Mauritz Kop Awarded Senior Fellowship at Leading G7 Think Tank CIGI Waterloo
Mauritz Kop, founder of the Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology (RQT) and a guest professor at the US Air Force Academy (USAFA), has been appointed a senior fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), a leading Canadian G7 think tank with a global reputation for impactful research and policy advice. This fellowship marks a significant new chapter in Professor Kop's work, allowing for a deeper dive into the intricate and rapidly evolving nexus of quantum technology, artificial intelligence (AI), intellectual property (IP) law, competition policy, and national security. The initial project will focus on developing a comprehensive roadmap for navigating this complex landscape, building on previous engagement with CIGI and long-standing academic and professional connections with Canada.
Mauritz Kop Appointed Senior Fellow at CIGI: A New Chapter in Quantum Governance and Global Security
Mauritz Kop CIGI Senior Fellow
This CIGI senior fellow appointment is not just a personal honour, but a testament to the growing global recognition of the urgent need for innovative governance models to steer the development of powerful dual-use technologies towards beneficial outcomes for humanity. The challenges are immense, but so are the opportunities. In a world grappling with geopolitical instability and the disruptive potential of emerging technologies, CIGI’s mission to build bridges from knowledge to power has never been more critical. Kop is thrilled to contribute to this mission and to collaborate with CIGI’s distinguished team of experts.
Building on a Foundation: The Dual-Use Project and Previous Engagements
Professor Kop's journey with CIGI began prior to this fellowship, with a seminar delivered on the governance of dual-use quantum technologies. That lecture, titled “Responsible Quantum AI Governance: From Ethical Principles to Global Frameworks,” set the stage for the work he is about to undertake. In that presentation, he argued that we are approaching a “Quantum Event Horizon”—a critical juncture beyond which our ability to shape the trajectory of advanced quantum and AI systems may be irrevocably lost. The core of Kop's argument was that traditional governance models and diplomatic efforts are insufficient to address the systemic challenges posed by a global, high-stakes race for quantum supremacy.
The seminar explored the necessity of a multi-layered governance strategy. This includes not only the development of robust international legal frameworks and oversight bodies, drawing inspiration from nuclear non-proliferation treaties, but also the integration of “Quantum-Resistant Constitutional AI” to hardwire universal values into the technology itself. This dual approach, grounded in the principles of responsible innovation, is essential to mitigate the risks of misuse by state and non-state actors, and to ensure that these technologies serve to enhance, rather than undermine, democratic societies.
The positive reception to these ideas and the stimulating discussions that followed with the CIGI community laid the groundwork for this senior fellowship. It became clear that there was a shared understanding of the stakes involved and a common commitment to forging a path towards a safe and equitable quantum future. This fellowship provides the ideal platform to transition from articulating these principles to developing concrete, actionable policy recommendations.
A New Frontier: IP, Competition Law, Quantum, Dual-Use, and National Security
Professor Kop's first project as a CIGI Senior Fellow will be an in-depth analysis of the critical nexus between quantum technology, AI, IP policy, and national security strategy. The convergence of quantum and AI capabilities presents unprecedented challenges for global innovation and strategic stability, most notably the looming threat of “Q-Day,” when a sufficiently powerful quantum computer could break most of the public-key cryptography that underpins our digital world.
This project will draw lessons from historical precedents, particularly the governance of nuclear technology, to inform the development of novel frameworks for quantum governance. A key component of the research will be a comparative analysis of quantum IP strategies across the dominant tech blocs, examining how different approaches to patents, trade secrets, and state secrets are shaping the global quantum race.
The research will provide a comprehensive roadmap for navigating a host of complex issues, including:
Export Controls: How can we prevent the proliferation of sensitive quantum technologies without stifling international scientific collaboration?
Critical Minerals: What strategies are needed to secure the supply chains for the materials essential to building quantum computers?
Intellectual Property: How can we balance the need to incentivize innovation through patents with the imperative of protecting national security?
Regulation of Dual-Use Technologies: What new legal and institutional frameworks are required to govern technologies that have both commercial and military applications?
Technical Standards: How can the international community collaborate to develop common standards that promote interoperability and safety?
Democratic Values and Ethics: How can we ensure that the development and deployment of quantum technologies are aligned with democratic principles and fundamental human rights?
Fair Competition and Antitrust Law: How can we prevent the concentration of power in the hands of a few large corporations and ensure a level playing field for startups and smaller players in the quantum ecosystem?
