Quantum Innovators Network: Cracking the code, Iceberg Quantum’s journey
The story behind the startup redefining quantum error correction.
Join us for an interactive discussion with Dr Felix Thomsen, co-founder of Iceberg Quantum, in conversation with Stefanie Tardo, Chief Operating Officer, Diraq.
Felix, an SQA alumnus, will trace his journey from PhD scholar to tech-pioneer shaping the future of quantum hardware.
Felix will also discuss the unique challenges PhD students and postdocs face when launching deep-tech startups — from managing differing graduation timelines and juggling thesis work with fundraising, to navigating the uncertainty of income before securing venture capital.
This is a free in-person event. Networking drinks will follow the discussion and Q&A session.
AGENDA
4:45 pm - Registration
5:00 - 6:00 pm - Discussion and Q&A
6:00 - 7:00 pm - Networking
ABOUT ICEBERG QUANTUM
Iceberg Quantum is a quantum architecture startup accelerating the path to useful quantum computing—by slashing the hardware overhead needed for fault tolerance.
The company grew out of pioneering research at the University of Sydney, where founders Felix Thomsen (an SQA alumnus), Larry Cohen, and Sam Smith, then PhD students, devised a novel approach to dramatically lowering the overhead required for faulttolerant quantum computing.
Their research led to breakthroughs in non-local LDPC codes, logical gate design, noise-aware strategies, and low-latency pre-decoding—culminating in novel error correction schemes that dramatically reduce overhead and sparked a wave of high-impact publications.
This year, Iceberg Quantum raised a $2 million (AUD) pre-seed round, announced major partnerships with PsiQuantum and Oxford Ionics, positioning the startup at the forefront of global fault-tolerant quantum R&D.
ABOUT CHAIR - STEFANIE TARDO, DIRAQ
Stefanie Tardo is COO at Diraq, a company building utility-scale quantum computers using silicon. Since joining Diraq in its early days, Stef has focused on driving strategy and scaling operations to help Diraq turn deep-tech breakthroughs into commercial outcomes and advance its growth and innovation. Stef brings extensive experience in scaling high-growth companies, drawing on her background in private equity, deals, and consulting.
PHOTOGRAPHY NOTICE
Please be aware, by registering for this event, you consent to being photographed and/or filmed. Images and footage may be used by the organisers for promotional purposes, including in future marketing materials, publications, and online content.
ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE
We are committed to making this event accessible to everyone. If you require any accommodations, please let us know in advance by sending an email to: info.sqa@sydney.edu.au.
ABOUT THE QUANTUM INNOVATORS NETWORK
Our Quantum Innovators Network event series is designed for quantum enthusiasts and innovators. Learn more about the global quantum startup ecosystem and hear from international experts, the fast-growing deep tech startups, and university spin-offs who are paving the way for a quantum future.
ABOUT SYDNEY QUANTUM ACADEMY (SQA)
Our vision is to build Australia's quantum economy. Collaborating with academia, industry and government, we harness Sydney's collective quantum expertise to develop diverse talent and a globally recognised quantum ecosystem. We're a partnership between Macquarie University, UNSW Sydney, University of Sydney and UTS, supported by the NSW Government.
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