The Superposition Guy's Podcast

Tobias Lindstrom, Head of Science for the Department of Quantum Technologies at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in the UK, is interviewed by Yuval Boger. They discuss the critical role of national measurement institutes in the quantum ecosystem. Tobias explains how NPL bridges the gap between academia and industry, delves into the complexities of quantum benchmarking and standardization, and explores advancements in quantum communications, sensing, and computing. They also touch on the evolving quantum supply chain, the role of neutrality in measurement services, and what the future holds for quantum technologies.

Zoran Krunic, Senior Manager of Data Science at Amgen Research and Development, is interviewed by Yuval Boger. Zoran and Yuval talk about leveraging quantum machine learning for clinical trial data, the challenges of implementing new technologies in regulated environments, combining quantum computing with generative AI, strategies for scaling quantum efforts in biopharma, and much more.

Toby Cubitt, the person with the best name in quantum, is interviewed by Yuval Boger. Toby is also co-founder, CTO, and Chief Science Officer of Phasecraft, a quantum algorithms company developing highly efficient algorithms tailored for near-term quantum hardware. We discuss Phasecraft’s approach to bridging the gap between quantum demonstrations and useful applications, the role of hybrid quantum-classical algorithms in accelerating materials science, the importance of optimizing for specific hardware platforms, and the critical need for higher gate fidelities in quantum computing. Toby also shares his thoughts on when quantum computing might deliver commercially useful results, his views on AI’s synergy with quantum, and much more.

Yuval Boger interviews Jannes Stubbeman, co-founder and CEO of Aqora, a platform aimed at creating a “Kaggle for Quantum” by providing an operating system for both in-person and online hackathons in the quantum computing space. Jannes and Yuval discuss the origins of Aqora, how it supports hardware vendors in organizing impactful hackathons, the intricacies of benchmarking quantum use cases, the challenges and logistics of hosting competitions, and much more.

Yianni Gamvros and Iordanis Kerenidis, co-founders of Quantum Signals, a new startup focusing on B2B software for financial services, are interviewed by Yuval Boger. Yianni and Iordanis discuss their strategy of building classical AI pipelines to deliver immediate value to customers while planning to integrate quantum enhancements as the technology matures. They explore the challenges of optimizing large financial transactions using predictive signals powered by transformers and quantum-inspired methods, contrasting their approach with traditional trading algorithms. They discuss their initial successes, a quantum hackathon they are organizing, and much more.

Yuval Boger, Chief Commercial Officer at QuEra, is interviewed by guest host Jack Krupansky. Yuval shares his journey into quantum, discusses the recent Google investment, QuEra’s roadmap, the importance of government support, and the potential for a “quantum winter.” Jack and Yuval also discuss the evolution of quantum computing as part of the broader HPC ecosystem, expectations for production-scale deployment, challenges like talent acquisition, and much more.

Yuval Boger interviews whurley, co-founder and CEO of StrangeWorks. They discuss whurley’s journey from founding Honest Dollar to starting Strangeworks, the lessons learned in bridging science and business communication in quantum, and the transition from quantum-only to advanced computing. Whurley also shares his views on the symbiotic relationship between AI and quantum computing, the importance of partnerships in building the industry, and the company’s hiring plans. He reflects on the current state of collaboration in the quantum industry, his optimism for future breakthroughs, and much more.

Tim Spiller, director of the Quantum Communications Hub in the UK, is interviewed by Yuval Boger. Tim describes the Hub’s work on quantum key distribution (QKD) and quantum networking. He highlights advancements in short- and long-range quantum communications, including a CubeSat-based QKD system. Tim elaborates on the transition from research to commercialization within the UK National Quantum Technologies Program, touching on intellectual property transfer, industry partnerships, and ethical considerations in secure communications. He also shares insights on global quantum initiatives in China, Europe, and the US, future quantum networking goals in the UK, and much more.

Shmuel Bachinsky, CEO and co-founder of Quantum Transistors, a second-generation quantum computing company aiming to build the “8086” of quantum computing, is interviewed by Yuval Boger. Shmuel discusses the company’s focus on using diamond-based solid-state spin qubits combined with silicon photonics and CMOS control planes, aiming to build a scalable quantum processor. He contrasts this approach with the challenges of silicon-based qubits, emphasizing higher operating temperatures and the potential for better two-qubit gate fidelity. Shmuel shares insights on scalability, funding, and future growth, and much more

Rob Schoelkopf, co-founder and chief scientist at Quantum Circuits Inc., and Ray Smets, CEO, are interviewed by Yuval Boger. Rob shares insights on Quantum Circuits’ unique dual-rail qubit approach, which focuses on reducing error rates through error detection and correction at the hardware level. Ray emphasizes the company’s shift from scientific research to commercial implementation, highlighting its cost-efficiency and full-stack quantum computing solution. They discuss the scaling potential of superconducting qubits, the importance of error correction, the next steps for Quantum Circuits’ technology, and much more

