Professor Francisco Albarrán-Arriagada is advancing quantum technologies across Latin America through research, education, and community building. He earned his Ph.D. at the University of Santiago de Chile and later worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Shanghai University’s QuArtist Center. Since 2022, he has been an Assistant Professor at the University of Santiago de Chile, leading research in quantum computing supported by national grants, including a FONDECYT Regular as Principal Investigator.

He has published over 35 peer-reviewed papers and is the founder and organizer of QuSantiago, a free annual quantum-computing school that connects international experts with students and early-career researchers across the region. He also served on Chile’s National Advisory Commission for Quantum Technologies, providing expert guidance to the Ministry of Science on policy and development strategies.

In 2025, he joined Kipu Quantum as Academic Partnership Manager to promote stronger collaboration between universities and industry in Latin America.

A PhD student at the Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Ricardo Angelo Quispe Mendizábal is already championing quantum education, outreach, and community in Latin America. As founder and Quantum Technology Lead at QuantumQuipu, the region’s largest online quantum computing community, he has increased public engagement and created opportunities for students and early-career researchers.

In his research, Quispe Mendizábal has contributed to sustainable development through research on quantum optimization algorithms, applying quantum methods to real-world problems. In education, he has actively mentored students and interns, developing programs such as introductory research courses and guiding senior researchers to support new participants in the field. He has also participated in international programs, including the Qiskit Global Summer School and the Womanium Global Quantum Program, fostering global collaborations and gender equity in quantum science.

In a fast-developing industry like quantum, community and connection are vital. Quispe Mendizábal has helped nurture both of these things, connecting emerging talent with experts and promoting inclusive pathways into quantum technologies.