André Xuereb is a full professor of quantum physics at the University of Malta, where he established the quantum research group, and Founder & CEO of Merqury Cybersecurity. He read for an undergraduate degree in mathematics and physics at the University of Malta, a PhD in theoretical physics at the University of Southampton in the UK, and a master’s degree in entrepreneurship at the University of Malta; he is currently reading for a master’s degree in diplomacy. Since 2021, André is Malta’s Ambassador for Digital Affairs. In addition to this, he is also Chief Scientific Officer of an artificial intelligence start-up, married to a lawyer, and the proud father of three wonderful children.
Noel Farrugia is the current CTO of Merqury Cybersecurity, a quantum focused start-up aimed at providing quantum safe solutions for all. He is a computer engineer by training and obtained his PhD from the University of Malta. His PhD focused on multi-objective optimisation applied on computer networks using the SDN architecture. Apart from this academic background, Noel spent several years in the industry both as a developer and team leader.
Byron holds a first degree in Mathematics and Physics from the University of Malta. Over the next decade, he gained expertise as a quantitative trader at a hedge fund specializing in automated trading of derivatives and portfolio risk management. In 2021, he earned his M.Sc. in Statistics and Financial Mathematics from the University of Sheffield. His journey continued at Merqury in 2023, where he contributes to global-scale satellite-based quantum communication.
