By Manouchehr Shamsrizi, Rotary eClub of Silicon Valley
As a longtime member of Rotaract in Germany and now as a member of the Rotary eClub of Silicon Valley, I have consistently witnessed the profound impact of scientific and technological advancements and their translation into (social) entrepreneurship for humanity, notably Rotary’s areas of focus. I have seen these things as well in my professional role as a startup founder and currently as co-director of leap.berlin, Germany’s capital hub for quantum technology initiated by the “Berlin University Alliance.”
It is thus no surprise to me that Rotary collaborates closely with Ashoka, the world’s largest and one of the most important organizations for social entrepreneurship. Our collaboration with the United Nations dates back to its founding. As Professor Klaus-Heinrich Standke recently highlighted:
“Rotary has maintained close relations with the UN since its inception. Of all the NGOs accredited to the UN, Rotary holds the highest consultative status.”
Year of Quantum Science and Technology
On 7 June 2024 the UN declared 2025 as “The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology,” aiming “to use the occasion of 100 years of quantum mechanics in 2025 to help raise public awareness of the importance and impact of quantum science and applications on all aspects of lif.”
Rotary’s (potential) role in quantum technology
Rotary clubs worldwide and members in various professions can use this opportunity to educate themselves about the opportunities and risks of quantum technologies. I believe it’s crucial for Rotary to engage in these developments, as significant developments in business, politics, philanthropy, and beyond will increasingly intersect with current and future quantum technologies.
Two recent publications by the World Economic Forum are particularly suitable for making these considerations comprehensible: “Embracing the Quantum Economy: A Pathway for Business Leaders” explores the impact of quantum technologies on various industries and outlines strategic steps for businesses to get started with these technologies. “Quantum for Society: Meeting the Ambition of the SDGs” meanwhile highlights the significant potential of quantum technologies for the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which we as Rotarians actively support.
There is high likelihood that a club member – a scientist, an entrepreneur, a policy adviser? – can provide insights on this topic for your club. There are also many potential partners who you can engage with to discuss these matters with your local community in 2025.
Importance of local engagement
Different economic, research, and political ecosystems engage with different aspects of quantum technology, such as quantum sensing, quantum communication, or the more publicly discussed quantum computing. But all these systems would greatly benefit from the involvement of local Rotary clubs, serving as forums for discussion and leveraging Rotary’s unique interdisciplinary, cross-sector, and long-term network.
Rotarians can significantly shape the “International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.” I am personally convinced that a Rotary influence would be a valuable and desirable contribution to the future of quantum technologies and their impact on humanity.
Rotary partner, Ashoka, facilitates a global network of social entrepreneurs and provides opportunities and resources to empower everyone as a changemaker. Learn more at https://www.ashoka.org/.
https://blog.rotary.org/2025/01/23/what-you-should-know-about-quantum-science-and-rotary/