Explore the 2026 Program
Quantum World Congress is where global strategy meets real-world momentum. Across three days of plenaries, workshops, breakout tracks, startup showcases, national updates, and high-value networking, plus partner programming on September 22, QWC2026 brings together the people building, funding, governing, and scaling what comes next in quantum. Explore the schedule, find the conversations that matter most to you, and start planning your time in College Park.
Agenda Overview
Four days of global strategy, hands-on programming, breakthrough ideas, cross-sector collaboration, and the conversations shaping what comes next in quantum.
Start Exploring Before QWC Officially Begins
QWC week begins with partner programming across College Park and Washington, D.C., creating additional opportunities to explore quantum security, tour the region’s innovation ecosystem, and connect with international leaders.
Tuesday programming includes the invitation-only Post-Quantum Cryptography Summit, scheduled visits and open tours throughout the Discovery District, and the 4th Global Quantum Strategies Overview at the Embassy of Austria.
Additional partner events, tours, and programming will be announced as QWC2026 approaches.
Deep Dives, Global Dialogue & Emerging Ventures
The first official day kicks off with networking and the opening of the Exhibit Hall. The marquee morning session is the 5th annual International Quantum Forum, alongside bootcamps and workshops led by global experts.
Afternoon programming includes the 5th annual Quantum Startup Pitch Competition presented by Booz Allen, showcasing next-generation ventures at the convergence of quantum and AI.
The day concludes with an invitation-only VIP International Dinner and a Networking Happy Hour sponsored by Riverlane.
Leadership, Impact & the Ideas Moving Quantum Forward
Day two begins with networking and an invitation-only VIP breakfast hosted by IBM. Morning plenaries feature keynotes from leaders across industry, academia, government, and research.
A special Women Pioneers in Quantum Lunch highlights leadership and inclusion. Main Stage Keynotes and award recognitions continue after lunch.
Afternoon breakout tracks explore Commercialization & Scale, Industry & Impact, Innovation Showcase, Government & National Security, and Global Partnerships.
The day closes with the Opening Reception presented by Lockheed Martin and an invitation-only Nordic Side Event hosted at the Embassy of Norway.
Recognition, National Updates & the Road to QWC 2027
The final day begins with networking and an invitation-only VIP breakfast hosted by QuEra. Plenary programming continues throughout the morning with talks and keynotes from industry, academia, government, and research leaders.
The morning also includes the 3rd Quantum Leadership Awards. Following lunch, Main Stage Keynotes continue alongside National Quantum Updates delivered by global country leaders.
Afternoon breakout sessions return across Commercialization & Scale, Industry & Impact, Innovation Showcase, Government & National Security, and Global Partnerships.
QWC2026 concludes with a celebratory Closing Reception and space to reflect, connect, and begin building toward QWC2027.
Schedule at a Glance
Program details and timing are subject to change. Additional speakers, sessions, workshops, partner events, and registration information will be announced.
Tuesday, September 22
Post-Quantum Cryptography Summit
Before the Breach: Securing Critical Systems for the Next Cryptographic Era
A focused gathering exploring the operational, policy, and security challenges organizations face as they prepare critical systems for the post-quantum era.
Location: Top of the 7s at The Hotel at the University of Maryland
Registration coming soonDiscovery District Site Visits
Scheduled visits will take place during the morning, followed by open tours during the afternoon.
Explore the companies, research institutions, facilities, and innovation infrastructure powering College Park’s growing quantum and frontier-technology ecosystem.
Explore the Discovery District →4th Global Quantum Strategies Overview
Hosted by the Embassy of Austria and the Science Diplomacy Grid at the Embassy of Austria in Washington, D.C.
The gathering convenes leaders from academia, government, diplomacy, and industry to discuss developments in Quantum Information Science and Technology and foster new international collaborations.
- Doors open and registration at 4:30 PM
- Welcome by Ambassador Petra Schneebauer
- Presentation of Austria’s Quantum Strategy
- Introductory remarks ahead of Quantum World Congress
- International quantum-strategy flash talks
- Networking reception beginning at 7:00 PM
More Partner Events & Opportunities Coming Soon
Additional summits, site visits, tours, networking opportunities, and partner-led programming will be added as QWC2026 approaches.
Check back for new ways to begin connecting with the QWC community before the main Congress program opens on Wednesday.
Wednesday, September 23
Registration Opens
Exhibit Hall Opens
International Quantum Forum, Bootcamps & Workshops
Global dialogue, expert-led deep dives, and interactive programming across the quantum ecosystem.
Lunch
Bootcamps & Workshops
2026 Quantum Startup Pitch Competition
Finalist companies pitch live before investors, industry leaders, government partners, and the global quantum community.
VIP International Dinner
Embassy of Australia
Thursday, September 24
Registration Opens
VIP Breakfast Hosted by IBM
Exhibit Hall Opens
Plenary Sessions
Keynotes from industry, government, research, and academic leaders.
Women Pioneers in Quantum Lunch
Lunch
Main Stage Keynotes
Breakout Tracks
Nordic Side Event to QWC
Co-hosted by the Embassies of Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden.
Representatives from the Nordic delegations will join leaders from U.S. government, academia, and industry to explore advances in quantum research, development, and applications.
The program will feature a panel discussion with Nordic and U.S. leaders in quantum innovation, followed by brief flash talks from companies and research institutions.
Location: Embassy of Norway
Friday, September 25
Registration Opens
VIP Breakfast Hosted by QuEra
Exhibit Hall Opens
Plenary Sessions & Quantum Leadership Awards
Plenary programming continues with keynotes from industry, government, research, and academic leaders, followed by recognition of the 2026 Quantum Leadership Award recipients.
Lunch
VIP Lunch Hosted by Booz Allen
Main Stage Keynotes
National Quantum Updates
Country and ecosystem leaders share national progress, priorities, strategies, and opportunities for collaboration.
Breakout Tracks
We’re Looking for Voices that Push the Frontier.
QWC 2026 will feature programming across quantum computing, sensing, networking, communications, materials, security, commercialization, workforce development, federal strategy, investment, and adjacent deep-tech domains. If your work is pushing boundaries, QWC is the platform built to amplify it.
We welcome proposals from:
Apply to present at Quantum World Congress 2026
If you are submitting multiple sessions, then please complete a new form for each submission.
By submitting the form below, the presenter agrees that they will be responsible for covering all associated expenses, accommodations, and travel costs to attend if selected. We will collect submissions through April 30, 2026, and notify selected individuals over the summer.
If you have questions about Quantum World Congress 2025, please email our team at quantum@connecteddmv.org.