Mr Mervyn Christoffels, A Quantum Computing Access Strategy – A Growth Pathway Tailored

Описание: Mr Mervyn Christoffels is a well-respected IT executive with over 25 years of international experience. He has effectively led large ICT projects and managed diverse teams across different settings. His qualifications include Electrical Engineering, an MBA, and an MCom in Information Systems. Currently, he is working on a PhD in Business Administration and Management at the University of Cape Town's Graduate School of Business, where he focuses on practice-based leadership approaches during complex digital transformations to inform future infrastructure initiatives in the Global South.

He is the Director of the Centre for High-Performance Computing (CHPC) in South Africa, leading a highly skilled team that provides national research infrastructure combining HPC, AI, Cloud, and Quantum Computing services to foster research and innovation in South Africa and beyond.

Mervyn also oversees major scientific and strategic initiatives, including South Africa's participation in CERN's ALICE Experiment, where the country contributes Tier-2 Grid computing capacity. He is involved in the implementation of quantum computing access services that create frontline opportunities for South African researchers through international partnerships. Additionally, he leads the expansion of a local cloud platform that supports digital sovereignty and data localisation, serving as South Africa's sovereign government, research, and industry cloud.

His career spans roles in Africa, Europe, and the U. K. He was a Senior Manager at Nokia Siemens Networks in East Africa, delivering ICT solutions and strategic support across West Africa. In the U. K., he was a Senior Network Engineer at AOL, leading telecommunications projects, and at Deutsche Bank in London, managing global networking initiatives. He has also consulted for multinational companies like Coca-Cola in Brussels and BTT Consultancy in the U. S., gaining insight into global ICT deployments.

As part of the CHPC team, Mervyn is dedicated to developing an African-tailored approach to building, managing and scaling digital research infrastructure for South Africa and the wider continent.

Background:
In support of the UN’s International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IQY2025), the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) hosted a discussion forum on 27-28 August 2025 that focused on how quantum science and technology could help address major global and national challenges. The event brought researchers, engineers, and industry professionals together to explore South Africa’s progress in quantum research, the opportunities created by the second quantum revolution, and the skills and collaborations needed for future development.

The discussions focused on the practical applications of Quantum Science and Technology across various sectors. Key themes included, among others, the use of quantum computing, quantum biosensing, the commercialisation and industry uptake of quantum technologies, as well as cybersecurity challenges and opportunities in the quantum era. These topics aim to highlight both the transformative potential and real-world impact of emerging quantum innovations.