On January 31, 2023, the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C), Quantum Industry Canada (QIC), the Quantum STrategic industry Alliance for Revolution (Q-STAR), and the European Quantum Industry Consortium (QuIC) signed a memorandum of understanding to formally establish the International Council of Quantum Industry Associations (ICQIA). The announcement was made from San Francisco.
According to the press release published via Business Wire, the council was created to strengthen communication and collaboration among the four consortia on goals and approaches to quantum technology development. The four associations had been meeting informally for over a year prior to the formal signing.
Celia Merzbacher, Executive Director of QED-C, said the council would “help our members in countries and regions with common values and with many economic linkages to develop supply chains, open markets, exchange talent, and support policies.” Thierry Botter, Executive Director of QuIC, stated the council would allow member communities to “discuss areas of common interests, such as international standards, intellectual property, and access to funding.” QuIC was described as representing over 160 members across Europe, while QED-C counted more than 200 members supported by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).