Quantum Means Business @ CES 2026: Quantum, Optics, Sensors & AI Take Center Stage in Las Vegas
Quantum technology is stepping into the global spotlight—and at CES 2026, it’s making a statement. On Tuesday, January 6th, Quantum World Congress returns to Las Vegas to present Quantum Means Business, marking the second year of its partnership with the Consumer Electronics Show. After a standout inaugural program in 2025, QWC and CES are once again joining forces to demonstrate how quantum and its adjacent technologies are rapidly shifting from emerging research to real commercial transformation.
As quantum computing, next-generation optics, advanced sensors, and AI/ML converge, they are unlocking capabilities that only a few years ago felt out of reach. From finance and mobility to healthcare, defense, and manufacturing, these technologies are rewriting what’s possible—and accelerating entirely new commercial frontiers.
“Quantum is no longer a distant horizon—it’s becoming a foundational capability for every sector where precision, intelligence, and speed matter. Partnering with the Consumer Technology Association on CES for a second year allows us to bring the global quantum ecosystem into direct conversation with the broader technology world. That’s where breakthroughs become markets, and where ideas become deals.”
A Half-Day Deep Dive Into the Technologies That Are Redefining Industry
Quantum Computing Today: Beyond the Hype
9:00AM – 9:40AM | LVCC Main Hall
9:00AM – 9:10AM — Welcome from George Thomas, President & CEO, Connected DMV
George Thomas opens the program with a framing on quantum’s accelerating path to commercialization, the role of cross-sector collaboration, and why quantum belongs on the world’s biggest technology stage.
9:10AM – 9:40AM — Quantum Computing Today Panel
This session dives into the state of quantum computing in 2026: what’s real, what’s emerging, and what’s next. Industry leaders will provide an accessible overview of today’s quantum capabilities, separating hype from reality and clarifying what quantum computers can—and cannot—do.
Attendees will hear how early adopters are already using quantum to accelerate drug discovery, optimize supply chains and financial portfolios, improve materials science, and drive new efficiencies across industries. Panelists will also discuss the transition toward a hybrid future where quantum and classical systems work side-by-side, along with urgent topics such as post-quantum cryptography and quantum-safe preparations.
Quantum Is Here: Global Industry Challenge & Post-Quantum Cryptography
10:00AM – 10:40AM | LVCC Main Hall
10:00AM – 10:15AM — Global Industry Challenge 2026 Announcement
The Global Industry Challenge (GIC) returns with a major new cohort. This initiative brings together innovators, companies, and cross-disciplinary teams to solve high-value industry use cases using quantum and quantum-adjacent methods such as AI.
GIC is designed to accelerate practical implementation: finalists work directly with industry sponsors to develop solutions that meet real operational needs, with winners selected by the industry leaders who must deploy them.
10:15AM – 10:40AM — Charting the Path to Post-Quantum Cryptography Panel
Quantum computing’s cybersecurity implications remain one of the defining challenges of the next decade. As nation-states adopt “harvest now, decrypt later” strategies, global organizations must prepare for a world where current public-key cryptography can be broken.
Experts will explore:
The global PQC transition timeline
NIST’s 2024 cryptography standards
Federal mandates for PQC readiness
Complementary approaches such as quantum key distribution (QKD)
Sector-wide impacts across banking, healthcare, energy, and critical infrastructure
The scale is staggering: over 20 billion digital services worldwide will require upgrading or replacement. This panel will offer a clear roadmap for organizations preparing for the quantum threat landscape.
Quantum Is Now: Unprecedented Improvement in Precision & Sensitivity
11:00AM – 11:40AM | LVCC Main Hall
11:00AM – 11:05AM — Quantum: It’s Not Just Computers
A fast-paced primer on the other side of the quantum revolution—one already entering the marketplace.
11:05AM – 11:25AM — Quantum Is Now Panel
Quantum sensors, networks, and materials are delivering real-world performance far beyond classical limits. This session highlights devices already being deployed across:
Medical imaging & diagnostics
Environmental monitoring
Manufacturing
Navigation & GPS-denied environments
The Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C) will present its newest report on quantum sensing, offering insight into near-term commercial pathways, technology readiness levels, and challenges ahead. Companies at the forefront of sensing and quantum control will showcase devices and discuss their transition to market.
Confirmed Speakers for Quantum Means Business @ CES 2026
Additional speakers will be added as they are confirmed.
A Global Stage for a Global Technology Shift
CES has long been where the world comes to understand what’s next. By returning for a second year, Quantum World Congress continues to position quantum technologies alongside AI, robotics, mobility, energy systems, climate tech, and consumer innovation—demonstrating how deeply intertwined quantum has become with the broader technology ecosystem.
Quantum Means Business is built for enterprises, investors, policymakers, technologists, and ecosystem leaders seeking clear, actionable insight into what quantum can do now—and what decisions need to be made to stay competitive. To learn more, visit quantumworldcongress.com/ces-2026.