NCCR SPIN organized and hosted the two-day UpQuantVal Quantum Industry Chat and Scientific Symposium in Basel, bringing researchers, companies and innovation actors together to explore the potential of quantum technologies and strengthen cross-border collaboration.
On 10–11 September 2026, NCCR SPIN organized and hosted the event at the Department of Physics, University of Basel, in collaboration with the UpQuantVal consortium. The meeting brought together researchers, established companies, start-ups, innovation organizations and policymakers from Switzerland, France and Germany, with the aim of expanding the region's quantum ecosystem and building stronger connections between science and industry.
The event was held within UpQuantVal, an Interreg Upper Rhine initiative connecting quantum research, industry and innovation across the three countries. Its academic partners include the universities of Basel, Strasbourg and Freiburg, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).
Introducing quantum technologies to a broader industrial community
The first day, the Quantum Industry Chat, aimed to make quantum science and technology more accessible to professionals from a wide range of industrial sectors, including those without a technical background in quantum physics. The program introduced participants to current research, emerging technologies, companies and projects in the field, highlighting their potential relevance and applications across industry.
Talks by leading researchers and industry experts introduced participants to developments in quantum computing, sensing and communication, offering insights into the current state of these.The program also addressed skills development, funding and commercialization, providing insight into the opportunities and challenges involved in bringing quantum technologies closer to industrial applications.
An industry panel, fourteen company pitches, an exhibition and guided laboratory visits brought these topics into a more direct exchange. Participants discovered companies and projects active in the quantum sector, while researchers, industry representatives and innovation actors had opportunities to discuss technological challenges, identify shared interests and explore potential partnerships.
Strengthening scientific collaboration across borders
The second day, the Scientific Symposium, focused on the research collaborations underpinning the Upper Rhine quantum ecosystem. Presentations spanning quantum computing, sensing and algorithms highlighted the complementary expertise of the UpQuantVal partner institutions.
A panel discussion explored opportunities for sharing scientific knowledge, infrastructure and resources across national borders. Early-career researchers also presented their work in a series of short talks, gaining visibility within the network and connecting with scientists from other institutions.
Together, these contributions demonstrated the value of a cross-border research network in bringing complementary expertise together and creating new opportunities for scientific cooperation.
Building connections for the future
The meeting highlighted both the strength of the Upper Rhine's scientific community and the opportunities emerging from closer interaction with industry. By bringing researchers, established companies, start-ups and innovation actors together, NCCR SPIN helped create a space for different communities to exchange knowledge, understand each other's needs and explore how quantum research might contribute to real-world applications.
The event reflected NCCR SPIN's commitment to knowledge and technology transfer, connecting fundamental research with industrial expertise and fostering relationships that can support future technological development.
As UpQuantVal continues through 2027, the connections strengthened in Basel provide a foundation for further collaboration and for developing the Upper Rhine as an increasingly connected European hub for quantum science and technology.
The meeting was coordinated by Carmen Pietropaolo (NCCR SPIN).
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