Roundtable Discussions

Topic: Responsible Quantum Innovation in the Asia-Pacific: From Principles to Implementation

Date: September 02, 2026

Location: ISB Hyderabad

Organised by: ISB Institute of Data Science (IIDS), in partnership with CSIRO, Australia, and the Quantum Ecosystems Technology Council of India (QETCI)

Supported under: Australia–India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership (AICCTP)

The ISB Institute of Data Science (IIDS), in partnership with CSIRO, Australia, and the Quantum Ecosystems Technology Council of India (QETCI), convened a closed-door roundtable on “Responsible Quantum Innovation in the Asia-Pacific: From Principles to Implementation” on 2 September 2026 at ISB Hyderabad.

Bringing together experts from government, industry, academia, research institutions, and the startup ecosystem, the roundtable focused on how responsible quantum principles can be translated into practical governance and implementation frameworks.

Advancing a Framework for Responsible Quantum Innovation

The discussion was anchored around the Responsible Quantum Innovation Framework, developed through the IIDS–CSIRO collaboration. Presenting the framework, Prof. Manish Gangwar, Executive Director, IIDS, highlighted the need for government, industry, academia, and civil society to work together to ensure that quantum innovation is secure, inclusive, accountable, and aligned with societal priorities.

The session was moderated by Dr. Shruti Mantri, Senior Associate Director, IIDS, who led discussions on moving the framework from principles to implementation through stakeholder responsibilities, implementation mechanisms, global collaboration, and measurable outcomes.

Key Areas of Discussion

Participants explored how lessons from Responsible AI can inform the governance of quantum technologies. The discussions examined the framework's eight core principles: dignity and inclusion, sustainability, transparency, governance and accountability, security and sovereignty, collaboration and reciprocity, human-centred innovation, and responsible stewardship.

The roundtable also focused on lifecycle- and risk-based approaches, quantum-advantage benchmarking, disclosure mechanisms, security and sovereignty considerations, and accountability structures for emerging quantum applications. Participants highlighted the importance of strengthening MSME participation, workforce and skills development, adaptability, and safeguards against dual-use and misuse risks.

Strengthening Quantum Governance

The discussions underscored the need for inter-institutional collaboration, monitoring and redressal mechanisms, and alignment with India's strategic priorities, including the National Quantum Mission. Participants emphasised that effective governance frameworks must evolve alongside technological advancements to ensure responsible and trusted adoption.

From Principles to Implementation

The recommendations emerging from the roundtable aim to strengthen the Responsible Quantum Innovation Framework into one that is globally relevant, India-specific, adaptable, and actionable. The discussions reinforced a shared message: responsible quantum innovation cannot be an afterthought. Building the right governance, accountability, and implementation mechanisms today will be critical to ensuring that the benefits of quantum technologies are realised securely, inclusively, and responsibly.

Topic: Strengthening Quantum Ecosystems through global collaboration

Date: April 30, 2026

Location: New Delhi

On 30th April 2026, the ISB Institute of Data Science (IIDS), in collaboration with CSIRO Australia and the Quantum Ecosystems Technology Council of India (QETCI), and in partnership with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI), convened a closed-door roundtable in New Delhi on “Responsible Quantum Innovation in the Asia-Pacific: From Principles to Implementation.”

The roundtable brought together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, startups, and international stakeholders to explore how principles such as equity, transparency, accountability, and security can shape the future of quantum innovation in the APAC region. Discussions focused on post-quantum cryptography readiness, governance frameworks, implementation pathways, and cross-border collaboration.

Topic: Brand Protection challenges on social media platforms

Date: April 28, 2026

Location: New Delhi

On April 28, 2026, the ISB Institute of Data Sciences (IIDS) and Authentix, in partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), convened a closed-door roundtable titled ‘Brand Protection Challenges on Social Media Platforms’ in New Delhi to mark World Intellectual Property Day 2026, bringing together stakeholders to address the growing challenge of online counterfeiting.

The discussion informed an ongoing research study by IIDS and Authentix, with participation from industry, enforcement agencies including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and organisations such as the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

Topic: Quantum Computing and Its Threats to Cryptography and Military Applications

Manish Gangwar, Dr. Shruti Mantri, Kapil Jaiswal, Piyush Baranwal, Vishal Batra and Sai Shankar

Date: March 20, 2025

Location: College of Defence Management, Secunderabad

A round table discussion was conducted at the College of Defence Management, focusing on the growing challenges posed by quantum computing to cryptographic methods and military applications. The advancements in quantum computing pose significant challenges to traditional cryptographic methods and military applications. This discussion aimed to bring together experts and thought leaders to explore these threats, share insights, and engage in constructive dialogue about how we can prepare for this evolving landscape.