IQT The Hague Update: Martin Laforest, Managing Partner for Quantacet, is a 2024 Speaker
The April IQT The Hague conference will feature Martin Laforest, a Managing Partner at Quantacet and a quantum physicist who has dedicated his career to ensuring that quantum technologies have a disruptive yet positive impact on industry and society. Laforest’s varied roles in the quantum technology sector, from investment and strategy to incubation and advisory, make him a valuable speaker for the conference, especially for attendees interested in the commercialization and strategic development of quantum technologies.
Currently, as the managing partner for Quantacet, an early-stage quantum-focused investment fund, Laforest plays a critical role in identifying and supporting quantum technology startups with high potential for impact. His position as the director of Quantum Strategy for ACET, a Sherbrooke-based deep tech incubator, further demonstrates his commitment to nurturing quantum enterprises. ACET offers specific mentoring tailored to quantum startups’ unique challenges and opportunities.
Laforest also actively contributes to shaping national quantum initiatives. He serves as an advisor to Canada’s National Quantum Strategy, a board member for Quantum Industry Canada, and a technical advisor for deploying a quantum communication testbed in the province of Québec led by Numana. These roles underscore his influence in the Canadian quantum technology landscape and his quantum communication and policy expertise.
Before joining Sherbrooke’s quantum ecosystem, Laforest was the senior product manager for ISARA Corporation, a quantum-safe security company. This role provided him with practical experience in the commercialization of quantum technologies, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity.
Additionally, Laforest spent eight years at the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo, promoting the impacts of quantum technologies to students, governments, companies, and investors. His efforts in outreach and education have played a significant part in raising awareness and understanding of quantum technologies. He also received his Ph.D. from the University of Waterloo, further solidifying his academic credentials in the field.
At the IQT The Hague conference, Martin Laforest is expected to share insights from his extensive experience in fostering the growth and development of the quantum technology sector, using his work at Quantacet as an example. His presentation will likely cover strategies for nurturing quantum startups, insights into quantum investment and funding, and the broader implications of quantum technologies for industry and society.
IQT The Hague 2024 is the Netherlands’ fifth global conference and exhibition. The Hague is a Quantum Technology Event focusing on Quantum Networking and Quantum Security. Ten vertical topics encompassing more than 40-panel talks from over 100 speakers will provide attendees with a deep understanding of state-of-the-art developments of the future quantum internet and the current impact of quantum-safe technologies on cybersecurity and quantum computers.
The conference brings together corporate management, entrepreneurs, end users, technology providers, infrastructure partners, researchers, and investors working on current developments. IQT The Hague is organized by 3DR Holdings, IQT Research, QuTech, QIA (Quantum Internet Alliance), and Quantum Delta NL, who will bring leading organizations and professionals together in this important event. The April conference is “in-person” to ensure maximum networking and discussion at the Postillion Hotel & Convention Centre in The Hague.
