France’s Sylvie Retailleau named 2025 Government Pioneer in quantum at QWC2025
Quantum World Congress (QWC) named Sylvie Retailleau, professor at Université Paris-Saclay, former French Minister of Higher Education and Research, and past President of Université Paris-Saclay, as the 2025 Government Pioneer in Quantum for her leadership shaping France’s national quantum strategy, channeling France 2030 investments, and forging milestone international accords.
During Retailleau’s tenure, France executed its National Quantum Strategy, a cornerstone of France 2030, mobilizing €1.8 billion in public-private commitments across quantum computing, communications, sensing, and post-quantum cryptography. She also elevated cross-border collaboration—most notably the U.S.–France Joint Statement on Cooperation in Quantum Information Science and Technology, signed in Washington, D.C. in 2022.
“Minister Retailleau exemplifies how smart policy unlocks scientific potential. Her stewardship—anchored in real technical fluency—helped France couple research excellence with industrial ambition and forge alliances that accelerate the entire quantum field.”
France’s quantum ecosystem has since expanded its research base and venture landscape, with strong startup fundraising momentum and flagship programs such as PROQCIMA to advance quantum prototypes. Retailleau’s technical background in quantum physics lent credibility and clarity to France’s leadership in Europe’s growing quantum sector.
The Quantum Leadership Awards honor people and organizations catalyzing measurable progress in quantum science and technology across commercialization, policy, research, and workforce. Awardees are recognized at Quantum World Congress 2025 (September 16–18, Capital One Hall, Tysons, VA). Past honorees include Dr. Cathy Foley (Government), Dr. Jay Gambetta (Industry), Dr. Jungsang Kim (Academic), and Quantum Delta NL (Organization).