The ultimate goal of this research is to produce a set of practical, reform-oriented policy recommendations that can shape both domestic and international policies in this critical domain. The output is intended to be a resource for policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society as they grapple with the profound challenges and opportunities of the quantum age.
Professor Kop Speaker at 8th Annual IP Data & Research Conference in Ottawa
Kop's work with CIGI will be complemented by his participation in the 8th Annual IP Data & Research Conference in Ottawa, co-hosted by CIGI, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This prestigious event brings together a global community of IP stakeholders, economic researchers, and policy thinkers to exchange insights and discuss the latest advancements in IP data, policy, and research.
The theme of this year’s conference, “IP Offices: A Catalyst for Innovation,” is particularly relevant to this research. IP offices are at the forefront of the technological revolution, grappling with the challenges of assessing and granting patents for inventions that push the boundaries of science and engineering. The conference provides a unique opportunity to engage with leading experts from around the world on the specific challenges that quantum and AI technologies pose for the patent system.
Kop looks forward to contributing to the discussions on how IP offices can adapt to the rapid pace of technological change, and how they can play a proactive role in fostering a responsible innovation ecosystem. The insights gained from this conference will be invaluable to this research at CIGI, providing a deeper understanding of the practical challenges and opportunities in the field of IP and emerging technologies.
The Mission of CIGI: Building Bridges from Knowledge to Power
Kop's decision to join CIGI was driven by a deep alignment between his own research and policy objectives and the institution’s core mission. CIGI is an independent, non-partisan think tank that aims to build bridges from knowledge to power. Through its peer-reviewed research and trusted analysis, CIGI influences policymakers to innovate and to develop effective solutions to the world’s most pressing governance challenges.
CIGI’s focus on the digital era and the intersection of technology and international governance makes it the ideal home for this line of research. The organization’s global network of multidisciplinary researchers and strategic partnerships provides a unique platform for collaborative, cross-sectoral research that can have a real-world impact.
In an era of increasing geopolitical competition and technological disruption, the need for evidence-based, forward-looking policy advice has never been greater. CIGI’s commitment to improving people’s lives everywhere through better international governance is a vision Kop wholeheartedly shares. He is excited to contribute to this mission and to work alongside the talented and dedicated team at CIGI.
A History of Collaboration: Previous Work for CCA and G7 in Canada
Professor Kop's connection to Canada is not new. He has had the privilege of contributing to the Canadian policy landscape on several occasions in the past. Kop served as a panel member for the Council of Canadian Academies (CCA), an organization that convenes experts to assess evidence on complex scientific topics of public interest. His work with the CCA focused on the potential of quantum technologies, contributing to a report that informed Canadian decision-making in this critical area.
In 2024, Kop had the pleasure - together with professor Mark Lemley- of hosting a Canadian quantum governance delegation at the Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology (RQT) for a preparatory G7 Kananaskis policy workshop. This meeting brought together key Canadian stakeholders to discuss the development of a common vision for quantum governance, directly informing Canada’s G7 presidency and the Kananaskis quantum policy agenda.
Furthermore, Kop's academic work has been enriched by collaborations with leading Canadian researchers, most notably Professor Ray Laflamme of the University of Waterloo, who was also a fellow at Stanford RQT. Their joint publications have explored the fundamental challenges and opportunities of the quantum age, contributing to the global dialogue on responsible quantum innovation. These experiences have given him a deep appreciation for Canada’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking and its leadership role in the international community.
A Word of Thanks
Mauritz Kop would like to extend his heartfelt thanks to the senior leadership at CIGI for their vision and for entrusting him with this important role. He is particularly grateful to Tracey Forrest, Grace Wright, Reanne Cayenne, Skyler Duggan, Paul Samson, and the entire CIGI staff for their warm welcome and support. He is eager to begin this new chapter and to contribute to CIGI’s important work.
About Mauritz Kop
Mauritz Kop Appointed Senior Fellow at CIGI: A New Chapter in Quantum Governance and Global Security
We are pleased to introduce the newest CIGI senior fellow: Mauritz Kop, founder of the Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology (RQT) and the creator of the Stanford Quantum Incubator.
