquium will emphasize the role of industry–academia–policy collaboration in advancing quantum research, fostering sustainable development, and building a skilled workforce for the future.

The program will feature keynote presentations and a panel discussion with experts from across the globe, including representatives from Quantinuum (UK), IBM (USA), Microsoft (USA), QuSyn Technologies (India), and Estelle Inack (Cameroon, ICTP alumna and founder of a quantum start-up).

Discussion themes include:

  • Quantum Innovation for Sustainable Development
  • Start-ups as Catalysts of the Quantum Ecosystem
  • From Research Labs to Global Markets: Lessons from the Internet Revolution
  • Bridging Academia, Industry, and Policy
  • The Future Workforce and Ethical Frontiers

Agenda- Monday, 20 October, 14 to 15:30 PM CEST

  • 14:00-14:05 – Opening remarks

Ms Amal Kasry, Chief, Basic Sciences, Research, Innovation and Engineering Section, UNESCO

  • 14:05-14:15 – Colloquium series introduction

Dr Christine Darve, IUPAP & European Spallation Source, ERIC
Ms Jing Zhao, IYQ Coordinator, Basic Sciences, Research, Innovation and Engineering Section, UNESCO

  • 14:15-14:35 – Keynote presentations

Matthias Troyer, Microsoft
Urbasi Sinha, Raman Research Institute & QuSyn Technologies
14:35-15:15 – Panel discussions
Moderator: Dr Christine Darve, IUPAP & European Spallation Source, ERIC

Panelists:

Matthias Troyer, Microsoft (USA)
Urbasi Sinha, Raman Research Institute & QuSyn Technologies (India)
Sarah Sheldon, IBM (USA)
Mark Jackson, Quantinuum (UK)
Estelle Inack, yiyaniQ (Canada)
Yaseera Ismail, Stellenbosch University (South Africa)
Discussion Themes :

Quantum Innovation for Sustainable Development
Start-ups as Catalysts of the Quantum Ecosystem
From Research Labs to Global Markets: Lessons from the Internet Revolution
Bridging Academia, Industry, and Policy
The Future Workforce and Ethical Frontiers

  • 15:15-15:25 – Q&A session

Q&A with audience

  • 15:25-15:30 – Closing remarks

Prof. Silvina Ponce-Dawson, IUPAP & University of Buenos Aires

The event is part of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033) and the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ2025). As the only UN agency with a dedicated mandate in science, UNESCO is committed to closing the global divide in quantum research and inspiring future generations, particularly women in the Global South, to pursue careers in quantum science.

Register here.