The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras is set to host the International Conference on Quantum Communication, Measurement & Computing (QCMC 2024) from Monday, August 26, 2024. This prestigious event will run for five days until August 30, 2024, and will take place at the IIT Madras Research Park. Notably, this marks the 16th Edition of the conference, but it is the first time it will be held in India.
The conference is being coordinated by the Center for Quantum Information, Communication, and Computing (CQuICC), a Center of Excellence at IIT Madras. This event is considered one of the most prestigious global forums for scientists and engineers in the interdisciplinary field of quantum information science and technology.
Established in 1990, the QCMC brings together global experts to share advancements in quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum cryptography, and quantum sensing. The conference will cover a wide range of topics, from foundational quantum theory to cutting-edge quantum technology applications. It will feature 18 invited talks from top global experts and leaders in quantum science and technologies, including Prof. Andreas Walraff (ETH Zurich), Prof. Mark Wilde (Cornell University), Prof. Urbasi Sinha (Raman Research Institute), and Prof. Karol Zyczkowski (Polish Academy of Sciences).
In addition to the invited talks, the conference will include 20 contributed talks and over 100 poster presentations by early-career researchers showcasing the latest innovations in quantum computing and communication. The event is sponsored by IIT Madras, Mphasis F1 Foundation, and KLA.
During the inaugural session on Monday, Dr. Ajai Chowdhury, Chairman of the Mission Governing Board, National Quantum Mission, delivered an address on ‘India’s National Quantum Mission.’ He highlighted the significant work being done in India in the field of quantum technology and the plans for the National Quantum Mission to support and promote quantum research and innovation in the country.
Dr. Chowdhury emphasized the importance of supporting start-ups in the quantum technology space and announced plans to provide grants to promising start-ups to help them grow and scale globally. Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, expressed his delight at hosting the Quantum Conference in India for the first time, emphasizing the potential of quantum technologies to address complex problems in various domains.
Prof. Mete Atature, Chair of the Steering Committee for QCMC 2024 from the University of Cambridge, UK, highlighted the conference’s tradition of bringing together experts from different disciplines to tackle challenging questions and advance quantum technologies. He noted the broad scope of the conference and its relevance in the context of the National Quantum Mission in India.
Some of the objectives of QCMC 2024 include facilitating cross-disciplinary collaboration, accelerating the translation of quantum research into practical applications, and fostering international partnerships to address global challenges in quantum technology. With representatives from 16 countries participating in the conference, QCMC 2024 promises to be a significant event in the field of quantum information science and technology.