Episode 33: Unlocking the Quantum Future with Steve Brierley

Explore the extraordinary potential of quantum computing!

In the latest episode of Sustainability Talks, ETF Partners’ Managing Partner Patrick Sheehan sits down with Steve Brierley, CEO & Founder of Riverlane, the world leader in Quantum Error Correction, to explore the extraordinary potential of quantum computing.

For decades, quantum computing has felt like science fiction — powerful in theory but always just out of reach. That is beginning to change. As Steve explains, we are entering a new era where quantum computers will soon be able to solve problems that even the world’s most advanced supercomputers cannot.

The conversation dives into:

Why quantum computing is a radically new capability that can solve problems classical computers cannot

How it could revolutionise drug discovery, materials design, and sustainable fertiliser production

The role of error correction in making quantum computers commercially viable

The huge market potential and environmental impact of this next frontier in technology

How geopolitics and innovation are shaping the future of computing and AI

As Steve notes, the next few years will be pivotal: the technology is advancing rapidly, investment is scaling, and the race to build a quantum future is intensifying across the globe.

This episode paints an inspiring picture of how harnessing the laws of nature at the atomic level could unlock innovations critical to building a more sustainable world.

Chapters

00:00 The Foundations of Quantum Mechanics

02:23 Introduction to Quantum Computing

04:10 Understanding Quantum Computing

06:32 The Progress and Future of Quantum Computing

09:39 The Era of Mega-Qubits

11:14 Applications of Quantum Computing

13:49 The Market Potential of Quantum Computing

16:33 Challenges in Quantum Computing

19:42 The Role of Quantum Error Correction

24:59 Current Status and Future Trends in Quantum Computing

30:27 Geopolitical Implications of Quantum Technology

34:51 The Future of Quantum Computing and AI

About Steve Brierley

Dr. Steve Brierley is founder and CEO of Riverlane, a quantum computing company with a difference. Riverlane is the global leader in what is called quantum error correction.

Steve founded Riverlane in 2016 to build the error correction stack for quantum computers. Driven by his conviction that fault-tolerant quantum computers will accelerate human progress, Riverlane partners with leading quantum hardware companies to make that happen sooner.

Steve has worked in quantum for over 20 years and is an expert advisor to the UK government. He holds a PhD in quantum information, spent a decade in the intelligence community and worked as a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge leading major research projects in quantum computing. In January 2024, Steve was awarded an OBE for his services to quantum computing.

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