International Quantum Press Tour 2026
28–30 October 2026 | Rotterdam, Delft, The Hague and Leiden
Explore the Dutch quantum ecosystem
Welcome to the International Quantum Press Tour 2026.
During this three-day press tour, you will explore the Dutch quantum ecosystem and meet researchers, entrepreneurs and innovators working on the next generation of quantum technology.
The tour takes you across Rotterdam, Delft, The Hague and Leiden, from fundamental research and quantum chips to quantum communication, computing, sensing and real-world applications. Along the way, you will discover how quantum technology is being developed and applied in areas such as secure communications, critical infrastructure, healthcare and energy.
On this page you will find the latest programme, practical information about the tour and background information on the organisations and experts you will meet.
Wednesday 28 October | Rotterdam
Arrival and check-in
Arrival and check-in at Hilton Rotterdam.
15:00 | Coffee reception at Hilton Rotterdam
15:30 | Welcome and Quantum Communication Fieldlab Rotterdam
The press tour starts in Rotterdam with an official welcome by Meindert Stolk, member of the Provincial Executive of South Holland, responsible for Economic Affairs and Innovation.
The programme continues with a presentation about the Quantum Communication Fieldlab Rotterdam (QCFR) by CEO Arthur Dallau. Interviews, photography and video are possible during this part of the programme.
QCFR provides a practical environment where quantum communication can be tested and validated under operational conditions, with a particular focus on critical infrastructure. The fieldlab was officially launched in June 2026.
17:00–17:30 | End of afternoon programme
Time to freshen up at the hotel.
18:30 | Meet in the hotel lobby
19:00 | Dinner
Thursday 29 October | Delft and The Hague
Morning | Delft
08:00 | Breakfast meeting at Hilton Rotterdam
Breakfast meeting with Vice Mayor Tim Versnel. Interviews, photography and video are possible. The morning starts with a visit to QuTech, the research institute for quantum computing and the quantum internet. You will experience quantum technology up close, visit a quantum cleanroom laboratory and speak with leading scientists about the latest developments and Europe’s future position in quantum technology.
Topics and speakers
Quantum networks | Sofie Hermans – the potential of quantum networks for secure communications and privacy.
Quantum computing | Roland Hanson – developments in quantum computing and the international quantum race.
Superconducting materials for quantum | Mazhar Ali – how superconducting materials could enable new approaches to quantum technology.
The programme continues at QuantWare, where you will learn how quantum processors are developed and manufactured in Delft. The visit shows how scientific advances are translated into quantum hardware.
Afternoon | The Hague
14:00 | Transfer from Delft to The Hague
14:30 | SES Satellites
Rooseveltplantsoen 4, 2517 KR The Hague
At SES, the programme focuses on Europe’s work on quantum-secure satellite communication, including the EAGLE-1 project.
EAGLE-1 combines a low-Earth-orbit satellite with ground infrastructure to demonstrate satellite-based Quantum Key Distribution. The project is led by SES with European partners and supported by the European Space Agency and the European Union.
May Oostrom-Kwok and Graziella Guarguaglini will be present. Interviews, photography and video are possible. City of The Hague contact: Ferry Tillekens.
15:30 | Transfer to TU Delft The Hague
16:00 | TU Delft The Hague
Spui 5, The Hague
At TU Delft The Hague, Harm Griffioen and Marc de Kool will discuss post-quantum algorithms. Interviews, photography and video are possible.
17:30 | Informal programme in the city centre
A walk around the Hofvijver with drinks and Dutch snacks, a short visit to the Mauritshuis to see Girl with a Pearl Earring, or free time.
18:30 | Dinner at Rogue Buitenhof
Buitenhof 19, The Hague
20:30 | Return to Rotterdam
Friday 30 October | Leiden
08:15 | Meet in the hotel lobby for transfer to Leiden
09:15 | Welcome at House of Quantum Leiden
The final day takes place at House of Quantum Leiden, where science, innovation and societal impact come together.
You will explore how quantum technologies are advancing healthcare, enabling new sensing solutions and opening up possibilities in areas ranging from life sciences to space.
09:30–09:40 | Jan Aarts | Director, Quantum Hub Leiden
An introduction to Leiden’s quantum ecosystem and the connections between science, innovation and society.
09:45–09:55 | Thijs De Kleer | Director of BioPartner Leiden
Discusses why Leiden Bio Science Park is emerging as a location for quantum innovation and what happens when the quantum and life sciences ecosystems meet.
10:00–10:10 | Vedran Dunjko | Professor in Quantum Computing and lead of the Applied Quantum Algorithms group
Explore the potential of quantum algorithms for Life Science and Health.
10:15–10:25 | Evert van Nieuwenburg | Associate Professor, Leiden University and founder of QuantumPlayed
Exploring the relationship between quantum technology, machine learning and society.
10:30–10:40 | Julia Cramer | Assistant Professor in Quantum and Society and lead of the university theme Quantum and Space
A look at the connections between quantum innovation, society and space.
10:45–10:55 | Discover the development of quantum sensing technology at QuantaMap, followed at 11:00–11:10 by a laboratory visit. QuantaMap develops metrology and diagnostic tools for quantum chips and other quantum hardware.
11:15–11:30 | Walk to the research facilities
11:30–12:25 | Sense Jan van der Molen, | Scientific Director of the Leiden Institute of Physics
Will take you behind the scenes of Leiden’s research facilities. The tour includes Quantum Gravity, the Low-Energy Electron Microscopy facility and the Fine Mechanical and Electronics Department.
12:30–12:40 | Transfer to restaurant LAB071
12:40–13:30 | Lunch at LAB071
After 13:30 | End of the press tour
Travel home or, for journalists who have arranged this in advance, extend your stay in The Hague
About the International Quantum Press Tour
The International Quantum Press Tour is organised by the Province of South Holland, Rotterdam Partners, Delft Marketing, The Hague and Partners and Leiden and Partners.
