With participants from 22 countries converging at NUS University Town from September 24 to 26, the IntelligenceX 2026 conference signals a growing international interest in the combination of quantum computing and artificial intelligence. The National University of Singapore and the Society of Algorithmic Intelligence are hosting the event, bringing together researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to explore applications in areas like precision medicine and logistics.
“AI has already shown us how quickly a frontier technology can move from research into everyday life,” said Associate Professor Chen Ying, President of the Society of Algorithmic Intelligence, adding that the combination of these technologies offers an opportunity to proactively shape the future.
IntelligenceX 2026: Convening Experts for Quantum × AI Advancement
Mdm Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, officially opened IntelligenceX 2026 on September 24, signaling the Singaporean government’s focus on the rapidly developing intersection of quantum computing and artificial intelligence. The three-day conference at NUS University Town draws approximately 300 participants representing institutions across Asia, Europe, and the United States, fostering collaboration on applications ranging from improvements in precision medicine to more efficient logistics systems.
Technology showcases during the event demonstrate emerging combinations of quantum and AI technologies intended for use across multiple sectors. A key component of the conference was the International AI Algorithmic Trading Hackathon, completed prior to the formal opening of IntelligenceX 2026, which challenged 45 teams from ten countries to apply AI and quantitative methods to real financial data.
Participants affiliated with institutions including NUS, Bocconi University, and Carnegie Mellon University developed and tested algorithmic trading strategies, moving beyond theoretical models to address a complex, practical problem. Team Mushroom secured first place in the competition, followed by meloilz and Team Ember, with prizes awarded at the IntelligenceX Opening Ceremony, highlighting a commitment to identifying and nurturing talent in this field.
The conference builds upon a larger initiative at NUS, the Integrated Quantum & AI Computing Consortium, launched in January 2026 to accelerate the transition of Quantum × AI research into tangible applications. Currently, the Consortium includes six members, PCS Security, Singapore Airlines, STTGDC, ST Engineering, the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX), and the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS), who are collaborating to cultivate a workforce prepared for quantum and AI technologies and to explore potential real-world uses.
Consortium members are using NUS’s multidisciplinary expertise and participating in hands-on workshops utilizing open-source quantum computing tools to assess potential applications. “The next frontier will not be defined by a single technology,” said Assoc Prof Chen.
The Society of Algorithmic Intelligence envisions a future driven by the combined power of multiple advanced technologies, not just individual breakthroughs. According to Assoc Prof Chen, preparing for this future requires simultaneous progress in three key areas: advancing the underlying science, identifying relevant real-world problems, and cultivating a new generation of experts capable of bridging the gap between scientific discovery and practical implementation.
IntelligenceX 2026 is specifically designed to catalyze these efforts, fostering sustained connections between researchers, industry representatives, and government agencies to promote long-term collaboration in both quantum computing and artificial intelligence. The conference program, available at https://www.soc-ai.org/events/intelligencex-2026, details the sessions and workshops designed to achieve these goals. The Consortium is also developing an executive quantum-readiness program intended to help industry leaders evaluate how their organizations can prepare for the adoption of quantum and AI technologies, ensuring that businesses are equipped to capitalize on the potential benefits of these emerging fields.
This proactive approach underscores the commitment to not only advance the science but also to facilitate its responsible and effective integration into the broader economy and society, positioning Singapore as a hub for innovation in the Quantum × AI landscape. The long-term vision extends beyond a single conference, aiming to establish a durable ecosystem of collaboration that will drive sustained progress in quantum computing and artificial intelligence for years to come.
AI has already shown us how quickly a frontier technology can move from research into everyday life. Quantum computing is at a much earlier stage, but the convergence of these technologies gives us an opportunity to think ahead.
Associate Professor Chen Ying, President of the Society of Algorithmic Intelligence
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