Quantum computing is one of the technologies that promises a fundamental shift in the technology industry. The technology is coming at us fast and already the cybersecurity field is planning for a “Post Quantum” world. Quantum computing will bring new opportunities, and both the US and Japan are leaders in the field. What are the opportunities for companies from both countries to collaborate and profitably lead us into the new quantum world? Sponsored by Keizai Silicon Valley and in collaboration with the Consulate-General of Japan, this event will explore these topics and more.
In addition to experts in the field of quantum computing, we’re also pleased to be joined by experts in the field of winemaking! We’ll be featuring an opportunity to taste small-production wines from Napa and Sonoma from Mark Herold Wines to accompany the event.
After joining the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in Japan, Naoki was placed in charge of energy policy, digitalization of Japanese manufacturing, and startup policy in the IT field. He currently works at Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco as economic attaché. He majored in law at Kyoto University and received a Master of Public Policy at the University of California, San Diego.
Dave Krauthamer is an Information systems executive who is an experienced CEO, CIO, CTO, CRO, CMO, CSO and serves as a Board Member and Chairman of the Digital Disruption Group at the Band of Angels. He has created and sold award-winning companies in addition to teaching university-level courses in information technology.
Isabel Mercado is a data scientist at VALUENEX, a predictive analytics and big-data visualization firm. At VALUENEX, she has delivered analytics for patent-heavy domains, including quantum computing and pharmaceuticals, revealing technology trajectories, competitive positioning, and market gaps. Isabel presented at Q2B Silicon Valley 2024 on using topological cluster mapping and NLP techniques via the VALUENEX Radar to chart the quantum technology ecosystem, including trends across quantum computing, sensing and timing, communications, and more. She holds a B.S. in Symbolic Systems from Stanford University.
Steve Payne is a Partner at Pegasus Tech Ventures with a focus on global technology investments and M&A. Steve has been a co-founder, board member, investor and advisor for dozens of technology companies. Steve is a co-founder of Architect Partners where he focuses on boutique tech mergers & acquisition. Steve has also been a Managing Partner at Ignite Ventures and Global Mentor at the Korea Innovation Center (KIC) in Silicon Valley. Steve holds an MBA from Harvard University Business School and a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from Washington University in St, Louis.
Sho Sugiura, Co-Founder & CEO, BlocQ: Sho Sugiura is a co-founder and CEO of BlocQ, a company focused on building software for quantum computing. He is a physicist with 13 years of research experience in this area. Sho received his Ph.D. from the University of Tokyo, followed by postdoctoral fellowships there and at Harvard University. He later worked as a senior research scientist at NTT Research, Inc., where he led collaborative research with MIT. He is also a published researcher with more than ten articles on quantum computing and related topics.
Phil Keys specializes in consulting in marketing communications at Maido Media. Prior to his current role, Phil worked in marketing communications for a Silicon Valley software company. He also spent over 13 years as a US correspondent for Nikkei Business Publications covering the technology industry in Silicon Valley as well as in consulting and marketing positions in both the U.S. and Japan. A graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, Phil also attended International Christian University in Tokyo.
Thursday, September 11th, 2025
| Registration/Networking: | 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM |
| Program | 5:45 PM – 7:15 PM |
| Networking: | 7:15 PM – 7:45 PM |
Food and beverages will be served.