Renaud Béchade, founder of Anzaetek, a quantum software company based in Korea, is interviewed by Yuval Boger. Renaud shares insights about the company’s work in quantum machine learning (QML) for hospitals, focusing on managing limited medical data, federated learning, and potential quantum solutions for personalized medicine. They also discuss hardware-software co-design, the quantum ecosystem in Korea, and the future of quantum applications beyond healthcare, including in finance and optimization. Renaud reflects on key learnings from recent conferences, potential breakthroughs in quantum error correction, and much more

Charlee Stefanski and Constantin Gonciulea, co-authors of Building Quantum Software, are interviewed by Yuval Boger. Charlee, a software engineer, and Constantin, an expert in math and quantum computing, both from Wells Fargo, discuss their new book aimed at developers and readers with a basic background in math and programming, emphasizing a deeper understanding of quantum algorithms like Grover’s algorithm and the quantum Fourier transform. They also cover the importance of hybrid quantum-classical algorithms and the development of their own high-performance quantum simulator. The conversation touches on the current state of quantum software tools, the challenges of scaling quantum algorithms, and the potential business impact of quantum computing, particularly in optimization and finance, and much more.

Mariia Mykhailova, Principal Quantum Software Engineer at Microsoft Quantum, and author of "Quantum Programming in Depth", is interviewed by Yuval Boger. Mariia describes the book which addresses the practical skills needed to implement real quantum algorithms. She emphasizes the importance of having a solid foundation in quantum programming and highlights her approach to teaching, which focuses on bridging the gap from basic concepts to advanced quantum programming techniques. She also shares insights into the current state of quantum programming tools, the challenges of teaching quantum computing, the potential future applications of quantum computers, and much more. The book is available on manning.com. Use code SPG45 to get 45% off all Manning products.

Hrant Gharibyan, co-founder and CEO of BlueQubit, is interviewed by Yuval Boger. Hrant describes the company’s focus on developing quantum algorithms and software solutions for complex classical and quantum problems, such as material simulation and optimization. Hrant discusses key projects, including a DARPA collaboration involving neutral atom quantum computers and work with Honda Research Institute on quantum algorithms for image classification. He highlights the importance of hardware-agnostic approaches and the potential for achieving quantum advantage in the near future, addresses the challenges of different quantum hardware modalities, the evolving landscape of quantum computing tools and techniques, and much more.

Shengtao and Jonathan from QuEra are interviewed by Yuval Boger. They discuss their roles at QuEra, focusing on quantum algorithm development and the applications of neutral atom quantum computers. Shengtao shares insights on the evolving landscape of quantum computing, including recent breakthroughs in error correction and fault tolerance, and the potential of quantum computers to solve quantum problems, particularly in chemistry and materials science. Jonathan talks about the importance of hybrid quantum-classical systems and the need for creative algorithm development to leverage quantum devices. They both reflect on the future of quantum computing, the potential of neutral atoms, and what it will take for quantum technology to achieve practical utility. The conversation also explores the skills needed for careers in quantum computing, the challenges of scaling quantum applications, and much more.

After interviewing over 100 humans, it's time to try interviewing a machine. "Chris" (ChatGPT) is interviewed by Yuval Boger on The Superposition Guy's Podcast. They discuss the integration of quantum computing into high-performance computing (HPC) environments, the unique needs of quantum users, and the future of quantum technology in solving business problems. Chris highlights the importance of hybrid classical-quantum models, user education, and the evolving quantum ecosystem. The conversation also covers the challenges of scaling quantum resources and the potential impact of quantum computing on fields like optimization, cryptography, and machine learning.

Richard Murray, CEO and co-founder of Orca Computing, discusses the company's focus on building photonic quantum computers using existing telecom components and optical fibers. Orca differentiates itself by leveraging its origins from a quantum networking research group at the University of Oxford, emphasizing practical near-term applications in machine learning and optimization. Richard highlights the unique challenges of photonic quantum computing, such as manipulating single photons for qubit gates, and the company's efforts in pioneering multiplexing techniques to scale their systems.

Chris Bishop, a non-linear multimodal careerist and former musician, discusses his diverse career journey from music to technology on Yuval Boger's podcast. He highlights his experiences as a studio musician, web producer, and IBM employee, transitioning into quantum technologies where he now engages as a freelance consultant, writer, and podcast host. Chris shares insights from hosting and emceeing quantum tech events, emphasizing the significance of adapting to emerging tech fields and the importance of interdisciplinary skills in navigating future careers.

Dr. Bob Sutor, a 40-year industry veteran with a rich background in IBM and other tech companies, discusses his current role as an analyst and advisor at the Futurum Group. Bob reflects on his diverse career from mathematical sciences to quantum computing, emphasizing his shift from a vendor to a broader industry-wide perspective. He also mentions his recent book update, "Dancing with Qubits," aimed at demystifying quantum computing for non-physicists, and shares insights on the current state and future directions of quantum computing.

Natasha Sachdeva and Michael Biercuk from Q-CTRL are interviewed by Yuval Boger. They discussed their groundbreaking research on combinatorial optimization problems, achieving significant results with Q-CTRL’s error tools and modified algorithms. Michael highlighted their dual focus on quantum computing and sensing, emphasizing the practical applications of their technology. They also addressed the practical implications for businesses, insights into their future directions and reflections on the broader quantum landscape, and much more.