A recent conference in London gathered emerging leaders in quantum science and technology to discuss the future of the field. Held on November 5, 2025, at the Royal Institution, the event was part of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, organized by the Institute of Physics. The discussions highlighted not just the exciting advancements in quantum technology but also the pressing challenges that lie ahead.
During the two-day conference titled “Quantum Science and Technology: The First 100 Years; Our Quantum Future,” four speakers shared their insights on the opportunities and hurdles in the quantum sector. The panel included industry professionals such as Nicole Gillett from Riverlane and Muhammad Hamza Waseem from Quantinuum, as well as academics Mehul Malik from Heriot-Watt University and Sarah Alam Malik from University College London.
The speakers emphasized the necessity of cultivating a strong talent pipeline to ensure the quantum industry can meet its future demands. As the field rapidly evolves, educating the next generation is crucial for sustaining innovation. Gillett noted the importance of making quantum concepts accessible, particularly to students at the high school level, to foster interest in this complex area.
Gillett, a senior software engineer at Riverlane, focuses on quantum error correction, a critical component of developing fault-tolerant quantum computers. She explained that the fragility of quantum bits, or qubits, poses significant challenges. Riverlane is working on advanced methods to correct errors without disrupting the quantum states of devices, a crucial step toward practical quantum computing.
Malik, who leads the Beyond Binary Quantum Information research group, discussed the potential of quantum networks to revolutionize information distribution. He explained that these networks could connect smaller quantum processors to create larger, more powerful devices for both computing and communication. He highlighted that a quantum network already exists, linking banks in London, indicating the technology’s maturity.
Alam Malik is investigating the use of quantum computers to accelerate the search for dark matter and new physics. She is particularly interested in employing quantum algorithms to analyze particle-collision data more effectively. This could lead to groundbreaking discoveries in fundamental physics, transforming our understanding of the universe.
Waseem shared his journey from studying electrical engineering in Pakistan to exploring quantum physics at the University of Oxford. He is now working on natural-language processing applications for quantum computers at Quantinuum. He highlighted the potential of quantum technology to enhance AI capabilities, drawing parallels to existing innovations like ChatGPT.
Looking ahead, the panel members identified several key applications of quantum technology within the next decade. Gillett pointed to IBM’s ambition to develop a utility-scale quantum computer by 2030, which could fundamentally change what is achievable with quantum computing. Malik envisioned quantum networks facilitating long-distance communication, while Alam Malik emphasized quantum algorithms’ potential to advance our understanding of particle physics.
Despite the optimism, the speakers acknowledged significant challenges the quantum sector must navigate. Gillett underscored the importance of building a skilled workforce, stressing the need for workshops and educational programs to simplify complex quantum concepts for students.
Malik raised concerns over the potential for national protectionism to hinder international cooperation, which has historically been essential for scientific advancements. He urged for open collaboration to ensure that quantum technology benefits humanity as a whole.
Alam Malik cautioned against overhyping quantum technology, drawing lessons from the fluctuations in AI funding and interest. She emphasized the need for a balanced perspective as the sector develops, advocating for realistic expectations around its transformative potential.
Waseem pointed out that funding distribution between foundational research and application-focused studies remains a critical challenge. He highlighted the importance of supporting foundational research to avoid stagnation in technological advancement.
As the conversation shifted towards the environmental impact of quantum technology, Gillett mentioned ongoing research into minimizing energy consumption in quantum computing. Malik noted that advancements in quantum devices could lead to energy-efficient technologies, further enhancing the field’s sustainability.
The future of quantum technology looks promising, but it is clear that overcoming these challenges will require a concerted effort from both the academic and industrial sectors. As the panel concluded, the ongoing collaboration and dialogue among emerging leaders will be crucial in shaping the landscape of quantum science and technology in the years to come.
