In Episode 129, Toby Cubitt, co-founder and CTO of Phasecraft, discusses the evolution and future of quantum computing. He emphasizes the importance of hybrid algorithms, the challenges in material science, and the need for efficient quantum algorithms. The discussion also highlights the significance of diverse educational backgrounds in the field and recent developments at Phasecraft, including funding and new tools for quantum applications. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the current state and future prospects of quantum computing.

Toby has worked in quantum computing for over 20 years, with expertise in quantum information theory and quantum complexity. He holds a PhD from the Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics and is Professor of Quantum Information at University College London. Toby was awarded a Whitehead Prize in 2019 by the London Mathematical Society. He has held a Royal Society University Research Fellowship and co-founded Phasecraft to help bring practical quantum computing closer to reality.

In Episode 128, Patrick and Ciprian speak with returning guest Murray Thom, Vice President of Quantum Technology Evangelism at D-Wave. The team discuss the transformative potential of quantum computing in various sectors. They explore the current state of quantum technology, its applications in business, and the importance of hybrid computing solutions. Murray shares insights on real-world case studies, the challenges of implementing quantum solutions, and the future of quantum computing in relation to AI and energy efficiency.

Murray Thom, VP of Quantum Technology Evangelism at D-Wave, has more than 20 years of experience in the quantum computing industry. A globally recognized speaker and thought leader, Murray helps businesses and organizations around the world understand quantum computing and the transformational impact it can have for them today. In previous roles at D-Wave, he was responsible for the development and delivery of the Leap quantum cloud service and the Ocean open-source tools. Murray has led teams engaged in customer projects related to applications, algorithms, and performance testing. He has even assembled a few early quantum computers by hand.

In Episode 127, Patrick and Ciprian speak with Samantha Mabey, Director of Product Marketing for the Data Security Solutions at Entrust, to discuss the evolving landscape of cryptography, particularly the transition to post-quantum cryptography (PQC). They explore the implications of moving away from traditional algorithms like RSA and ECC, the importance of crypto agility, and the challenges organizations face in inventorying their cryptographic systems. Samantha emphasizes the need for education and awareness in understanding cryptography, the role of vendors in facilitating this transition, and the urgency for organizations to act now to secure their data against future quantum threats.

Samantha Mabey is the Director of Product Marketing for the Data Security Solutions at Entrust, where she oversees marketing strategy and communications for the cryptographic security solutions, as well as leads the efforts around Zero Trust and Post Quantum. She regularly participates in industry events and engages with industry experts on critical topics in cybersecurity, digital trust, and post quantum preparedness.

In Episode 126, Scott Genin, Vice President of Materials Discovery at OTI Lumionics, discusses the advancements and challenges in quantum materials discovery. The conversation covers the limitations of current material simulation methods, the role of AI, and the importance of training the next generation of quantum programmers. Scott emphasizes the need for efficient problem embedding in quantum chemistry and shares insights on the future of quantum computing in material science.

Scott Genin is the Vice President of Materials Discovery at OTI Lumionics Inc., where he manages the computational design and synthesis of novel materials for organic light emitting diodes. As part of his role, he leads the development of algorithms to simulate molecules and material properties on quantum computers. Scott has a B.A.Sc in Chemical Engineering and Chemistry from Queen’s University and a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto. Scott previously worked in the pharmaceutical industry prior to joining OTI.

In Episode 125 of Entangled Things, Patrick and Ciprian are joined by Laurence Coldicott, curator of the Quantum.Tech series of events. Together, they explore the current state and future of quantum technology, the challenges of organizing quantum events, and the relationship between quantum computing and AI. Laurence also shares insights on the industry's growth and the importance of preparing for the future of quantum advancements.

Laurence Coldicott has 15+ years experience of curating the content for some of the most successful emerging technology expos and conferences in the world. These include: CES, London Tech Week, AfricaCom, AI Summit and TV Connect. 

Laurence currently leads the production for the Quantum.Tech global series of events. These events bring together the global quantum community to discuss the opportunities of not just quantum computing but quantum sensing, communication, cryptography. The events have been running since 2019; and our next event will be bringing 1000+ attendees from Fortune 500 companies, government and tech to Boston in June 2026.

In Episode 124 of Entangled Things, Patrick is joined by Vijoy Pandey, Senior Vice President of Outshift by Cisco. Together, they explore the future of quantum networking, the power of entanglement, and how these breakthroughs will shape the next generation of technology. Vijoy also shares an exciting announcement: the launch of Cisco’s Quantum Software Stack.

Want to dive deeper? Don’t miss the Cisco Quantum Summit, happening September 30 and October 1: https://research.cisco.com/quantum-summit.

Vijoy Pandey is GM and Senior Vice President of Outshift by Cisco, leading the company's internal incubation engine that delivers what's next and new for Cisco. Outshift focuses on emerging technologies that target adjacent markets and personas, with current initiatives spanning AI-enabled infrastructure, quantum networking, and next-generation infrastructure solutions.

Outshift operates as a series of startup-like teams inside Cisco, rapidly validating which emerging technologies can become meaningful businesses for the company's future. Under Vijoy's leadership, these teams work across three key layers: agentic AI, next-gen infrastructure, quantum networking, and more. This model allows Outshift to move quickly and test multiple opportunities simultaneously while leveraging Cisco's enterprise strengths and established processes.

Vijoy oversees a broader strategic scope that includes several critical Cisco-wide initiatives. He also leads Cisco Research, driving foundational research across quantum networking, security, observability, and emerging technologies. He directs Cisco's Open Source initiatives and the Developer Network (DevNet), which leads API consistency and programmability across Cisco's portfolio while pioneering AI-native infrastructure tools. Additionally, he co-chairs Cisco's Responsible AI committee.

