Podcast/Video Interviews by Stephen Ibaraki

A Chat with Dr. Celia Merzbacher: Executive Director of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C); Experienced in leading large multidisciplinary partnerships and programs at the intersection of government, industry, and academia

This week, Stephen Ibaraki has an exclusive interview with Dr. Celia Merzbacher.

Dr. Celia Merzbacher is Executive Director of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C), a global, industry-driven consortium managed by SRI International that aims to grow the quantum economy. Dr. Merzbacher has more than two decades of experience leading large multidisciplinary partnerships and programs at the intersection of government, industry, and academia. She was named a member of the Quantum 100 as part of the International Year of Quantum for her dedication and contributions and is on the US delegation to the NATO Transatlantic Quantum Community. She has testified to Congress twice on the National Quantum Initiative and is a member of the GAO Expert Network. She is a Fellow of the AAAS and a recognized thought leader in the quantum community.

Merzbacher leads The Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C), the world’s premier association of pioneers in the quantum technology marketplace. Members of QED-C enable the real-world applications of quantum technology that will develop a robust commercial industry and supply chain.

The organization sits at the intersection of tech, academia, business, entrepreneurship, and Policymaking and fosters collaborations the industry needs. QED-C is where experts and organizations share knowledge and collectively shape how quantum technology will grow. There are five membership categories ranging from academic organizations to commercial ones and a straightforward process to apply for membership. QED-C is managed by SRI.

QED-C publishes multiple reports every year to track progress in the industry and to identify growth areas. The most recent report, State of the Global Quantum Industry 2026, found that the global quantum market has reached $1.9 billion to include quantum computing at $1.4 billion and quantum sensing at $470 million, the global pure-play quantum workforce grew 14%, and private venture capital investment more than doubled. According to the report, measurable technical progress, increased public and private investment, and a growing base of commercial and institutional participants were the key drivers of growth last year. Industry momentum is no longer confined to research milestones alone, but is reflected in investment, workforce growth, and a sustained increase in revenue across regions and technology segments.

Merzbacher also speaks at events around the world and has testified in Congress about the National Quantum Initiative Act.