TechEthics CEO Sophia Devlin has completed the NATO STO Summer Training Program 2026 on Dual-Use Quantum Technologies, delivered under NATO’s Science and Technology Organization — the world’s largest collaborative research forum in defence and security.
The programme moved from the physics and engineering of quantum systems through to where those systems are actually being deployed, covering Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), the emerging quantum internet, quantum sensing, and the practical work of building a quantum ecosystem. Running alongside the technical material were sessions on ethics, strategy and policy.
“The dual-use nature of quantum technologies was a central theme throughout. Sessions on ethics, strategy and policy challenged me to think beyond technical performance and market potential, and to consider the broader societal implications of deploying quantum systems.”
— Sophia Devlin, CEO, TechEthics
Why it matters for our clients¶
Quantum is a field where the gap between demonstration and deployment is unusually wide, and where confident vendor claims outpace what the technology can currently do. The UK National Cyber Security Centre, for instance, continues to advise that post-quantum cryptography — not QKD — is the right route for most organisations securing against future quantum attack.
That kind of judgement is what the programme sharpens. It puts TechEthics in a stronger position to assess the maturity of quantum solutions offered by partners and vendors, to talk credibly with technical teams and clients about what is and is not feasible today, and to identify where a pilot is justified and where further research is needed first.
The dual-use framing matters just as much. Quantum capabilities can shift security and geopolitical balances through secure communications and advanced sensing, and the same technologies can serve protection or coercion. Governance and resilience are not add-ons to that picture; they belong in the design of quantum-enabled infrastructure from the start.
“Success in quantum is not purely a technical race. It is also about collaboration, standards, talent and cross-sector engagement.”
— Sophia Devlin, CEO, TechEthics
The training reflects a commitment that runs through our work: advanced technologies should be developed and deployed responsibly, in line with emerging global standards and a clear-eyed view of their security implications.
To discuss quantum readiness or dual-use risk assessment for your organisation, see our consultancy services or get in touch.
