Mr Rory Pentz, The Product Journey: From Spark to Shelf

Описание: Mr Rory Pentz completed a master’s degree specialising in high-frequency power electronics. Science always intrigued him, and therefore, he attended lectures on classical, optical and quantum physics. He is a lecturer at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), lecturing Electronics and Physics.

As one of the founder members of the Quantum research group at CPUT, Rory actively started to contribute to research. His first contribution was to assist with the construction of the experimental setup, which was used to cool a cloud of cold Rubidium 87 atoms down to 1μK.

Rory Pentz has worked on the following projects:
• Contributing to the development of a 200mW external cavity diode laser operating at a wavelength of 780nm
• Developing a photo detector which allows optical signals to be turned into electrical signals
• Developing a prototype of a cost-effective single-photon detector
• Currently developing a quantum key distribution system demonstrator based on the BB84 protocol
• Developing a correlation system required for a QKD system

In 2024, Rory Pentz took over the management of the Quantum research group. He is a member of the SA QuTI.

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.