Panel 5 Speakers
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Moderator
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Panelist
Danica Marsden
Dr. Danica Marsden is a quantum strategy consultant with Enterprise Quantum and a venture partner with Cadenza advising on quantum technology investments. She was previously Principal Quantum Computing Scientist at the Bank of Canada, where she developed the Bank’s first quantum strategy, oversaw proof-of-concept projects applying quantum computing to central banking research, and advised on post-quantum cryptography. She co-authored the Bank for International Settlements paper Quantum-Readiness for the Financial System: A Roadmap and the G7 central bank report Preparing for Quantum Technologies: Key Considerations for Financial Sector Participants.
Previously, Dr. Marsden spent several years building quantum computers at D-Wave Systems and Photonic Inc., and applying new technology at Suncor. She holds a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.Sc. in physics and astronomy from the University of British Columbia, and was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Caltech. Her publications include work on quantum computing for payment systems in Management Science and on quantum hardware and simulation in Nature and Nature Communications. She has over 20 years of experience bringing new technologies into practice.
Quantum strategy consultant, Enterprise Quantum
Panelist
Anna Beata Kalisz Hedegaard
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CEO, Quantum Security Defence
Panelist
MGen Dave Yarker
Major General (MGen) Dave Yarker joined the Canadian Forces in 1989, graduating from the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) Kingston in 1993. Following completion of Graduate studies and Signals officer Training in 1996 he served with 2 Brigade as a Signals Officer in both 427 Tactical Helicopter Squadron and 2 Combat Engineer Regiment.
Since 2010, he has had the good fortune to have been employed in the cyber operations field, commanding at Unit and Formation levels as well as holding key staff and liaison positions including with United States Cyber Command and Canada’s Communications Security Establishment.
In 2022, he was appointed as Director General Information Management Operations and the Joint Force Cyber Component Commander. He was promoted to his current rank in 2024 and assumed the role of the first Commander of the Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command on its stand-up on 26 Sept 2024. He holds undergraduate degrees in Engineering Physics and History, along with master’s degrees in Engineering Physics, Defence Studies, and Public Administration
Commander, Cyber Command - Canadian Armed Forces
Panelist
John O’Connor
John O’Connor is the Chief Product Officer (CPO) at Crypto4A Technologies, where he leads the product vision, roadmap, and go-to-market strategy for the company’s quantum-safe and crypto-agile solutions. With over 15 years of experience in cybersecurity, John brings a unique blend of technical depth and business acumen to the role.
Prior to joining Crypto4A, John spent 11 years at Irdeto, following their acquisition of Ottawa-based Cloakware, a pioneer in software security solutions. During his tenure, he held several key roles including Technical Lead of Security Assurance, Principal Architect, and Director of Product Management.
John began his career at Sun Microsystems in Ireland and Trolltech in Australia. A passionate advocate for market-driven innovation, John thrives at the intersection of product strategy, security architecture, and customer need, helping to align technical excellence with real-world business challenges.
John holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Applications and a Master of Science in Security and Forensic Computing from Dublin City University (DCU), Ireland.
Chief Product Officer, Crypto4a