Join us as we explore the intricate world of quantum technology with our guest, Harold Ollivier, from Inria, a public research institute in France. Harold gives us an insightful look into his work on verification of quantum computation, error correction, and error mitigation. We also get a unique perspective on Inria's strong focus on computer science and its important contributions to various aspects within the quantum ecosystem.

We tackle the challenges of developing quantum technologies and their impact on the market and user needs. Discover the current state of quantum computing and how companies are grappling with moving their hardware to specialized data centers. Learn about the complexities of installing a quantum computer in a data center, including cooling system requirements and potential vibration disruptions.

We further examine the necessity of physical considerations for data centers hosting quantum machines, the practicality of dilution fridge technologies, and the relationship between these topics and privacy and security. Hear about the growing trend of privacy-preserving laws, the evolution of classical cryptography, and the French banking regulator's exploration of solutions for stress tests on the banking system. Lastly, we discuss the verification methodology for quantum computing and how it can ensure that computations are not tampered with, even without full knowledge of the computation details. Tune in for this and more on our enlightening journey through quantum technology.

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(0:00:12) - Quantum Technology Research in France (18 Minutes)

We discuss the divide between classical IT and quantum technology and the fact that these two domains need to work closely together. We are joined by Harold Olivier Right from Inria, a public research institute in France, to talk about his research on verification of quantum computation and its implications for error correction and error mitigation. We learn about Inria's focus on computer science and their work on various topics within the quantum ecosystem. We also explore the link between INRIA and the French national quantum strategy, and the strong collaborations with startups and companies.

(0:17:45) - Challenges of Developing Quantum Technologies (4 Minutes)

We explore the challenges of developing quantum technologies and how it affects the market and user needs. We look at the current state of quantum computing and how companies are dealing with the need to move their hardware to specialized data centers. We discuss the complications of bringing a quantum computer to a data center, including the cooling system requirements and the vibration that can disrupt the machine. We discuss how public money is used to research and explore these issues and how this can benefit the private sector.

(0:21:53) - Quantum Machines and Remote Execution (17 Minutes)

We discuss the need for physical aspects to be considered for data centers to host quantum machines, the practicality of dilution fridge technologies, the abundance of coaching, and the link between this topic and privacy and security. We then explore the growing trend of privacy-preserving laws, the evolution of classical cryptography, and the French banking regulator's exploration of solutions for stress tests on the banking system. Finally, we look at the requirement for developing a healthy quantum ecosystem and how it affects the market and user needs.

(0:38:41) - Approaches and Challenges in Quantum Networking (13 Minutes)

We explore the various approaches to sending qubits from a client to a server and the advances being made in quantum networking. We examine the possibilities of obfuscating the instructions sent classically, the pros and cons of these approaches, and the research and development being done on a quantum long-range backbone. We also discuss the quantum advantage in terms of space and the overhead needed to produce a secure qubit. Finally, we consider how to simplify protocols and bring them to a level where they can be implemented.

(0:52:11) - Verification Methodology for Blind Computations (5 Minutes)

I discuss the verification methodology for quantum computing and how it is possible to verify that a server is not tampering with a computation without knowing the full details of the computation. We look at how blind computation can be used to delegate a task to a server, and how it is possible to verify the server's results by providing known 'clipboard' computations and comparing the result. Technical considerations behind this methodology and the importance of proving that the class of clipboard computations is large enough to catch any malicious behaviour from the server are discussed. Finally, the implications of this approach for the future of quantum computing are considered.

(0:56:47) - Quantum Networking (1 Minutes)

We {discuss} the need for physical infrastructure to support quantum machines, the advances being made in quantum networking and the verification methods used to ensure secure communication between servers and clients. The challenges of developing quantum technologies and the impact this has on the market and user needs are also {considered}. Finally, we {reflect} on our conversation and consider the possibilities for the future.