Quantum Innovation 2024 Successfully Concludes
October 2024
The International Symposium on Quantum Science, Technology, and Innovation 2024 (Quantum Innovation 2024) took place from October 21 to 23, 2024, at the sola city Conference Center in Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. Quantum Innovation 2024 brought together a diverse group of scientists, engineers, and other professionals to present and exchange groundbreaking ideas in quantum technology. Covering a wide range of topics ,including quantum computing, quantum sensing, quantum cryptography and communication, the event highlighted recent achievements and anticipated trends in the field.
With over 700 participants from Japan and abroad, including scientists, engineers, academicians, early-career researchers, industry representatives, and students, the symposium attracted active engagement from all attendees. The Organizing Committee, consisting of 42 members and chaired by Yoshinobu Baba (General Chair), along with Shigeru Yamashita, Akinari Yokoya, and Go Kato (Track Chairs), and François Le Gall, Tadashi Sakai, and Masahiro Takeoka (Vice Track Chairs), carefully curated a program covering the latest advances in quantum computing, sensing, cryptography, and communication. Renowned experts from around the world were invited to drive discussions and foster collaborations among researchers in quantum technology.
Aims of Quantum Innovation 2024
＊Addressing the state-of-the-art quantum technology
＊Exploring cooperation on research, application, education and social awareness on quantum technology
Scope of Quantum Innovation 2024
＊Highlights of the development of quantum technology,
- Quantum Computing
- Quantum Sensing
- Quantum Cryptography & Communication
＊ Development of Infrastructure for the progress of quantum technology
- Promotion of practical applications of quantum technology
- Development of human resources for quantum technology
- Promotion of international collaborations
Yoshinobu Baba
General Chair, Quantum Innovation 2024 Organizing Committee
Koichi Hamano
Vice-Minister, Secretary General, Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, Cabinet Office
Yoshimasa Hayashi
Parliamentary Association for Quantum Technology Promotion
Quantum Innovation 2024 was sponsored by four Japanese Government Ministries: the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) , as well as by RIKEN, the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), the National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), Osaka University, the University of Tokyo, Tohoku University, the Institute of Science Tokyo, the Tokai National Higher Education and Research System, and the Quantum Strategic Industry Alliance for Revolution (Q-STAR).
The opening of plenary sessions on October 21 featured welcoming remarks from Yoshinobu Baba, General Chair of the Quantum Innovation 2024 Organizing Committee, followed by speeches from Koichi Hamano, Vice-Minister and Secretary-General for Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy at the Cabinet Office, and Yoshimasa Hayashi of the Parliamentary Association for Quantum Technology Promotion. These plenaries provided insights into governmental policies on quantum science and technology, with delegates from Japan, Australia, Denmark, the EU, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, and the US sharing updates on their national quantum strategies. Keynote speakers included Sergio Cantu from QuEra and Vlatko Vedral from Oxford University.
The symposium also addressed the development of a global quantum ecosystem, with representatives from industry agencies in Japan, Canada, Europe, the US, and the UK discussing their activities and sharing perspectives on building a sustainable quantum ecosystem. Panels explored the fusion of quantum and AI technologies and the standardization of technologies for industry. The first day concluded with a networking reception.
On October 22 and 23, Quantum Innovation 2024 featured three specialized tracks: Quantum Computing, Quantum Sensing, and Quantum Cryptography and Communication. Sessions within each track provided in-depth insights into specific quantum technologies, including joint sessions with the 7th International Forum on Quantum Measurement and Sensing (IFQMS) as part of the Quantum Sensing Track. A special session, Materials for Future Quantum Information Technologies, was held on the morning of October 22. That afternoon, a poster session featured over 160 posters from young researchers, sparking lively discussions among participants. Eighteen outstanding presenters were recognized with Poster Presentation Awards for Young Researchers.
Following the success of Quantum Innovation 2024, the Organizing Committee has announced plans for Quantum Innovation 2025, to be chaired by Masahiro Kitagawa, JST Moonshot Goal 6 Program Director and professor at Osaka University. Planning for next year’s event will begin soon—see you next year!
(Honorific titles are omitted.)
