PUZZLE X Quantum Assembly in Barcelona: A Milestone in Quantum Collaboration
Insider Brief
- PUZZLE X, a forum on Exponential Technologies, hosted the first-ever Quantum Assembly at Barcelona recently.
- Zina Cinker, PUZZLE X
Chief Creator, led the “Quantum Key Stakeholder Assembly,” to provide a platform for discussing key topics relevant to the United Nations. - The event was organized in partnership with the executive committee of the International Year of Quantum.
PRESS RELEASE — The city of Barcelona witnessed a historic gathering, as PUZZLE X, the renowned forum on Exponential Technologies, hosted the first-ever Quantum Assembly. Organized in partnership with the executive committee of the International Year of Quantum (IYQ2025), this assembly marked a significant step towards the proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Science and Technologies. A demarcation point that will keep the excitement of quantum technologies as its theoretical promises still are being explored.
PUZZLE X: Fostering Global Quantum Dialogue
PUZZLE X, an annual event in Barcelona, has taken the lead in bringing together global decision-makers and leaders in quantum technology. The one-day “Quantum Key Stakeholder Assembly,” spearheaded by Zina Cinker, PUZZLE X Chief Creator, provided a crucial platform for discussing key topics relevant to the United Nations, including UNICEF and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). The assembly aimed to present the collective voice and recommendations of the quantum ecosystem and industry, paving the way for the passing of the IYQ2025 technology and science day.
Ceremonial Signing: A Unified Commitment
The assembly concluded with a ceremonial signing of an open letter to the United Nations, urging the passing of the IYQ2025 resolution. Signed by over 300 global quantum leaders, including Nobel laureates Bill Phillips, Sir Kostya Novoselov, and other major stakeholders, the letter represents a unified commitment to advancing quantum technologies and eventually realizing their practical promises.
Key Sessions: Addressing Global Challenges
The assembly featured four closed-door sessions focusing on vital topics related to the United Nations and quantum technologies:
- Equitable Advances in Quantum: Discussions on country equity and the disparity in quantum readiness, public-private partnerships, and best-practice sharing among regions and stakeholders from academia to startups and national quantum centers.
- Narrowing the Quantum Divide: Tackling gender equity, educational gaps, and future talent and workforce development, the latter being one of the pressing challenges for enterprises to achieve quantum readiness.
- Quantum-Safe World: Exploring quantum secure communication and global readiness, preparing for the collegially named “Q-Day.”
- Towards the 2030 Agenda: Examining how quantum technologies can assist in reaching UN Sustainable Development Goals across its numerous practical applications from sensing and security to optimization and simulation.
Global Recommendations: Harmonizing Quantum Action
During the exclusive parts of the event, the assembly saw participants break out into six working groups, each tasked with creating actionable recommendations in their respective areas:
- Education & Literacy: This group emphasized revolutionizing teaching methods and promoting quantum literacy worldwide promoting a quantum-ready workforce.
- Communications: Focused on developing a cohesive narrative for quantum technology in communicating realistic expectations and roadmaps for the technology while building global support for its adoption.
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) & Climate Action: Proposed initiatives on using quantum technologies in environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation from fuel efficiency optimization to identifying higher performing materials in climate technologies.
- Arts & Culture: Explored integrating quantum concepts into arts to facilitate public engagement and understanding, striving to cement broad support for quantum potential.
- Policy & Governance: Delved into global coordination strategies, standardization efforts, and public access to accurate quantum information.
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation: Discussed enhancing education, improving access to infrastructure, establishing a global quantum supply chain, and nurturing a global culture of quantum innovation through close collaborations between research, industry and government.
Stakeholders formulated recommendations and discussed harmonized global actions that could contribute to these issues during the proposed UN-proclaimed Year of Quantum.
PUZZLE X 2023: A Convergence of Minds
PUZZLE X 2023, as part of this assembly, convened over 3000 stakeholders from 82 countries. The event featured eminent speakers like Sir Roger Penrose, Dr. Bill Phillips, Sir Kostya Novoselov, Sir Robin Saxby, Dr. Hiroshi Ishii, Nabil Alnuaim, and Dr. Chema Alonso. Their insights highlighted the impact of exponential technologies like quantum on industries, cities, and societies, kindling the promise and spark of quantum technologies.
Zina Cinker’s Vision: Uniting the Quantum World
Zina Cinker, reflecting on the success of the assembly, stated, “Organizing this was like solving a quantum puzzle – complex, but incredibly rewarding.” Her leadership has been instrumental in creating a platform for global quantum stakeholders to voice their aspirations and challenges.
Looking Ahead
The Quantum Assembly in Barcelona, under the auspices of PUZZLE X, represents a significant leap in the journey of the global quantum community. It stands as an inflection point of collective ambition, attempting to break barriers of migration and adoption and utilizing quantum technology as a tool for a more interconnected and equitable world. The assembly’s collaborative motivation and its recommendations set a foundation for a future where quantum technology is a catalyst for global progress and unity. Details for PUZZLE X 2024 will be announced in January 2024.