IST Chief Strategy Officer Megan Stifel welcomes Stefan Leichenauer, Vice President of Engineering and lead scientist at SandboxAQ. SandboxAQ combines quantum computing technology with advanced AI to make technological advances in sectors like medicine, navigation, and the auto and aerospace industries. Stefan breaks down the current state of play in the quantum ecosystem, how the Chinese government is kick-starting development, and what he sees as the possible applications of these technologies. 

“One example is using advanced quantum sensors that can be very sensitive to the magnetic fields,” Stefan said. “Every commercial airplane should have this kind of thing.”

How did SandboxAQ begin? What are the near- and long-term challenges to unlocking the full potential of quantum computing? And what are Stefan’s hopes for the future of quantum science? Join us for this and more on this episode of TechnologIST Talks. 

Learn more about IST: https://securityandtechnology.org/

00:00 Introduction to Technologist Talks

01:11 Meet Stefan Leichenauer: From Academia to Industry

01:49 Quantum Computing: Challenges and Opportunities

06:24 Quantum Sensing and Navigation

13:31 AI and Quantum Computing: A Symbiotic Relationship

17:57 SandboxAQ: Goals and Focus Areas

22:59 Quantum Technology Investment Landscape

27:09 China's Quantum Ambitions

35:02 US Government's Role in Quantum Technology

40:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts