WILLEMSTAD – As part of UNESCO’s International Year of Quantum Science, the Ministry of Economic Development (MEO) has thrust Curaçao into the rapidly evolving world of data connectivity, digital resilience and the disruptive impact of quantum computing. The Curaçao Quantum Safe Event, expertly moderated by Jacques Heide, brought together government officials, businesses, academic institutions and international specialists for a deep dive into the island’s technological future.
The central message was unmistakable: the quantum revolution will not wait — Curaçao must act now.
Dimitri van Esch of the Quantum Gateway Foundation in the Netherlands delivered a keynote that outlined what the world already knows about quantum technology, what remains unknown, the geopolitical race between global powers, the looming threat of a potential “quantum apocalypse,” the growing role of social media in accelerating disinformation, and the opportunity for Curaçao to position itself as the first Quantum Security Island in the region.
Quantum Computing: A Breakthrough with Unprecedented Power
Quantum computing relies on the laws of quantum mechanics, the physics governing the smallest particles. While traditional computers process data using bits — either 0 or 1 — quantum computers use qubits, which can be 0 and 1 simultaneously. This allows incredibly complex calculations to be completed at speeds unimaginable for today’s systems.
MEO: Curaçao Must Prepare for the Quantum Era Now
Gwido Jansen, policy adviser at MEO, opened the event with a clear call to action. Curaçao, he said, cannot afford to wait. To safeguard digital security and seize emerging economic opportunities, preparations for the quantum era must begin immediately.
Throughout November, several structural steps were taken to lay the foundation for Curaçao’s quantum-secure future.
The historic Lat-IX foundation — originally established in 2004 and instrumental in developing what is now AMS-IX Caribbean — is being relaunched as Curaçao Quantum Safe (CQS). The organization’s new mission is to build a quantum-aware and quantum-safe Curaçao.
The renewed foundation has signed a cooperation agreement with the Quantum Gateway Foundation, strengthening expertise and awareness around quantum technology.
CQS, together with three key partners — the Ministry of Economic Development, BlueNap Americas and the University of Curaçao — has also signed a declaration of intent to form the Curaçao Quantum Safe Coalition. Both the Curaçao Airport Holding (RAC) and the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS) are expected to join this strategic alliance soon.
The program also featured presentations by international internet-exchange and submarine-cable expert Nico Scheper; Dwigno Puriel, Secretary-General of the Ministry of VVRP; Danilo Zabala, COO of BlueNap Americas; Anil Sadhoeram, Chief Philosophy Officer, who guided attendees through the fundamentals of quantum mechanics; and Marc Samson, an ICT specialist and “Yu di Korsou” based in Belgium, who outlined a compelling future vision shaped by AI–Quantum convergence.
The Curaçao Quantum Safe initiative is led by the renewed Lat-IX foundation, Curaçao Quantum Safe and MEO, with support from the VBC and CITI. Together, they aim to build a quantum-aware and quantum-secure Curaçao — fully prepared for the digital challenges and opportunities of the future.