On 17 November 2026 at 6.30 pm, the EDHEC Quantum Institute will host a free conference, open to all subject to availability, as part of the World Quantum Cannes Festival.
Press release,
Cannes, 5 October 2026 - Just as with artificial intelligence a few years ago, quantum technology is now moving beyond the purely technical sphere to emerge as a strategic issue. Many major corporations, particularly in the banking, pharmaceutical, energy and space sectors, are organising their monitoring of new quantum technologies, exploring their potential applications and are already launching experiments, particularly in the field of quantum computing.
In this context, understanding quantum technology is becoming a societal issue, extending beyond laboratories and innovation departments. To make these transformations accessible to as many people as possible, the EDHEC Quantum Institute is organising a conference for the general public entitled “ Quantum computing: the wealth of possibilities – from the mysteries of reality to the technologies of tomorrow ”, on 17 November 2026 at 6.30 pm, at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, conference room 1.
This conference will bring together Lionel Martellini, who holds a PhD in finance and astrophysics, is a professor at EDHEC and director of the EDHEC Quantum Institute, and Charles Antoine, a quantum physicist, senior lecturer at Sorbonne University and ambassador for science communication at the CNRS.
At the crossroads of physics, finance and major contemporary technological challenges, Lionel Martellini’s career illustrates the ambition of the EDHEC Quantum Institute: to foster dialogue between the fundamental sciences, the business world and society. Together with Charles Antoine, he will offer the audience an accessible and engaging insight into a science often perceived as abstract, yet already at the heart of numerous strategic discussions.
Designed for a non-specialist audience, this event will provide a lively, clear and practical introduction to quantum science, with no prior scientific knowledge required. It will provide a better understanding of what this science reveals about reality, why it challenges our intuitions, and how it paves the way for new technologies in fields as varied as computing, communications and precision measurement.
Through this lecture, the EDHEC Quantum Institute continues its mission to disseminate knowledge and foster dialogue between science, the economy and society. The aim is simple: to enable everyone to better understand the major scientific transformations currently underway, beyond the hype and preconceived notions.
Practical information
| Title | Quantum physics, or the wealth of possibilities. From the mysteries of reality to the technologies of tomorrow |
| Date | Tuesday 17 November 2026 |
| Time | 6.30 pm–8.00 pm |
| Venue | Palais des Festivals, Cannes, Conference Room 1 |
| Access | Free conference, registration required, subject to availability |
| Registration | https://event-quantuminstitute.edhec.edu/conference |
About the EDHEC Quantum Institute
The EDHEC Quantum Institute’s mission is to help organisations, students, decision-makers and, more broadly, society to understand the benefits, limitations and potential applications of quantum technologies. Through its research, training and outreach activities, the Institute helps to make quantum technology accessible, tangible and relevant to both public debate and the business world.
Press contact
Noëmie Nevers
Head of Communications
EDHEC Quantum Institute
[email protected]
+33 6 18 44 01 74