As a distinguished technology lawyer, scholar, policy adviser and investor, Mauritz supports deep-tech startups through RQT Ventures and serves as an expert on the von Neumann Commission. He holds a patent in artificial intelligence (AI), is the director at AIRecht and serves as general counsel at Daiki, a platform dedicated to advancing a responsible quantum-AI future. His interdisciplinary research spans AI regulation, machine learning training data, intellectual property and quantum technologies, and has been published in scholarly journals by Stanford University, Harvard University, Yale University, University of Oxford and University of Cambridge, and in leading outlets such as Nature Magazine, Science Magazine, Foreign Policy and Fortune.
A warm welcome to Mauritz Kop!
And from his official CIGI biography:
Mauritz Kop is a CIGI senior fellow and the founder of the Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology (RQT) and the creator of the Stanford Quantum Incubator. As a distinguished technology lawyer, scholar, policy adviser and investor, Mauritz supports deep-tech startups through RQT Ventures and serves as an expert on the von Neumann Commission. He holds a patent in artificial intelligence (AI), is the director at AIRecht and serves as general counsel at Daiki, a platform dedicated to advancing a responsible quantum-AI future.
Mauritz’s interdisciplinary research spans AI regulation, machine learning training data, intellectual property (IP) and quantum technologies. His work has been published in scholarly journals by Stanford, Harvard, Yale, Oxford and Cambridge Universities, and in leading outlets such as Nature, Science, Foreign Policy and Fortune. He is a key contributor to the development of new legal frameworks for quantum information technology, designing governance blueprints that integrate risk management, regulatory compliance, performance metrics and safety standards. In 2025, Stanford University Libraries permanently archived his group’s work in the RQT repository.
He has authored over 100 scholarly works on AI, quantum, ethics and responsible innovation across sectors including health care, defence, clean technology and the arts. He is a frequent speaker at forums such as NASA, the Center for a New American Security, World Summit AI, IBM Quantum and XPANSE Abu Dhabi. Beyond his academic work, Mauritz advises leading cultural institutions on IP and explores the intersection of quantum science and art through his Quantum Meets Fractal Geometric Art installation.
Globally, Mauritz advises governments and international bodies including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the Group of Seven (G7), the European Organization for Nuclear Research and the World Economic Forum on responsible quantum innovation strategies. He has contributed to influential EU legislation, including the AI Act, the Copyright Directive, the Data Act and the upcoming European Quantum Act, and has advised the US Senate and the Department of State on AI and quantum regulation.
From 2023 to 2025, he served as the executive director of the Stanford Center for RQT at Stanford Law School. In this role, he co-hosted the Stanford RQT Conference and the Stanford Quantum Incubator workshop and convened policy meetings with leaders from the United States, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Canada and Taiwan. His work directly informed the G7 Kananaskis quantum policy agenda in 2025.
Previously, Mauritz was a visiting scholar at the Stanford Program in Law, Science & Technology and held fellowships at the Stanford Transatlantic Technology Law Forum and the Copenhagen-Cambridge-Harvard International Collaborative Bioscience Innovation and Law Programme, where he focused on quantum and AI applications in the life sciences.
He has taught IP and technology law at institutions such as the US Air Force Academy, Fordham School of Law, the University of Strasbourg, Leiden University and the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. He has also trained legal professionals and Supreme Court judges at Radboud University.
Mauritz studied IP law, labour law, contract law and law and biosciences at Stanford Law School, Maastricht University and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
The CIGI Senior Fellowship Research in Detail
The first CIGI research project Kop will be undertaking is described as follows:
The CIGI Senior Fellowship will produce an analysis of the critical and rapidly evolving nexus between quantum technology, AI, intellectual property (IP) policy, and national security strategy. As quantum/AI capabilities advance and converge, they present unprecedented challenges for global innovation and strategic stability, underscored by the looming "Q-Day" threat to global cryptography. Drawing lessons from historical precedents, particularly the governance of nuclear technology, this research will undertake a comparative analysis of quantum IP strategies across dominant tech blocs and will provide a comprehensive roadmap for navigating complex issues including export controls, critical minerals, the protection of patents, state secrets and trade secrets, the regulation of dual-use technologies, technical standards, democratic values, ethics, and the intricate interface with fair competition and antitrust law - all against the backdrop of a global quantum race, on the planetary level.
The research will address the urgent need for novel, reform-oriented governance models that can foster innovation while safeguarding national interests. Its output is intended to shape domestic and international policies in this domain.
Professor Kop is excited to embark on this ambitious project and to contribute to the vital work of CIGI. The challenges ahead are significant, but with rigorous research, international collaboration, and a shared commitment to responsible innovation, he is confident that we can navigate the complexities of the quantum age and build a future that is both prosperous and secure.