With an attendance of 2,300, IEEE Quantum Week in Toronto recently served as a focal point for the global quantum community, and Xanadu actively engaged with attendees through a keynote address and multiple events. Rafal Janik, Xanadu’s Chief Operating Officer, delivered a highly attended talk titled “Scaling Photonic Quantum Computing”, outlining the company’s commercial roadmap and a recently launched, open-source platform for real-time quantum-classical integration.

Janik explained that while ultra-low-loss photonic chip packaging accelerates progress, “a complete software stack, developer tools, and practical applications remain crucial for making quantum computing truly useful.” Adding a unique touch to the week’s events, Isaac De Vlugt, Senior Quantum Scientist – Product at Xanadu, provided music for attendees.

Xanadu Receives IEEE Award for Quantum Ecosystem Work

Commitment to encouraging a collaborative quantum environment received formal recognition with the IEEE Quantum Technical Community 2026 Distinguished Award, presented during IEEE Quantum Week in Toronto. The award acknowledges work for building an open quantum computing ecosystem through PennyLane, global education, collaborative research, and public-private partnerships that connect academia, industry, and government and accelerate progress toward practical quantum computing. This distinction highlights the company’s complex approach to quantum development, extending beyond hardware to encompass software, education and community building.

The IEEE Quantum Week event itself drew an attendance of 2,300 individuals, establishing it as a central gathering for the international quantum community. The company also hosted unitaryCON, the 8th International Workshop on Quantum Compilation and the Workshop on Quantum Resource Estimation, further solidifying its role as a hub for quantum innovation, Xanadu says. Beyond the technical presentations, the company emphasized the practical application of quantum tools, with a focus on usability.

Rafal Janik, Chief Operating Officer, delivered a keynote address, open to all 2,300 conference attendees, exploring how photonics is uniquely positioned to scale quantum computing plans to bridge the gap between demonstration and full-scale implementation. The company is also encouraging continued engagement through its annual quantum coding championship and a survey designed to gather input for the Unitary Foundation, demonstrating a sustained commitment to shaping the future of the quantum ecosystem.

Scaling Photonic Quantum Computing.

Rafal Janik Highlights Photonic Quantum Scaling at IEEE Quantum Week

This accolade followed a keynote address delivered by Rafal Janik, Chief Operating Officer, to the full conference of 2,300 attendees. Beyond the keynote, the company facilitated deeper engagement with the quantum community through a series of specialized workshops. These included sessions focused on accelerating quantum algorithm design using PennyLane, a demonstration of the company’s commitment to providing accessible tools for quantum software development, according to Xanadu.

Another workshop, led by Catalina Albornoz and Josh Izaac, addressed the critical need for bridging the gap between compiler developers and scientists, recognizing that effective collaboration is vital for progress. The company also hosted sessions exploring the intersection of quantum computing and generative AI within the financial services sector, led by Stepan Fomichev, highlighting potential real-world applications. These gatherings encouraged focused discussions on specific areas of quantum research and development, further solidifying the company’s role as a central hub for the quantum community.

for pioneering an open quantum computing ecosystem through PennyLane, global education, collaborative research, and public-private partnerships that connect academia, industry, and government and accelerate progress toward practical quantum computing.

Source: https://www.xanadu.ai/blog/quantum-week-in-toronto

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