Vijoy holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of California, Davis, and is an inventor on over 80 patents in cloud computing, AI/ML, and distributed systems. Through his leadership of Outshift, Vijoy continues to guide Cisco's exploration of emerging technologies, ensuring the company can move quickly to capture opportunities in new markets before they fully mature.

In Episode 123 of Entangled Things, Patrick and Ciprian talk with Himadri Majumdar, Co-Founder and CEO of SemiQon, about scaling quantum with silicon spin qubits. Himadri shares how SemiQon is bridging research and industry, supporting academia, and advancing cryo-CMOS-compatible processors. The discussion covers the advantages of spin qubits (scalability, speed, and efficiency), as well as the challenges of improving fidelity. They also explore European quantum initiatives, internships, hybrid approaches, and workforce diversity. Looking ahead to SIQEW 2025, Himadri emphasizes that collaboration and action, not just vision, will drive quantum forward. 

Himadri Majumdar is the Co-founder and CEO of SemiQon. SemiQon builds silicon-based quantum processors for the million-qubit era and delivers cryogenic CMOS chips for critical technologies. Prior to co-founding SemiQon he was the Program Manager for Quantum Technologies at VTT where he led both national and European strategic initiatives. His ambition is to see SemiQon, and quantum technology in general, becoming a Finnish and global success story through cooperation and strategic partnerships. Himadri is trained as an experimental physicist and has 20 years of experience in innovation and innovation management.

 SemiQon’s mission is to realize the promise of quantum computing by delivering scalability through powerful, resilient, and cost-effective quantum processors. SemiQon’s technology builds upon decades of development and know-how from the semiconductor industry, making its quantum integrated circuits and other components commercially competitive and well-suited for mass-manufacturing. SemiQon’s world’s best cryogenically optimized CMOS has wide-ranging applications in critical technologies, including quantum, space and beyond.

In Episode 122 of Entangled Things, Patrick is joined by Dr. Marcus Doherty, Co-Founder and CTO of Quantum Brilliance. Together, they explore the frontier of quantum sensing and diamond-based quantum technologies, and examine how building diverse talent pools will shape the future of innovation in this field. 

Dr. Marcus Doherty CSM is a scientist, educator, entrepreneur and soldier. As an entrepreneur, he is a co-founder and the Chief Scientific Officer of Quantum Brilliance Pty Ltd—the global company leading the development of quantum microprocessors based upon diamond that will make quantum computing ubiquitous. As a scientist and educator, he is the Head of the Diamond Quantum Science and Technology Laboratory at the Australian National University, and internationally recognised expert in the physics of defects in semiconductors. As an educator, he is the architect of various graduate courses related to quantum science, technology and industry. As a soldier, he currently serves as a Lieutenant Colonel within the Future Land Warfare Branch of Army Headquarters, where he leads the implementation of Army’s Quantum Technology Roadmap.

In Episode 121 of Entangled Things, Patrick and Ciprian are joined by István Szilveszter, software engineer at Equal1. Together, they dive into the evolving world of quantum computing frameworks, the importance of developing industry standards, and the challenges of making quantum more accessible. From lowering barriers to entry to shaping the future of how we build and collaborate in quantum technologies, this conversation explores what it takes to turn bold ideas into practical innovation. 

 István Szilveszter is a Software Engineer at Equal1, specializing in software frameworks and compilers for quantum computers. He began his career in 2014 at the silicon startup Movidius (later acquired by Intel), where he developed software frameworks and compilers for AI engines and became one of the architects of the Intel NPU compiler. In 2024, he joined Equal1 to bring his expertise in high-performance computing and compiler design to the next generation of quantum systems. 

In Episode 120 of Entangled Things, Patrick and Ciprian are joined by Daniel Volz, Co-Founder and CEO of Kipu Quantum. Together, they explore how Kipu is tackling one of quantum computing’s biggest challenges: mapping real-world problems efficiently to the quantum realm. 

The conversation dives into making quantum advantage more accessible, the role of hardware-specific algorithms, and why cultivating a diverse talent pool is key to accelerating the field. 

Daniel Volz is co-founder and CEO of Kipu Quantum GmbH, a quantum computing startup with the mission to shorten the waiting time for industrial quantum advantage for end users by leveraging application- and hardware-specific algorithms.
 
Before, he gathered one-of-kind insights into the industrial user’s perspective on and needs for quantum computing solutions. Daniel served as a project lead with BASF SE, the world's largest chemical producer & chemical research company, working on the strategic impact of quantum computing and other corporate development related topics. Beyond chemicals, during his time as a senior consultant in McKinsey's Frankfurt office, he built up McKinsey's quantum computing capabilities and consulted clients in verticals such as chemicals, pharma, oil & gas, banking, automotive and electronics.
 
In his twenties, he spent more than eight years co-building a specialty chemicals start-up company as the first non-founder employee (hightech and electronic chemicals). During this journey, he mastered areas from R&D to managing projects and teams of various sizes. As team lead, he build up a chemistry lab and lead a diverse team of more than 20. He also tapped into product development and strategic marketing to reach market readiness for deep-blue TADF technology, which is commercialized in OLED displays to drastically decrease the power consumption of hand-held devices and enable better displays.
 
Daniel holds a PhD in chemistry from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology & the Karlsruhe School of Optics and photonics. He started his professional career as a freelance journalist on the mission to break down science into something reader's could enjoy with their morning coffee.