Inspiration Stage: Quantum Worlds

Step into the quantum world, where today’s breakthroughs are already reshaping how we live, and hinting at futures we are only beginning to imagine. This block brings together inspiring short talks, that reveal the diversity of the second quantum revolution: microscopes that use entanglement to push the limits of vision, diamond-based communication tools promising unhackable security, quantum machine learning that rewrites how machines process data, and artistic experiments turning quantum computing into a creative playground.

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16:00 - 16:15 | Phila Rembold,  Technische Universität Wien

Detecting the Second Quantum Revolution

The mythical tales of quantum physics include potentially-dead cats and spooky action at a distance. Let us look beyond them to discover where quantum physics is headed. 

Quantum physics is strange in its essence. Let us lift the surrounding myths, to see its limitations but also how it has already transformed our world with technologies like MRI, smartphones, and electron microscopes. The next technological revolution builds on quantum entanglement, an intrinsic quantum link between particles. Recently, my colleagues and I detected entanglement between free electrons and photons for the first time, opening the door to entanglement-enhanced electron microscopy for studying delicate biological samples and paving the way for entirely new quantum applications. I will finish with a glimpse of the fantastic machines quantum scientists are working on from simulators to develop new medicines to a global network allowing for hyper-encrypted secure communication.

16:15 - 16:30 | Lucca Valerius,  Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Ferdinand-Braun-Institut

Single Light Particles from Diamond - towards the Secure Communication of Tomorrow

What does diamond have to do with quantum communication?

Quantum communication is considered one of the most exciting technologies of our time. It uses the laws of quantum physics to transmit information in a way that is fundamentally secure against eavesdropping, something impossible with classical methods. A key resource for this are single particles of light, called photons, which can carry information. But how can we generate photons that are reliably identical, sharing the same “color” and shape? A promising answer lies in diamond. Tiny imperfections in the crystal, known as color centers, act as miniature light sources. These centers are special because they not only emit photons, but also have an internal “memory”, a quantum property that can store information and connect it to the emitted light, which can be amplified by shaping the diamond in certain ways. Such advances bring us closer to secure quantum networks that could one day be important for personal and global information security.

Focusing on Grand Challenges – a talk in cooperation between Berlin Science Week × Berlin University Alliance.

16:30 - 16:45  | Leena Anthony,  University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland

Less Data, More Power: The Quantum Upgrade to AI

What if machines could learn more by seeing less? How quantum-powered AI can break free from big data dependence.

We’ve been told that AI thrives on data, the more, the better. But what if we could flip that idea? In this talk, Leena Anthony explores how quantum computing offers a smarter, leaner path forward. Drawing from her research on Quantum Convolutional Neural Networks (QCNNs), she shows how quantum models can learn surprisingly well from tiny datasets, a breakthrough with major implications for data-scarce fields like healthcare. But this isn’t just a tech demo. It’s a rethink of what it means to “learn.” Leena shares the story of her leap from economics to quantum AI, and how embracing constraints can lead to creativity, efficiency, and inclusion. Whether you're a curious student, a scientist, or just quantum-curious, this talk invites you to imagine an AI future that’s not about having more, but doing more with less.

16:45 - 17:00 | Pettugani Venkata Sai Eshwara Hari Priya,  University of Basel

Quantum Puzzles: Gaming Our Way to Future Computing

Discover how quantum science turns into interactive fun! 

This talk explores how quantum computing becomes accessible and engaging through innovative “Quantum Awesomeness” puzzles. Using real quantum hardware data, participants match qubits and navigate increasing levels of complexity, visualizing core quantum properties such as entanglement, noise, and error resilience. By blending playfulness with scientific rigor, this session promises a unique approach to quantum education—making tomorrow’s quantum technology meaningful and fun for everyone.

17:00 - 17:20 | Meet the Quantum Scientists

Meet the Scientists Session

Stay around for an informal networking session: ask your own questions, start a conversation, and connect directly with the speakers.