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October 24, 2023 33 mins

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Staying relevant is a theme of Stubbornly Young and for that reason let's talk about Quantum Computing. 

I tried, I really tried to understand how quantum computing works before I interviewed Rob Hays, CEO of Atom Computing so that I could deliver on the title of this episode. I watched (and you'll hear me share this with Rob) three videos that each billed themselves as an effective explainer of quantum computing. I'm not that smart and I'm not that dumb either, and after watching them I didn't understand how quantum computing actually works - at all. I braced myself for an interview during which I delved into content that I wouldn't understand - I shake my head just thinking about getting myself into that! 


It wasn't as bad as I'd feared. It seemed that my attempt to prepare helped. Rob didn't laugh at me, and I am proud that during this episode he said. "Hey, we're only 10 minutes into this and you're getting it." That was kind of him because no, I don't get quantum physics. What I did come to appreciate during our conversation is what quantum computing can do for humanity. Give it a listen!

Top Takeaways:

  • Atom Computing's work in building quantum computing hardware platforms using optically trapped neutral atoms
  • Quantum computing and its paradigm shift in computing performance enabled by qubits
  • Potential applications of quantum computing in solving optimization problems, simulating quantum systems, and drug discovery
  • Quantum computing's impact on security and efforts to develop post-quantum encryption standards
  • Competitive landscape of quantum computing and the various approaches and technologies being pursued
  • Evolution of investors as the company grows and the transition to institutional investors and traditional banks
  • The physical appearance and technology of Atom Computing's quantum computer
  • Comparison of the power of quantum computers to traditional desktop computers and supercomputers
  • Availability of quantum computing platforms and the route to market for quantum computing services
  • Potential applications of quantum computing in transportation logistics, supply chain management, and healthcare, and the challenges in reaching the full potential of quantum computing


Check this out!
Rob Hayes on LinkedIn
Atom Computing website

About Rob Hayes
Rob Hays is CEO & President of Atom Computing. He has more than 20 years of technology leadership, pushing the limits of computing performance and innovation. Before joining Atom Computing, Rob was Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer for Lenovo’s Infrastructure Solutions Group and Vice President and General Manager at Intel where he was responsible for leading Intel’s Xeon processor roadmaps. Rob holds a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from Georgia Tech and two U.S. patents.

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Thanks and looking forward to hearing how you’re remaining stubbornly young!

Mark as Played

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