Introduction to Quantum Computing
In recent years quantum computing has become one of the most talked-about technological promises yet it is still often misunderstood. This course will give you an introduction to the principles of quantum computing and related technologies with a view on finance.
In recent years quantum computing has become one of the most talked-about technological promises yet it is still often misunderstood. This course will give you an introduction to the principles of quantum computing and related technologies, combining ETH Zurich Quantum Lab visits where state-of-the-art quantum computing equipment with insights from professionals on the business ecosystem. In the second part the course takes a deeper dive into digital quantum computing with a view on finance, post quantum cryptography and finally into the quantum startup ecosystem.
Participants build a solid foundation in quantum computing and gain insights into emerging applications in finance and encryption, network with industry pioneers and decision-makers and develop actionable strategies for integrating quantum into their organization.
Coordination:
- Bastian Bergmann, FinsureTech Hub, ETH Zurich
- Philipp Kammerlander, 1q3 -- counting on qubits & FinsureTech Hub
- Anu Unnikrishnan, Quantum Center, ETH Zurich
Guest Speakers:
- Fabio Banfi, Zuehlke
- Chiara Decaroli, Oxford Ionics
- Moritz Kirste, Zurich Instruments
- Alexei Kondratyev, ADIA Lab Fellow & Visiting Professor, Imperial College London
- Cedric Membrez, UBS
- Simon-Philipp Merz, Applied Cryptography Group, ETH Zurich
- Benjamin Rothenberger, Zuehlke
- Martin Strahm, Roche
more
Structure:
- Block I: Quantum Computing: Introduction, Labs and Business Insights
Day 1: Thursday, 13 March 2025 & Day 2: Friday, 14 March 2025 - Block II: Machine Learning, Cryptography and Innovation Space
Day 3: Thursday, 10 April, 2025 & Day 4: Friday, 11 April, 2025
Please see for details on the Programme below
Who Should Attend?
- Technology leaders and innovators
- Finance and business professionals
- Entrepreneurs exploring opportunities in quantum
- Researchers transitioning to business-oriented roles
Fee:
- 2000 CHF, incl. Coffee Breaks (1700 CHF for ETH Alumni)
- external page Register here, (25 places available)
Certification: Upon completion of a short exercises, participants obtain a certification from ETH Zurich for the completion of the course.
Programme
Block I: Quantum Computing: Introduction, Labs and Business Insights
Day 1: Intro Quantum Computing & Lab Tours
Date: Thursday 13 March 2025, 9.15 am - 5pm, ETH Zurich, Campus Hönggerberg
About: This part provides an introduction to quantum computing, covering core concepts, software, and hardware fundamentals. Participants will gain insights into cutting-edge quantum technologies at ETH Zurich and within Switzerland’s thriving quantum ecosystem. The experience is enriched with exclusive lab tours at ETH Zurich, offering a firsthand look at pioneering research and applications in quantum science.
Day 2: Business Insights in Quantum
Date: Friday, 14 March, 9.15 am - 5pm, ETH Zurich, Main Campus
About: This part introduces business insights and business models within the quantum industry. Participants collaborate in teams to represent companies across the quantum stack and work together to develop innovative business models and actionable go-to-market strategies tailored to the quantum landscape.
Block II: Machine Learning, Cryptography and Innovation Space
Day 3: Optimization & Machine Learning
Date: Thursday, 10 April, 9.15 to 5pm, ETH Zurich, Main Campus
About: This part explores the application of digital quantum computing to complex financial optimization problems, including NP-hard portfolio optimization. It delves into quantum machine learning techniques, featuring quantum neural networks for credit approval classification and generative models like quantum circuit Born machines for synthetic market data generation.
Day 4: New Paradigms in Cryptography & Innovation Space
Date: Friday, 11 April 2025, 9.15 am - 5pm, ETH Zurich, Main Campus
About: This part covers cryptography in the quantum era. Shor‘s algorithm would allow a quantum computer to break the vast majority of cryptographic protocols used today. Even though quantum computers implementing Shor‘s algorithm are probably many years away, industry is starting to adapt to the threat today. The course addresses these topics by focusing on new paradigms in cryptography, such as post-quantum cryptography.
In the afternoon we continue with a deep dive into the dynamic startup ecosystem of quantum computing. Participants will connect with pioneering startups, gain insights from venture funds and industry leaders driving quantum innovation, and explore opportunities for partnerships and investment.
(soon)
