Stefan Kölbl is a Staff Software Engineer at Google leading efforts in post-quantum cryptography and cryptographic agility. He contributed to the standardization of the PQC signature scheme SLH-DSA (FIPS 205) through his work with NIST and currently represents Switzerland in the ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 27/WG 2 committee for cryptography and security mechanisms. With a PhD in cryptography and a background in the H2020 PQCRYPTO project, his work bridges the gap between theoretical research and the practical deployment of quantum-safe systems at scale.
Quantum technologies are approaching practical deployment and are expected to significantly reshape the digital landscape. The EU is positioning itself as a global leader in this space, with its forthcoming Quantum Act poised to boost research and innovation, scale industrial capacity and reinforce supply chain resilience of quantum technologies. Meanwhile, the EU is preparing to defend against quantum-enabled cyber threats. In June 2025, it published its Roadmap for the Transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography, setting out a phased approach with milestones in 2026, 2030 and 2035 to guide Member States through the transition of their cryptographic systems. This session will examine how Europe can translate quantum research into commercial and strategic advantage, while also assessing the continent’s preparedness for quantum-driven cybersecurity risks.
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