The Centre for Quantum Computing and Technology was launched on Friday 28 November 2025 by the Hon. Dr Nomalungelo Gina, Deputy Minister in the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSTI). The event was held in the MH Joosub Hall on UKZN’s Westville Campus.
Proceedings started soon after 10h00 with Prof Alan Matthews, CQCtec Deputy Director, as Master of Ceremonies. The event was officially opened by Ms Khomotso Mthimunye, Chair of UKZN Council, followed by opening remarks by Prof Anil Chuturgoon, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation. The first presentation was on the Vision for the Centre, by Prof Thomas Konrad, CQCtec Founding Director. Then followed the keynote address by the Deputy Minister, after which she officially launched the Centre by unveiling a plaque to commemorate the occasion.
Next was a talk by Dr Grégoire Ribordy, co-founder and CEO of Swiss-based IDQ, a company of USA-based IonQ, which is the world leader in quantum cybersecurity technology. Dr Ribordy spoke on Quantum Communication in Cities, following which he and Prof Nana Poku, Vice Chancellor of UKZN, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between their organisations. The final talk, titled “The Path to Quantum Advantage”, was by Dr Cristina Sanz of IBM Research, Engagement Lead for Quantum Innovation Centres in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Interspersed between the talks were musical interludes by Lu Dlamini and band, and Quantum Storytelling by the well-known media and arts personality Gcina Mhlophe. The event concluded with awards of prizes for a school art competition on the theme: “Celebrating the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology”, and a vote of thanks and concluding remarks by Prof Fhatuwani Mudau, Deputy Vice Chancellor for the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science. After the event all guests were treated to lunch. Later that day, CQCtec hosted a cocktail party at the Chairman, an artistically decorated venue in the city, where an exhibition of the school art was held on the following Sunday.
Words: Professor Alan Matthews
Images: Supplied