Web Summit Vancouver 2026 is one of North America’s largest and most influential technology conferences, designed to connect the next generation of founders with global investors, media, and tech leaders.
Chief Quantum Officer, Dr. Stephanie Simmons participated in a broad discussion of quantum’s potential applications and how it will leverage AI. AI transformed software—quantum will transform what’s possible. This session explores how AI, quantum computing, and real-world systems are converging into a new computing paradigm.
Joining Stephanie on the panel:
- David Carmona, VP of Discovery and Quantum
- Moderator: Amy Nordrum, Executive Editor, MIT Technology Review
🔹 Panel: From bits to qubits: The next computing stack
📍 Centre Stage
🗓️ May 12, 2026
🕓 12:30-12:50pm
Chief Product Officer, Dr. Paul Terry, spoke on two panels.
Panel #1. As AI continues to transform industries and quantum pushes the boundaries of what is possible, British Columbia is uniquely positioned at the intersection of both. This panel explores how collaboration across AI and quantum is driving new opportunities, and what it takes to turn that momentum into globally competitive companies.
Joining Paul on this panel in the BC Pavilion:
- Nicholas Ning, CEO of Farpoint
- Greg Mori, VP and RBC Fellow at RBC Borealis
- Moderator: Dr. Bethany Edmunds, Board President of the AI Network of BC and Associate Dean of Computing Programs (West Coast) at Northeastern University
🔹 Panel: AI x Quantum: Why British Columbia Is Positioned to Lead the Next Computing Wave
📍 BC Pavilion
🗓️ May 12, 2026
🕓 1:00–1:45 PM
Panel #2. This discussion looks at how partnerships across industry and research are accelerating quantum innovation. From commercialization to real-world deployment, the panel explores how emerging technologies are translating into meaningful impact across global industries.
Alongside Paul, this panel included:
- SFU President Joy Johnson
- Moderator: Tyler Orton, Editor-in-Chief at Business in Vancouver, bringing perspectives from across research, industry, and media.
🔹 Panel: Quantum Partnerships: From Innovation to Global Advantage
📍 Stage 5
🗓️ May 12, 2026
🕓 2:45–3:05 PM