José Pizarro De La Iglesia

José is a senior systems engineer specialising in turning quantum technologies into operational systems on Earth and in space. He helped define the EuroQCI user requirements from day one and led the LuxQCI roadmap. At ESA he advises industry and member states on Quantum Key Distribution and quantum computing, drawing on deep hands-on space systems expertise. He has presented at DEFCON, taught quantum cryptography with playing cards, and enabled a transatlantic quantum-secured key exchange without a trusted node or laser. With nearly two decades in the European space sector, including 16+ years at ESA's ESTEC, he drives cutting-edge programmes and collaboration with the European Commission and EUSPA on Galileo GNSS. He is an ISO/IEC 27001 Senior Lead Implementer and a Chartered Physicist. José holds a Master's in Space Systems Engineering from the University of Delft and a BSc in Physics from Newcastle University. He speaks English, Dutch and Spanish, with some French and German. He lives in the Netherlands.