Carsten Polenz

Carsten Polenz

Head of Quantum SAP SE
Carsten Polenz

Exhibition Day 1

3:30 PM SKILLS ACCELERATOR 3: Entangled Positions & Friends' Quantum Workforce Masterclass

This event, presented by Entangled Positions and friends, offers insight into the challenges faced when building a quantum workforce. We will discuss solutions to overcome these and navigate a complex sector in the early stages of its development. This will be delivered in three sections.


Introduction

Why should you care about developing a quantum-ready workforce?


Workforce Readiness Panel Discussion
A wide-ranging conversation discussing workforce preparation, readiness and deployment of a quantum-ready workforce.
* How to join the quantum workforce
* Drivers' businesses should be aware of
* Readiness and adoption of quantum technologies and the workforce it needs
* Government activities for adoption
* Connecting vendors and users


Workforce Planning Masterclass
How do we develop a business-ready quantum workforce and a quantum-ready business workforce?
* Quantum - classic workforce divide
* Workforce integration
* Transitioning skillsets
* Role of tech agnostics
* Non-technical quantum careers


12:30 PM What if enterprise software didn’t adopt quantum computing—What if it redefined it?

This keynote begins with a simple question born during a walk to a tech conference: What if enterprise software disrupted the quantum industry—not the other way around?

What follows is a bold thought experiment: Imagine that, by the end of 2026, a widely deployed business application integrates quantum capabilities—not as a proof of concept, but to deliver measurable business value across the installed base. What ripple effects would this trigger?

Would hardware design shift toward scalability and uptime instead of scientific purity? Could investment strategies pivot? Might adoption outpace expectations—driven not by hype, but by day-to-day efficiency? And what would this mean for education, public funding, and global competitiveness?

Drawing inspiration from physics, this keynote uses conceptual clarity to ask uncomfortable questions—and challenge assumptions across the quantum stack.

If quantum computing becomes invisible inside familiar software—who will still shape its future?

Join us for a different perspective on quantum’s next leap—where disruption might come from where we least expect it.

Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Carsten.

Download The Latest Agenda