Announcing the winners of the 2024 quantum leadership awards
Tysons, VA —Today, Quantum World Congress is proud to announce the winners of the inaugural Quantum Leadership Awards, celebrating visionary individuals and organizations driving transformative advancements in quantum science and technology. The contributions of these leaders are reshaping industries such as energy, manufacturing, national security, communications, life sciences, and more.
This year’s award recipients, recognized for their pioneering contributions in quantum, include:
2024 Industry Pioneer in Quantum:
Dr. Jay Gambetta, IBM
Dr. Gambetta is recognized for his research in the field of quantum information science. Under his leadership, IBM has deployed the world’s largest fleet of utility-scale quantum computers, which are able to run quantum circuits outside of exact simulation. These systems are available globally through the cloud or co-located at client sites and are used by IBM’s worldwide network of 600,000+ users from more than 250 clients. Over the past eight years, Dr. Gambetta’s team has deployed over 70 quantum computers of increasingly improved scale and performance, ensuring IBM’s ecosystem has access to the most performant quantum computers as the company works with its partners to push towards quantum advantage. Dr. Gambetta also led his team’s efforts to create and expand Qiskit, the world’s most performant quantum software, and has been the driving force behind IBM's acceleration of quantum solutions toward real-world applications with clients across several industries.
2024 Government Pioneer in Quantum:
Dr. Cathy Foley, Office of the Chief Scientist, Australia
Dr. Foley is recognized for her scientific excellence, her visionary leadership and her collaborative spirit in advocating and advancing quantum research and technology. Dr. Foley has been at the forefront of developing sensing technologies, which have revolutionized mineral exploration and other industrial applications. Dr. Foley has been a key advocate for integrating quantum technologies into national science and innovation agendas, ensuring sustained investment and focus in this cutting-edge field. Dr. Foley is an inspiration to women in STEM across the globe and focused strongly on equality and diversity in the science sector.
2024 Academic Pioneer in Quantum:
Dr. Jungsang Kim, Duke University
Dr. Kim is recognized for his research in the field of quantum optics and trapped ion systems. Dr. Kim’s contributions include the introduction of modular fault-tolerant quantum computer architecture based on trapped ions, methods for compiling quantum circuits to reduce gate count, and a software-defined quantum computer. Dr. Kim is also recognized for his work in advancing collaboration between academia and industry, as well as his contributions to the commercialization of quantum as a co-founder of IonQ, the first publicly traded, pure-play quantum computing company.
2024 Organization of the Year:
Quantum Delta NL
Quantum Delta NL is recognized for accelerating Quantum Technology developments in the Netherlands, building the Dutch Quantum workforce and ecosystem, and coordinating strategically at national and international levels. Quantum Delta NL is structured as a broad collaborative of knowledge institutes, companies and societal organizations. Quantum Delta NL is a founding member of the Quantum Accord and inspires other nations and regions to invest in quantum readiness.
The winners were announced at the Quantum Leadership Awards Ceremony, held on Tuesday, September 10, at 10:20 AM in the Main Theatre at Capital One Hall during Quantum World Congress 2024. The event attracted U.S. and international leaders in quantum science and technology, showcasing cutting-edge advancements and fostering collaboration across the international quantum community.
“These awards highlight the exceptional work that is moving quantum technologies from the lab to the real-world. The contributions of this year’s honorees exemplify the spirit of innovation that is driving the quantum revolution,” said George Thomas, President of Connected DMV and Executive Director of the Potomac Quantum Innovation Center. “Their breakthroughs are not only advancing the field of quantum and quantum-adjacent fields, but also laying the groundwork for future technologies that will transform industries and improve lives.”
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About Quantum World Congress
Quantum World Congress is the premier global gathering that unites the world’s leading quantum innovators, industry leaders, and policymakers. It is dedicated to responsibly accelerating the development of quantum technologies and their integration into real-world applications. The event features keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, startup pitch competition, and exhibitions from top quantum experts and organizations across the globe.
This year’s Congress, held from September 9-11, 2024, at Capital One Hall in Tysons, VA, attracted a diverse array of participants from over 25 countries. Organizations such as IBM, Microsoft, Quantinuum and IonQ made major announcements, further advancing the global quantum ecosystem.
For more information, visit quantumworldcongress.com or follow us on social media at @qwcevent on X and Quantum World Congress on LinkedIn.