Quantum in the Quad 2026: From Lab to Frontline Support – Dual‑Use Quantum Innovation Showcase
Join Oxfordshire’s Regional Defence and Security Cluster (OBC RDSC) and the Oxfordshire Cybersecurity Cluster (OxCyber CIC) for an evening exploring the security implications of quantum technologies as they move from research labs into real applications. Part of OxTech Week 2026, this second edition of Quantum in the Quad spotlights real-world demonstrators, dual-use innovation, and the operational impact of quantum capabilities.
Quantum technology is reshaping the security landscape far beyond the familiar “cybersecurity-breaking” narrative. Advances in quantum sensing, timing, secure communications, navigation, and detection are starting to influence how we build, operate, and secure the systems our society depends on every day.
Quantum in the Quad 2026 brings together innovators, users, security practitioners, and researchers to explore how quantum capabilities are transitioning into practical security tools—and what this means for the future of the UK and society.
The programme includes talks by leading experts in the field, including:
Professor Ian Reid, Industry Professor of Adoption of Emerging Technologies at the University of Birmingham:
“Emerging quantum sensing, imaging and timing landscape, and the challenges of defence adoption”David Curry, CEO, Quantum Base Alpha:
“From Biosecurity to Combatting Disinformation: Quantum Computing Use Cases in National Resilience”Cassius Bandeen, Lead Cybersecurity Consultant, Avella Security:
“Quantum-Ready Security: Protecting National Infrastructure in a Post-Quantum World”
Format:
10-minute talk, followed by 5 minutes of Q&A for each speaker
Networking will follow, leading into a panel on “From Lab to Frontline – Deploying Quantum Capabilities for Security.”, featuring the above speakers, joined by Mirella Koleva, CEO of Quantopticon.
A candid conversation exploring:
• What defence users actually need from quantum technologies
• The practical, ethical, and strategic realities of deployment
• How to bridge TRL gaps for operational readiness
• The dual-use challenge: export controls, standards, and commercialisation
• Where quantum creates security advantage versus security risk
Why attend?
• A security-driven framing of quantum technologies
• Insights from real practitioners
• A platform spotlighting innovators ready for defence engagement
• Opportunities for cross-cluster collaboration between cyber, defence, and quantum communities
• A flagship moment for OxTech Week 2026
If you are working in security, cyber, R&D, innovation policy, or emerging tech, this event will give you a clear, grounded picture of the security impacts of quantum systems.
By signing up to this event, you agree to share your details with the OxTech Week team. This event is part of OxTech Week (26–29 May 2026), a citywide celebration of technology and innovation in Oxford, UK.
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