Sebastian Weidt is the Co-Founder and CEO of Universal Quantum, a UK-based deep tech company building the world's first large-scale, practical trapped-ion quantum computer capable of reaching one million qubits.

Sebastian studied Physics with Management Studies at the University of Sussex, completed a PhD and postdoctoral research fellowship in quantum information technology, and previously worked as a management consultant in Berlin.

In 2017, Sebastian and co-founder Winfried Hensinger published the first practical blueprint for a large-scale trapped-ion quantum computer, pioneering a microwave-based approach that eliminates the need for billions of laser beams.

As a Professor of Quantum Computing and Entrepreneurship at the University of Sussex, Sebastian brings over 12 years of hands-on quantum research experience to his role leading Universal Quantum's engineering and commercial strategy.

Universal Quantum has secured contracts worth more than 70 million euros from the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), attracted investors backed by Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos, and has been selected for Tech Nation's Future Fifty programme.