This session explores how quantum computing is moving from pilots to real-world manufacturing applications—optimising supply chains, accelerating materials discovery, and delivering measurable ROI. Industry leaders will examine case studies such as Volkswagen’s route optimisation, while addressing critical hurdles around hardware maturity, integration, and workforce readiness to unlock quantum’s full potential for the factory of the future.
 

• How can manufacturers overcome quantum system decoherence and error rates to achieve industrial-scale reliability, particularly as IBM's fault-tolerant roadmap targets 200 logical qubits by 2028 and Google demonstrates below-threshold error correction?
   
• What frameworks will successfully bridge quantum talent shortages and develop manufacturing-ready algorithms that solve complex supply chain optimisation, predictive maintenance, and materials discovery challenges across diverse industrial environments?
   
• Which integration strategies will enable quantum technologies to enhance existing manufacturing IT systems—from IoT sensors to digital twins—without disrupting critical production workflows whilst delivering the expected $1-5 million annual ROI that 46% of leaders anticipate?
   
• How can manufacturers handle quantum-related policies, intellectual property, and technology rules to stay competitive while managing risks around cybersecurity and future quantum power?