FemTum Leap Awards 2026

Honouring Women Shaping the Quantum Future

FemTum Leap Awards recognise women advancing quantum science, engineering, trusted systems, governance, and education. The Awards spotlight contribution that is verifiable, influential, and relevant to how quantum capability develops across institutions and industry.

FemTum Leap Awards are delivered within the Quantum Innovation Summit 2026, the region’s most influential institutional platform for quantum readiness and deployment pathways, with a globally connected programme and international visibility.

The Awards story

FemTum Leap Awards were launched in 2023 by the Quantum Innovation Summit Founder, Mrs. Malak Trabelsi Loeb, to spotlight women shaping the quantum frontier and strengthening the conditions for adoption across real systems.

The Awards were first presented in Dubai during the Quantum Innovation Summit 2024. The 2026 edition marks the third edition of FemTum Leap Awards, continuing the Awards programme within the Summit ecosystem and Global Quantum Week.

How selection works

A clear sequence from nomination to recognition.

Nominate via application

Submit the official nomination application and upload the nomination package with supporting documentation.

Confirm submission by email

After submitting the application, send a follow-up email to femtumleap@vernewellgroup.com to complete submission tracking.

Subject line

FemTum Leap Awards 2026 | Nomination Application Submitted

Include

Nominee full name
Category selected
Application reference number If no reference number is generated, attach a screenshot of the submission confirmation
Nominator name, organisation, and contact details

Validation and eligibility screening

The Awards office reviews completeness, validates documentation, confirms eligibility, and confirms category alignment.

Finalists and community voting

Finalists are published on this page. Community voting selects the Community Recognition Award.

Jury evaluation and final decision

The jury evaluates shortlisted nominees using the scoring rubric. The nomination statement and supporting documentation form the basis of assessment. Winners are announced during the Quantum Innovation Summit programme.

Award categories

Quantum Visionary Award

Sustained contribution and leadership advancing the field and adoption pathways.

Innovation Catalyst Award

Breakthrough research, engineering, product development, or applied deployment with verifiable progress.

Policy and Advocacy Award

Leadership shaping governance, regulation, standards engagement, ethics, or public trust.

Quantum Educator and Mentor Award

Education, mentorship, and capacity building with demonstrable talent impact.

Rising Quantum Star Award

Exceptional trajectory and emerging leadership in the quantum field.

Community Recognition Award

Community voted recognition selected from the finalist shortlist.

Nominees may come from academia, industry, government, research institutions, or civil society. Contributions may relate to:

Quantum computing, communications, or sensing

Quantum safe security and trusted systems

Quantum research and engineering

Standards, governance, and institutional readiness

Education, training, mentorship, and talent pathways

Applied adoption and deployment pathways

Nomination package

Nominee details: name, role, organisation, country
Category selected
Contribution summary, 150 words
Nomination statement, 500 to 800 words aligned with the judging criteria
Supporting documentation pack, minimum three items
Professional photo and short bio
References: one required, two recommended

Supporting documentation examples

Publications, patents, technical reports
Standards contributions, working groups, policy submissions
Products, deployments, prototypes, implementation milestones
Formal recognitions and institutional references
Verifiable media coverage, invited talks, keynote engagements
Mentorship outcomes, training delivery, curriculum creation
Measurable outcomes, adoption indicators, organisational impact statements

Contribution and originality

Impact and outcomes

Rigour and credibility

Leadership and influence

Real-world relevance and adoption pathway value

Integrity and responsibility aligned with trusted systems

The jury includes senior experts spanning

Quantum science and engineering

Academic and institutional leadership

Cybersecurity and trusted systems

Policy, law, and governance

Deep tech innovation and adoption pathways

Recognition on a global stage

Winners are recognised during the Quantum Innovation Summit programme and featured across Global Quantum Week communications.

Curated access

Winners receive curated access to selected Awards programme moments and recognition formats during the Summit week, including priority networking opportunities aligned with the Awards schedule.

Accommodation support

Hotel accommodation in Dubai may be offered for category winners, subject to allocation and confirmation by the Awards office. Flight arrangements remain the responsibility of the winner.

Updated as of 12 February 2026.

Nominations open: 15 February 2026
Nominations close: 1 March 2026
Validation and eligibility screening: 2–6 March 2026
Finalists announced: 7 March 2026
Community voting: 7–16 March 2026
Jury evaluation and final decision: 17–24 March 2026
Winners confirmed and notified: 25 March 2026
Winners announced: during Quantum Innovation Summit 2026, 7–9 April 2026