Businesses in Quantum and Deeptech: Sector Forum & Networking Breakfast
Thursday 5 November 2026
09:00 - 12:30
Institute of Physics, King's Cross
Don’t miss out on this Sector Forum and Networking Event with investment company Quantum Exponential and special guests.
Join us to learn about the investment process in quantum-based companies, and hear from both the investor and the investee on the venture capital process and what it takes to build a successful business in the rapidly evolving quantum sector, including:
- Preparing for the process
- The thought process at each step of the journey
- How they involved colleagues
- The highlights and pitfalls
- Time and resource taken
- Value given and gained
Spaces to attend on-site are limited, so please register as soon as possible.
Agenda
9am: Networking breakfast
10am: Panel
11.30am: Networking and IOP Accelerator tours
Speakers
Stuart Nicol, Quantum Exponential
Stuart Nicol is the Chief Investment Officer at Quantum Exponential and has been investing in quantum technology companies for the last 5 years. Quantum Exponential are the sponsor of the IOP's annual qBIG prize, awarded to companies based in UK and Ireland that are commercialising in the quantum sector. He regularly mentors early-stage companies for organisations such as Creative Destruction Lab, NATO Diana and Alchemist Accelerator.
Dr Jack Brennan, Quantcore
Dr Jack Brennan is the CEO of Glasgow-based start-up company Quantcore, the only UK company manufacturing niobium-based superconducting quantum components. Quantcore are recipients of the 2026 qBIG Prize for the development of next-generation superconducting quantum computing hardware based on niobium and high-performance single-photon detectors.
Dr Jo Slota-Newson, Almanac Ventures
Dr Jo Slota-Newson is a venture capital investor supporting early stage and growth ventures across deep technology sectors. Jo has worked in technology commercialisation for 17 years, in technical, commercial and investment roles, and has experience working with high growth technology businesses in the advanced materials, electronics, photonics, cleantech, industrial engineering, medical technology, and software sectors.
Bill Yost, Reclinker
Bill Yost is the CEO of Reclinker, a Cambridge-based start-up company that transforms demolition waste into low-CO2 clinker with the aim to build a net-zero future. For more than twenty-five years, Bill has been helping to bring new technologies to markets. As a Founder, Investor, Chair and Advisor, he has supported early-stage companies spanning hydrogen generation, water treatment, thermal storage and the recycling of carbon fibre.
Businesses in Quantum and Deeptech: Sector Forum & Networking Breakfast
Thursday 5 November 2026
09:00 - 12:30
Institute of Physics, King's Cross
Don’t miss out on this Sector Forum and Networking Event with investment company Quantum Exponential and special guests.
Join us to learn about the investment process in quantum-based companies, and hear from both the investor and the investee on the venture capital process and what it takes to build a successful business in the rapidly evolving quantum sector, including:
- Preparing for the process
- The thought process at each step of the journey
- How they involved colleagues
- The highlights and pitfalls
- Time and resource taken
- Value given and gained
Spaces to attend on-site are limited, so please register as soon as possible.
9am: Networking breakfast
10am: Panel
11.30am: Networking and IOP Accelerator tours
Speakers
Stuart Nicol, Quantum Exponential
Stuart Nicol is the Chief Investment Officer at Quantum Exponential and has been investing in quantum technology companies for the last 5 years. Quantum Exponential are the sponsor of the IOP's annual qBIG prize, awarded to companies based in UK and Ireland that are commercialising in the quantum sector. He regularly mentors early-stage companies for organisations such as Creative Destruction Lab, NATO Diana and Alchemist Accelerator.
Dr Jack Brennan, Quantcore
Dr Jack Brennan is the CEO of Glasgow-based start-up company Quantcore, the only UK company manufacturing niobium-based superconducting quantum components. Quantcore are recipients of the 2026 qBIG Prize for the development of next-generation superconducting quantum computing hardware based on niobium and high-performance single-photon detectors.
Dr Jo Slota-Newson, Almanac Ventures
Dr Jo Slota-Newson is a venture capital investor supporting early stage and growth ventures across deep technology sectors. Jo has worked in technology commercialisation for 17 years, in technical, commercial and investment roles, and has experience working with high growth technology businesses in the advanced materials, electronics, photonics, cleantech, industrial engineering, medical technology, and software sectors.
Bill Yost, Reclinker
Bill Yost is the CEO of Reclinker, a Cambridge-based start-up company that transforms demolition waste into low-CO2 clinker with the aim to build a net-zero future. For more than twenty-five years, Bill has been helping to bring new technologies to markets. As a Founder, Investor, Chair and Advisor, he has supported early-stage companies spanning hydrogen generation, water treatment, thermal storage and the recycling of carbon fibre.
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