The Open Quantum Institute (OQI) began its operational pilot phase at CERN on March 5, 2024, following a formal handover ceremony. According to a CERN press release, the three-year pilot will build on a one-year incubation period led by the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) and supported by UBS as lead partner.
CERN Director-General Fabiola Gianotti expressed hope that the OQI “will not only be a success, but also a model of what scientific diplomacy can do to promote concrete projects of benefit to humanity.” More than 180 experts and 40 partner organizations from 20 countries participated in the OQI’s incubation phase. Around 150 attended the launch event at CERN.
During its pilot, the OQI will select SDG-related use cases exploring quantum computing applications in health, energy, climate action, clean water, and food security. GESDA will remain as science diplomacy advisor, while UBS supports the institute’s continued growth. The OQI operates within CERN’s wider Quantum Technology Initiative, which was established in 2020.