Pathways to Practical and Functional Quantum Networking: Highlights from Cisco’s Quantum Research Summit 2025

The fourth Cisco Quantum Summit, our first-ever hybrid event with both virtual and in-person attendees, welcomed over 700 participants this year. The theme, “Pathways to Practical and Functional Quantum Networking,” explored innovative strategies to build quantum networks that can scale quantum computers. Over the course of two days, we engaged in vibrant discussions and debates that left attendees energized and inspired. 

With an outstanding lineup of speakers and panelists from Outshift by Cisco, IBM, Google, NVIDIA, JP Morgan Chase, Boeing, Nu Quantum, Qunnect, IonQ, Aliro, the USA National Quantum Programs, the UK National Quantum Programs, Esnet, the National Institute of Standards and Technologies, and more, this summit was a hub of cutting-edge insights and collaboration. 

Conversations centered on the latest breakthroughs in quantum, tackling the big question of how today’s scientific advancements can seamlessly translate into tomorrow’s engineering realities—fueling the next wave of innovation in our industry. 

As the Head of Cisco Quantum Research, it was a privilege to kick off the summit and set the tone for the engaging sessions that followed. I was joined by Vijoy Pandey, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Outshift, who shared our vision for quantum at Cisco. Pandey highlighted our commitment to being pioneers in distributed quantum computing.  

“We aim to advance quantum networking and security while creating seamless integration between quantum and classical systems,” Pandey says. “When you think of distributed quantum computing, we want Cisco to be at the front.” 

Together, we’re laying the foundation for a quantum future, ensuring it’s scalable, secure, and collaborative for all. Part of that vision of building a practical quantum network is around Cisco’s Quantum Data Center.

Key takeaways from 2025 Cisco Quantum Summit  

Major industry players view on quantum computing and networking  

1. Cisco’s Senior Vice President of Optical Systems, Bill Gartner, delivered the keynote that emphasized Cisco’s proactive approach to quantum technology, initially driven by post-quantum security concerns. He emphasized Cisco’s focus on post-quantum cryptography, quantum networking protocols, quantum network for scaling quantum computers and quantum’s "ChatGPT moment" while acknowledging scaling challenges. Cisco's approach is guided by the belief that solving scaling challenges is key to achieving distributed quantum computing with practical applications. 
2. Building on Gartner’s keynote, I introduced Cisco’s Quantum Data Center, featuring quantum network fabric for dynamic quantum networking and the Q-Orchestrator, a tool for circuit partitioning, resource utilization, and scheduling in quantum networks 
3. Jerry Chow from IBM discussed quantum-centric supercomputing, noting a 75x speed boost in quantum operations and improved two-qubit gates. IBM simulated an iron sulfide molecule using 72 qubits and plans to integrate QPUs with the Fugaku supercomputer at RIKEN. 
4. Nicholas Harrigan, from NVIDIA explained their focus on accelerating quantum computing via AI supercomputers, hybrid algorithms, AI-driven circuit design, and CUDA-Q dynamics for simulating quantum chips. The DGX Quantum platform integrates quantum computers with GPUs. 
5. Dar Gilbao, from Google AI addressed the classical data loading challenge in quantum algorithms and explored quantum advantages in memory, latency, communication, and data privacy through quantum encoding. 
6. Arun Jagannathan discussed IonQ’s progress in distributed quantum computing, using Qubitekk’s technology to develop high-efficiency quantum frequency converters and photonic switches, enabling ion-ion entanglement swapping for scalability.   
7. Omar Alem from JP Morgan Chase shared advancements in quantum communications, including quantum key distribution (QKD) and quantum-authenticated key expansion, relativistic zero-knowledge proofs, and position verification. 
8. Makan Mohageg from Boeing presented satellite-based quantum networking projects. A satellite-based entanglement source was launched in November 2024, successfully demonstrating Bell inequality violation on the International Space Station.  

International research initiatives breakthroughs and perspectives on research, collaboration, and workforce development 

1. David Awschalom from Chicago Quantum Exchange stressed industry collaboration and workforce development, noting CQE’s role in regional quantum growth. He highlighted pharmaceutical interest in entangled biosensors and Illinois' $700M investment in quantum infrastructure, including startups and a Quantum Park. 
2. Gerald Buller from UK Integrated Quantum Networks (IQN) Hub outlined efforts to develop quantum networks from local to intercontinental scales via low-Earth-orbit (LEO)satellites. Key initiatives include quantum memories, dynamic networking, and space communications, with projects like metro network memories and national entanglement integration. 
3. Inder Monga, Director of ESnet, unveiled advances in scalable architectures, frequency conversion, and silicon color center memories. The ion-trap quantum node, designed by UC Berkely students, enhances entanglement rates. 
4. Dominic O’Brien from QCi3 Hub described the hub’s 2024-2029 mission to advance quantum computing through integrated demonstrations and interconnected systems. The hub collaborates with the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre, bridging business and government for responsible innovation. 
5. Eden Figueroa from NSF Quantum Virtual Lab presented breakthroughs in quantum networks, including the first HOM interference demonstration with absorptive quantum memories. He introduced SCY-QNet, a wide-area quantum network aiming to demonstrate quantum advantage over the next decade. 
6. Sir Peter Knight from the UK Government detailed the UK’s £2.5B quantum strategy, focusing on computing, networks, biomedical sensing, and navigation. He emphasized modular networks for scalability, quantum error correction, and the nation’s commitment to translating research into economic impact. 
7. Krsiter Shalm from NIST highlighted quantum network use cases, focusing on efficient photon sources for loophole-free Bell tests and phase stabilization for linking CU Boulder to NIST. 

Startup roadmaps for developing quantum computing and networking technologies  

1. Carmen Palacios-Berraquero CEO of Nu Quantum introduced quantum fabric for quantum data centers, featuring a quantum networking unit with microcavity interfaces, low-loss photonic switches, and sub-nanosecond time synchronization for time-bin entanglement. Nu Quantum targets high-fidelity entanglement distribution. 
2. Mehdi Namazi of Qunnect, focused on the hardware requirements for large scale distributed quantum networks. He presented a full-rack entanglement distribution system, including an Rb atom-based entanglement source, automated polarization and synchronization systems, and room-temperature quantum memory. The system demonstrated stable, high-fidelity entanglement distribution in the New York testbed. 
3. Eric Ostby of Aliro Quantum discussed the energy efficiency of quantum systems for high-performance computing, and introduced the company’s quantum networking software solutions. 

Stream the full summit on YouTube  

The Cisco Quantum Summit 2025 encapsulates not just scientific achievements, but also a collective drive toward innovation and practical applications. In case you missed it, the entire Cisco Quantum Summit, as well as previous year's summits, can be streamed on the Outshift YouTube channel.