This episode of Techsplainers introduces quantum computing, a revolutionary technology that harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics to solve problems beyond the capabilities of classical computers. We explain the four foundational principles of quantum computing: superposition, entanglement, interference, and decoherence, breaking down complex concepts with accessible analogies. The episode explores how quantum computers differ fundamentally from classical computers by using qubits rather than binary bits, allowing them to process multiple possibilities simultaneously. Listeners will learn about practical applications in pharmaceuticals, materials science, and artificial intelligence, while gaining insight into the current state of quantum technology, including IBM's roadmap for scaling to 2,000 logical qubits by 2033. The episode also addresses common misconceptions, clarifying that quantum computers will complement rather than replace classical computers for specific complex computational challenges.

Find more information at https://www.ibm.com/think/podcasts/techsplainers

Narrated by Ian Smalley