Cannes to Host First World Quantum Cannes Festival on November 17-18

Insider Brief

• The Department of Alpes-Maritimes, Institut EuropIA, Université Côte d’Azur and the City of Cannes are supporting the first World Quantum Cannes Festival, scheduled for November 17–18.
• The event will bring together quantum technology companies, researchers, investors and corporate decision-makers at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes.
• A parallel program called Quantum Horizons will offer free sessions for local businesses and the public on November 17–18, with advance online registration required.

PRESS RELEASE — Local governments and academic researchers are the driving force behind the World Quantum Cannes Festival, a pioneering event dedicated to quantum technology, taking place on November 17 and 18 at the renowned Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes.

Running alongside this two-day conference tailored for the global quantum ecosystem, a dedicated program is being offered to French Riviera businesses and the general public. Entitled Quantum Horizons, this parallel program features a special evening event on November 17, followed by a full day of sessions on November 18. Spearheaded by local institutional actors, this program is free to attend, though advance online registration via the event website is mandatory.

The organizers have designed a neutral, international platform where corporate decision-makers can connect directly with leading quantum technology innovators in an exceptional setting. The event brings together high-level speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors eager to engage with senior executives from major corporations across Europe, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

In Cannes, we are building a dynamic ecosystem that attracts global talent to anticipate tomorrow’s uses with a core requirement: empowering humans without ever replacing them.”

— David Lisnard, Mayor of Cannes

“This exceptional event could not have come to life without the strategic partnership of our five founding organizations, nor without the dedication of our honorary and scientific committees who have shaped an immensely rigorous program,” emphasizes Olivier Cadi, CEO of ValueXchange, the festival’s organizing company.

Institutions and organizers committed to the festival:

• The Department of Alpes-Maritimes: As the cradle of artificial intelligence through its SMART Deal initiative launched in 2018, the Department of Alpes-Maritimes has made technological innovation a cornerstone of its public policy. Having pioneered the first House of Artificial Intelligence in France and Europe, the Department actively structures an ecosystem of excellence bridging research, enterprise, and talent. With the World Quantum Cannes Festival, the Department confirms its ambition to position the Alpes-Maritimes region at the forefront of major technological revolutions.

“Following artificial intelligence, quantum technology is set to be the next major technological revolution—and the Alpes-Maritimes must lead the charge! Behind these breakthroughs lie critical stakes of sovereignty, competitiveness, and independence for both France and Europe. Through our SMART Deal policy, we have proven our ability to anticipate technological shifts and rally our region’s key strengths. Our ambition is clear: to make the Alpes-Maritimes a land where tomorrow’s technologies are forged and where innovative companies thrive,” said Charles Ange Ginésy, President of the Department of Alpes-Maritimes.

• Institut EuropIA: A major driving force behind the World Artificial Intelligence Cannes Festival (WAICF). “Today, we are proud to support the World Quantum Cannes Festival, convinced that the fundamental value of a technology lies not only in its raw power or level of innovation, but in its ability to serve the common good, enrich human knowledge, and build a sustainable, inclusive, and human-centric future,” states Marco Landi, President of Institut EuropIA.

• Université Côte d’Azur is one of nine French “IdEx” universities recognized for research excellence and international impact. As a founding member of the Ulysseus European Alliance, the university leads the 3IA Côte d’Azur 2030 Artificial Intelligence Cluster.“It is with great pleasure that Université Côte d’Azur is associated with the first edition of the World Quantum Cannes Festival! By hosting this event in Cannes, in the heart of the French Riviera, we are pleased to contribute to promoting a scientific and technological ecosystem that is fully in line with the international ambition of our region,” said Jeanick Brisswalter, President of Université Côte d’Azur. “The challenge of quantum goes far beyond that of scientific performance alone. It is also that of cooperation, uses, talents and new relationships to be built between universities, research organizations, companies and public actors. This is precisely what makes the strength of the World Quantum Cannes Festival.”

• The City of Cannes: Cannes welcomes 3 million visitors annually. Since 2022, the city has become France’s epicenter for AI and innovation through the organization of the World AI Cannes Festival (attracting 10,000 visitors), the World AI Film Festival, and now the World Quantum Cannes Festival. David Lisnard, Mayor of Cannes, specifies: “Cannes is a land of innovation that fosters the development of technological revolutions such as AI and quantum, as well as space tech with an upcoming dedicated Campus. In Cannes, we are building a dynamic ecosystem that attracts global talent to anticipate tomorrow’s uses with a core requirement: empowering humans without ever replacing them.”

• ValueXchange produces high-level exhibitions and conferences in new and emerging technologies, held in France and internationally. “With innovation playing an ever-greater role in the development of businesses, our company is dedicated to creating inspiring events that support clients in their move toward the markets of the future,” Cadi said.

For more details, visit Dept of Alpes-Maritimes, EuropIA.