Mauritz Kop Speaks at International Quantum Forum 2025 at Technical University Munchen

Munich, Germany – On January 30, 2025, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) became the epicenter of the global quantum conversation, hosting the International Quantum Forum (IQF) 2025. The event, a cornerstone of the UN-designated International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, brought together leading stakeholders from academia, industry, and civil society to navigate the future of the quantum era. Mauritz Kop, Founding Director of the Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology, delivered a keynote address, outlining the critical need for robust and responsible governance frameworks for this transformative technology.

Mauritz Kop Delivers Keynote on Quantum Governance at the International Quantum Forum 2025 hosted by the Technical University Munich.

A Forum at the Intersection of Science, Society, and Art

Hosted by the TUM Think Tank's Quantum Social Lab and the TUM Center for Culture and the Arts, the IQF 2025 was a uniquely curated event that broke the mold of traditional academic conferences. With a festival-style atmosphere, the forum was designed to foster interdisciplinary thinking, connecting the hard science of quantum physics with its profound societal, economic, and cultural dimensions. The TUM, one of Europe's leading technical universities, and its associated Hochschule für Politik (HfP), provided the perfect backdrop for this ambitious dialogue, blending technical excellence with a deep understanding of public policy and governance.

The agenda was a rich tapestry of cutting-edge topics, ranging from "Machine Learning meets Quantum Theory" and "Quantum Sovereignty" to "Science Diplomacy" and "Capacity Building in the Majority World." The forum featured a diverse array of formats, including keynotes, panel discussions, a "Science Slam," and even a serious game developed by the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA), all designed to spark creativity and collaboration. A central theme, "Navigating the Quantum Era: Arts as a Global Social Compass," highlighted the unique role of the arts in making abstract scientific concepts tangible and fostering critical reflection.

The Quantum Social Lab: A Hub for Interdisciplinary Exploration

A driving force behind the forum's innovative approach is the Quantum Social Lab (QSL), a key initiative of the TUM Think Tank. Led by Director Fabienne Marco and Principal Investigator Professor Urs Gasser, the QSL is dedicated to exploring the societal dimensions of quantum technologies. By bringing together experts from disparate fields, the QSL aims to anticipate the legal, ethical, social, and political challenges of the quantum age and to co-create solutions that ensure the technology is developed in a way that benefits all of humanity. The IQF 2025 is a testament to the QSL's commitment to fostering a new kind of dialogue—one that is inclusive, forward-looking, and deeply humanistic.

Keynote by Mauritz Kop: Quantum Governance Frameworks

In his keynote address, Mauritz Kop articulated a clear and compelling vision for the governance of quantum technologies. The central leitmotif of his talk was that "quantum’s benefits outweigh its risks, if implemented responsibly." He argued that the unique and often counterintuitive nature of quantum mechanics demands tailored governance frameworks that go beyond existing models for other technologies.

Kop presented the Responsible Quantum Technology (RQT) framework, a paradigm developed by his interdisciplinary group at Stanford, designed to ensure that research and innovation efforts meet societal demands and enhance planetary welfare. He stressed that developers, vendors, and users of quantum and quantum-AI hybrid systems must navigate a complex web of emerging global requirements. This includes everything from technology-specific export controls to industry-specific regulations in sectors like finance, healthcare, and defense.

Quantum Standards

A key pillar of his proposed framework is the need for unified international interoperability standards. Kop warned against the dangers of a "quantum splinternet," where competing and incompatible quantum ecosystems could emerge along geopolitical lines, stifling collaboration and exacerbating global tensions. Instead, he called for a concerted global effort to establish shared norms and protocols that are grounded in democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law.

Kop also highlighted the importance of learning from other fields, such as AI and nuclear technology, while recognizing the unique challenges posed by quantum. He advocated for a risk-based approach that balances innovation with safety, utilizing tools like Quantum Impact Assessments (QIAs), regulatory sandboxes, and lifecycle auditing. This, he argued, would allow innovation to "breathe" while ensuring that appropriate guardrails are in place.

Quantum Social Lab at the Technical University of Munich led by Fabienne Marco and Urs Gasser: Engaging today with the ethical, legal, societal and political implications of tomorrow’s quantum technologies.

Regulating Quantum Use Cases in Finance, Healthcare, Energy, and Defense

His talk further elaborated on the necessity of a holistic governance cycle for quantum, beginning with the Ethical, Legal, Socio-economic, and Policy Implications (Quantum-ELSPI) and moving towards concrete implementation. This includes addressing national security and dual-use concerns through targeted export controls and robust intellectual property protections. For high-risk applications, he emphasized the need for clear market entrance regulations, including certification and mandatory adherence to Quantum Quality Management Systems (QMS), particularly for critical sectors like finance, healthcare, energy, and defense. Kop argued for an evolution of law that is adaptive and pro-innovation, suggesting that open-source development can be a powerful tool for democratizing quantum technology, if managed responsibly. He also touched upon his own work, including the Stanford Quantum Incubator, which aims to bridge the gap between academic research and industry, and his "Quantum Meets Fractal Geometric Art" installation, which uses art to explore the deep connections between quantum mechanics and other fields, inspiring new scientific insights.

Apollonian Attitude

Finally, Kop, an IP lawyer and professional musician himself who represents leading classical orchestras, DJ’s, record labels and publishers, spoke passionately about the role of the arts in inspiring both science and policy. He described how the Stanford RQT Center actively integrates art and music into its work to help visualize abstract concepts and foster the kind of creative, lateral thinking necessary to solve the complex governance challenges ahead. He concluded with a call for an Apollonian attitude in the quantum community—a mindset and worldview that strives for harmony, progress, and logic, balancing the pursuit of technological advancement with a deep sense of responsibility.

The International Quantum Forum at TUM was more than just a conference; it was a catalyst for a new kind of global conversation. By placing ethics, art, and societal impact at the center of the quantum dialogue, the forum has set an inspiring and essential agenda for navigating the complexities of the quantum age.