QUANTUM computing hailed as one of the most groundbreaking technologies of our time, with the potential to rival the impact of artificial intelligence has officially launched in the Philippines.
What began in 2017 as a small community of enthusiasts has evolved into the Quantum Computing Society of the Philippines (QCSP), the driving force behind the historic Quantum Information Science and Technology Conference (QISTCon 2025). This landmark event was held on July 30- Aug. 1, 2025 at JPark Island Resort, Mactan, Cebu.
Once confined to academic halls, quantum technology has now broken through the ivory tower, reaching the awareness of more than 140 participants and their networks. The three-day conference was co-organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development under the leadership of Dr. Enrico Paringit, the SEGQuRo (Strengthening the Ecosystem for Grassroots Quantum Resilience) and ResQC (Responsible Quantum Computing) and funded by the Open Quantum Institute of Geneva, Switzerland, together with the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ).
With 35 foreign experts and 15 local experts, the event served as an eye-opening introduction to quantum computing for attendees.
The conference opened with remarks from QCSP president Bobby Corpus Jr., a native of Cebu, followed by a welcome message from Dr. Tristan Abando of DOST-Central Visayas. Messages of support came from Dr. Leah J. Buendia, undersecretary for Research and Development; Louie Delos Santos, representing Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cynthia King-Chan; and Rik Amores, Department of Information and Communications Technology-Central Visayas.
In another historic first, the Philippines unveiled its first quantum computer during the conference: a 2-qubit Nuclear Magnetic Resonance system from SpinQ. Despite its limited qubit count, the system performs real quantum gate operations such as Deutsch’s algorithm, Grover’s search, and the HHL algorithm, making quantum mechanics tangible for Philippine audiences.
The event gathered participants from business, academia ,and government, underscoring that quantum computing should be within everyone’s reach. On the first day, topics covered included the current state of quantum computing, its impact on cybersecurity, quantum algorithms and quantum startups. The day concluded with the ribbon-cutting for the poster presentations, the unveiling of the country’s first quantum computer and a banquet dinner featuring cultural performances by the University of San Carlos Dance Troupe, including the iconic Sinulog dance.
On the second day, quantum computing giants—IBM, Microsoft, and AWS—shared their approaches and breakthroughs. In the afternoon, participants engaged in the Quantum Diplomacy Game, created by the Open Quantum Institute/GESDA, simulating a future where quantum technology is tightly controlled, and geopolitical tensions run high. The game proved so engaging that some attendees expressed interest in applying it within their organizations.
The third day highlighted quantum research from the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand. In the afternoon, participants formed three working groups. The first refined the Philippine Quantum Technology Roadmap. The second developed a roadmap for integrating quantum concepts into elementary, high school and university curricula. The third discussed grassroots quantum initiatives and ecosystem development in Southeast Asia.
This groundbreaking conference would not have been possible without the support of our host universities—Cebu Institute of Technology - University and the University of San Carlos—as well as the dedicated volunteers from DevCon. The success of QISTCon 2025 marks only the beginning of the Philippines’ journey into the quantum era, paving the way for deeper research, broader education and stronger collaboration in this transformative field. / PR