Dr. Stephanie Simmons to Inspire at UNESCO’s Quantum Science & Technology Opening
Photonic Inc., a pioneering leader in distributed quantum computing in silicon, has announced that Dr. Stephanie Simmons, the company’s Founder and Chief Quantum Officer, has been invited to speak at the Opening Ceremony of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ 2025). This prestigious event, organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), will take place on February 4-5, 2025, at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France. It will serve as a global gathering of experts, researchers, and leaders in quantum innovation, showcasing the transformative potential of quantum technologies across various sectors.
Dr. Simmons, a renowned figure in the quantum computing field, expressed her excitement about being part of such a significant occasion. “Being part of this inaugural event, marking the beginning of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology and celebrating the 100th anniversary of quantum mechanics, is truly a privilege,” she stated.
“This milestone offers an opportunity not only to reflect on the foundational discoveries that have shaped the field of quantum science but also to emphasize the vast potential of quantum technologies. At Photonic, we are proud to play a role in accelerating the timeline toward commercially viable quantum applications that will undoubtedly revolutionize industries across the globe.”
The United Nations’ designation of 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology underscores the critical role that quantum research and development will play in shaping the future. With its vast potential to drive innovation in fields like computing, communication, energy, and healthcare, quantum science is seen as a key enabler for tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges. This landmark year also serves as a call to action to raise awareness about quantum’s transformative capabilities while aligning efforts with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Microsoft, a key collaborator of Photonic Inc., is the primary sponsor of IYQ 2025. Together, Microsoft and Photonic are working to unlock the next stages of development in quantum networking and build the global quantum ecosystem. Their collaboration aims to provide the world with the next generation of quantum capabilities, propelling advancements in fields such as quantum computing, communications, and cryptography.
Dr. Krysta Svore, Principal Research Manager of Microsoft Quantum, will also be speaking at the opening event, further underscoring the significance of the collaboration between the two companies. Dr. Svore’s work at the cutting edge of quantum research will contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the potential and future of quantum technologies.
Dr. Simmons will be joining an esteemed panel of speakers, including Dr. Alain Aspect, a Nobel Laureate in Physics; Dr. Jian Wei Pan, a leading physicist at the University of Science and Technology of China; and Dr. Dave Smith, the National Technology Adviser representing the United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Science, Research, and Innovation.
Together, they will engage in a 50-minute discussion on the groundbreaking research and innovations that are pushing the boundaries of quantum science and shaping the future of quantum technologies. Dr. Simmons will bring her wealth of knowledge and expertise in scalable quantum computing to the table, providing valuable insights into the current state and future trajectory of quantum computing and its real-world applications.
The IYQ 2025 Opening Ceremony promises to be an exciting and engaging event, with a wide range of activities designed to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and networking. The event will feature keynote addresses from prominent thought leaders, panel discussions on critical issues facing the quantum community, art exhibits showcasing the intersection of art and quantum science, and ample opportunities for attendees to connect and engage with others working at the forefront of quantum innovation.
One of the key themes of the event will be exploring the immense potential of quantum technologies across various domains. From revolutionizing communication systems and computing power to enabling breakthroughs in drug discovery, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability, quantum holds the promise to impact nearly every aspect of modern life.
However, as with any transformative technology, quantum also raises important ethical questions that need to be addressed. The IYQ 2025 Opening Ceremony will also include discussions on the ethical considerations surrounding quantum technologies, ensuring that these innovations are developed and deployed in ways that benefit society as a whole.
As the global quantum community prepares for this monumental year, Dr. Simmons’ participation in the IYQ 2025 Opening Ceremony highlights Photonic Inc.’s commitment to advancing the field of quantum computing and contributing to the development of quantum technologies that will shape the future. By participating in this high-profile event, Dr. Simmons will help amplify the conversation about the role of quantum science in addressing global challenges while also showcasing the innovative work being done by Photonic and its partners.
Dr. Simmons’ leadership at Photonic Inc. is a testament to the company’s vision and ambition in the field of quantum computing. As a co-chair of Canada’s National Quantum Strategy advisory board, a representative to NATO on quantum issues, a Canadian Institute for Advanced Research Fellow in Quantum Information Science, and an Associate Professor at Simon Fraser University, Dr. Simmons is recognized as a leading voice in the global quantum community. Her contributions to the development of scalable quantum computing have earned her international acclaim, and her insights will be invaluable as the quantum community gathers at IYQ 2025 to chart the course for the next phase of quantum innovation.
In addition to the discussions on quantum science and technology, the IYQ 2025 Opening Ceremony will also provide a unique platform for networking among researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders in the quantum ecosystem. These interactions will help build the global quantum community, fostering collaboration and partnership that will drive the next wave of quantum advancements.
To learn more about the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology and the various events and initiatives planned for 2025, visit the official IYQ 2025 website at https://quantum2025.org. This website will provide updates on upcoming events, speakers, and other resources related to the celebration of this important year.
The IYQ 2025 Opening Ceremony is just the beginning of what promises to be a year of unprecedented innovation, collaboration, and discovery in the field of quantum science and technology. As Photonic Inc. continues to make strides in the development of quantum computing technologies, Dr. Simmons and her team are poised to play a key role in advancing the global quantum ecosystem. With the full backing of leading organizations like Microsoft, the future of quantum technologies looks brighter than ever, offering transformative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.
As the year unfolds, the quantum community will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, unlocking new possibilities and redefining the future of technology. For Dr. Simmons and Photonic Inc., the journey is just beginning, and the possibilities are limitless.
