Conference Description
Key Takeaways
- Focuses on the software stack required to scale quantum networks from research to industrial deployment
- Features perspectives from major telecom operators including British Telecom and Deutsche Telekom
- Addresses integration challenges between quantum technologies and existing carrier-grade telecommunications infrastructure
- Designed for quantum researchers, network engineers, telecom operators, and technology strategists
About the Cisco Quantum Summit
The Cisco Quantum Summit is a bi-annual virtual event organized by Cisco Quantum Lab through Outshift by Cisco. The October 2026 edition carries the theme “Decoding the Quantum Network Software Stack: The Blueprint for Scalable Quantum Infrastructure.” The summit brings together experts from industry, academia, and government to discuss progress toward building the quantum internet.
The program includes keynote sessions, technical talks, and panel discussions led by industry and academic experts. British Telecom and Deutsche Telekom representatives contribute operator perspectives on the practical challenges of quantum network deployment.
Quantum Network Architecture and Software Stack
The summit concentrates on the architecture and software layers necessary to move quantum networking beyond laboratory environments. Sessions examine the software stack for quantum networks, exploring how these components must evolve to support scalable, interoperable infrastructure. The Cisco Universal Quantum Switch is among the technologies referenced in discussions of quantum network infrastructure.
A central theme is the industrialization of quantum networks, specifically the technical and operational requirements for integrating quantum technologies with existing carrier infrastructure. The event addresses interoperability challenges that arise when connecting quantum systems across different vendors and network environments.
Telecommunications Industry Context
Telecom operators face significant questions about how quantum networking will integrate with their existing infrastructure investments. The participation of British Telecom and Deutsche Telekom reflects the telecommunications industry’s active engagement with quantum network development. Sessions explore the intersection of quantum networking with carrier-grade telecommunications, examining both technical requirements and strategic considerations for operators evaluating quantum capabilities.
Who Should Attend
The summit targets professionals working at the intersection of quantum technologies and network infrastructure. Relevant roles include quantum researchers, network engineers, R&D architects, telecom operators, technology strategists, and senior IT leaders. The event suits decision-makers from telecommunications, networking, and advanced computing sectors, including senior managers, architects, scientists, and executives from both public and private organizations evaluating quantum network strategies.