2026 World Quantum Day Invited Speakers
Invited Speaker Biographies
Suhail Zubairy, Texas A&M University
Prof. M. Suhail Zubairy is a leading authority in quantum optics and laser physics, with research interests in quantum computing, quantum informatics, and sub-wavelength atom localization. He has co-authored “Quantum Optics” and “Quantum Computing Devices,” and recently published “Quantum Mechanics for Beginners.”
Prof. Zubairy received his Ph.D. from the University of Rochester in 1978 and has held significant academic positions at the University of Arizona and the University of New Mexico. He joined Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad in 1984, where he was the founding Chairman of the Department of Electronics. Since 2000, he has been a University Distinguished Professor at Texas A&M University, holding the Munnerlyn-Heep Chair in Quantum Optics.
His numerous accolades include the Willis E. Lamb Award, the Alexander von Humboldt Research Prize, and the George H. W. Bush Award for Excellence in International Research. Prof. Zubairy is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and the Optical Society of America, and an elected member of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences.es.
Christopher Savoie, PhD, JD, Esq. Founder & CEO, SiC Systems | Adjunct Professor of AI and Quantum Law, University of Navarra
Dr. Christopher Savoie is a pioneering entrepreneur, scientist, and legal expert at the intersection of artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. He is a named inventor on the foundational patents for adaptive agent-oriented software architectures and natural language interfaces that powered the development of Apple’s Siri, as well as quantum measurement techniques for machine learning applications.
Savoie currently serves as Founder and CEO of SiC Systems, a DTU spinout developing agent-driven AI integrated with quantum sensing and computing for mission-critical applications in bioproduction, manufacturing, and defense. His teams’ work earned the 2025 HPC Innovation Excellence Award for quantum-enhanced agentic AI in biomanufacturing.
A published scholar in medicine, biochemistry, and computer science, he previously led big data analytics at Nissan and founded multiple technology companies with successful exits. He is Adjunct Faculty in AI and Quantum Law at the University of Navarra, where he lectures on the legal and regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies. A licensed attorney, he is a recognized expert on liability issues in quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, big data, cybersecurity, and data privacy. He previously served as Vice-Chairman of the Big Data Committee of the American Bar Association and was a founding member of the steering committee of the U.S. Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C), where he also chaired the Quantum Law Technical Advisory Committee.
Dr. Savoie is a sought-after speaker on the transformative power — and responsible governance — of quantum-AI convergence.
Charles Robinson, IBM, USA
Charles Robinson has 30 years of engineering experience in the National Security Community at multiple Fortune 500 companies. Charles started his career in the United States Navy. In his current role as Public Sector Quantum Safe Leader in IBMResearch, he is responsible for preparing the public sector market in becoming Quantum Safe. Charles manages a team of Cryptographers and Cyber Security experts who support Quantum Safe engagements. Charles’ previous role was Worldwide Quantum Safe Leader. Prior to that role Charles was the Public Sector Leader for Quantum Computing. In that role he was responsible for preparing the Public Sector, including the DOD and National Security Community for the Quantum Computing Era. Charles initiated the IBM HBCU Quantum Computer Program. Charles was previously CEO of Computer Resource Company (CRC). Charles was Oracle Corporation’s Director responsible for the DOD & IC software business. Charles was Managing Principal for Verizon’s Global Intelligence Business.
Charles also managed the Defense & Intelligence business forIBM. Charles directed a matrixed team of Software, Hardware, and Services executives. Prior to that, Charles was National Federal Sales Manager and Strategic Architect at Sun Microsystems, where he drove innovation in the Defense and Intelligence community. Charles and his team managed all Trusted Computing Assets in the Defense and Intelligence community; was a Engineering Manager & Systems Engineer at BAE; Test & Evaluation Engineer at Lockheed Martin in the USG; worked for Hewlett-Packard in Surface Mount Manufacturing as a Test Engineer; and worked at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in R&D as a Software Developer. Charles has been a software developer, circuit board designer, and tester and worked in Satellite Command and Control.
Charles graduated from Howard University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Charles also has a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Johns Hopkins University.
Charles volunteer experience includes being the 2022 Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C) Workforce Committee Chair, current Mid-Atlantic Quantum Alliance (MQA) Cryptography Committee Co-Chair.
Currently working on AFCEA International Cybersecurity Committee.
Ishaan Pakrasi, Amazon Braket/ AWS
TBA