From Quantum Connectivity to Quantum-Native Artificial Intelligence
Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/499855Quantum technologies are poised to transform next-generation communication and artificial intelligence (AI) systems. This talk explores two key directions: (a) scaling quantum communication networks (QCNs) and (b) designing quantum-native reinforcement learning algorithms. Scaling QCNs across nodes and geographies remains a critical challenge for realizing a quantum Internet (QI) that integrates quantum security, computing, and machine learning. We examine quantum repeater networks (QRNs), that form the backbone for large-scale QCNs, with a focus on how to scale repeater counts and spacing to manage probabilistic entanglement operations while maintaining quality-of-service. We then investigate free-space optical (FSO) quantum channels, where reflective intelligent surfaces (RISs) can mitigate environmental obstacles in settings lacking conventional infrastructure. Beyond connectivity, enabling effective collaboration among distributed artificial intelligence (AI) agents emerges as a second major challenge—one where quantum technologies can offer transformative advantages. Existing multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) methods, including recent quantum MARL frameworks, typically rely on classical information exchange, limiting scalability and efficiency. To overcome this, we introduce entangled quantum multi-agent reinforcement learning (eQMARL): a quantum-native AI framework where quantum entanglement forms the core mechanism for coordination. In eQMARL, a quantum-entangled split critic links local observation encoders via entangled qubits, removing the need for explicit data sharing and reducing classical communication overhead. Joint quantum measurements enable coordinated policy updates with far fewer centralized parameters. Experiments show that eQMARL improves convergence tiem and achieves higher scores than classical and quantum baselines, and reduces centralized parameters significantly compared to the split classical baseline. We conclude the talk with an overview on important open problems in these areas, as well as some of our ongoing research <a href="http://activities.Speaker(s):" target="_blank" title="activities.Speaker(s):">activities.Speaker(s): Prof. Walid SaadVirtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/499855
AI Applications in the Enterprise
Room: Meeting Room 1, Bldg: Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre, 2302 Bridge Road, Oakville, Ontario, Canada, L6L 2G6The AI revolution is here and it is necessary for everyone to understand AI technology, services, concepts, interaction with humans, impact on workforce and benefits to enterprises. The presentation discusses key AI technologies including AI hardware, LLMs, Agentic AI, RAG, impact of AI on energy consumption globally, introduction of AI in schools and related <a href="http://ideas.Speaker(s):" target="_blank" title="ideas.Speaker(s):">ideas.Speaker(s): Asaf, Agenda: 7:00PM - Introduction of IEEE Hamilton Section7:15PM - Presentation8:00PM - Q&A8:15PM - RefreshmentsRoom: Meeting Room 1, Bldg: Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre, 2302 Bridge Road, Oakville, Ontario, Canada, L6L 2G6