Panel event with Fujitsu, Quantinuum, Oxford Instruments, and D-Wave to explore how quantum is being used to solve real-world problems today
Quantum technology is no longer confined to physics labs or academic journals. From optimizing global supply chains to simulating chemical reactions, quantum systems and infrastructure are increasingly being deployed to tackle practical challenges in fields as diverse as logistics, materials science, finance, and advanced computing.
A live webinar on Sept. 3 will bring together four leading companies at the center of this shift—Fujitsu, Quantinuum, Oxford Instruments, and D-Wave—for a moderated panel discussion titled “Exploring Real-World Use Cases in Quantum Technology.” The virtual event begins at 11 a.m. EST and is part of the official programming for the International Year of Quantum (IYQ), a global initiative celebrating progress in quantum science and its application.
The 60-minute session will feature a 45-minute panel discussion followed by a 10-minute live audience Q&A. Brian Lenahan, chair of the Quantum Strategy Institute, will serve as moderator.
Panelists will focus on how quantum technologies are being used commercially, offering insights into current deployments, technical challenges, and lessons learned from early-stage implementations. Speakers will also discuss how enabling infrastructure—such as quantum hardware, hybrid systems, and cryogenic technologies—supports this progress.
Each of the featured companies will highlight a different dimension of the quantum stack:
- Franco Severini, Chief Technology Officer – Banking, will share insights into quantum-inspired optimization and hybrid computing approaches already in use for scheduling, logistics, and other enterprise operations.
- Ilyas Khan Founder and Chief Product Officer Ilyas Khan of Quantinuum will speak as one of the pioneers of the quantum industry. Khan founded Cambridge Quantum in 2014 and was the founding CEO of Quantinuum, the company created as a result of the combination of Honeywell Quantum Solutions and Cambridge Quantum. As well as being Vice-Chairman of the board of directors, he is also the Chief Product Officer of Quantinuum and part of the executive leadership team of the company. He is the Leader in Residence at the University of Cambridge’s Judge Business School where he was instrumental in establishing the highly regarded Accelerate Cambridge program of investment in early-stage Cambridge-based deep-science technology sector companies. Ilyas was the inaugural Chairman of The Stephen Hawking Foundation, holding the post until 2019. He is also the founding Chairman (non-executive) of the Topos Institute. He is also a fellow of St Edmund’s College, Cambridge. Ilyas is recognised as one of the founders and leading voices in the quantum computing industry globally.
- Dr. John W Burgoyne, Head of Product and Marketing, of Oxford Instruments will speak to the enabling role of quantum infrastructure, particularly in advancing hardware readiness and scaling systems.
- Murray Thom, VP of Quantum Technology Evangelism, at D-Wave will present examples of quantum annealing being used to solve customer problems at commercial scale, from manufacturing to network design.
“This is not about speculative timelines anymore – we’re focusing on quantum tools making a difference in real-world workflows,” said Evan Kubes, President of Resonance.. “What we feel makes this discussion valuable is that it’s grounded in actual deployment. These are companies learning from experience, not just exploring possibilities.”
The panel is targeted at professionals across sectors – including enterprise technologists, industry decision-makers, researchers, and public sector leaders – who want to better understand how quantum is being integrated into existing systems and where it is gaining commercial traction.
Organizers say the event comes at a time when businesses and governments are increasingly asking what quantum can do now, not just in the long term. As funding grows and technical milestones are met, real-world use cases are emerging as a benchmark for both progress and promise.
The event is open to the public, and registration is expected to open following the companies’ confirmation of participant details on Aug. 1. The full agenda includes:
- 5 minutes – Welcome and Moderator Introduction
- 45 minutes – Panel Discussion: Real Use Cases Across the Quantum Stack
- 10 minutes – Live Audience Q&A
The webinar will be hosted virtually and requires advance registration. More information will be available through IYQ’s official communications channels and the participating companies’ websites.
The International Year of Quantum is a United Nations-recognized global celebration of quantum science and technology, featuring events, discussions, and educational initiatives throughout 2025.
Register here.
0 Comments