In this episode of The Quantum Spin by HKA, host Veronica Combs talks with Elena Yndurain, a professor, business leader and author. She teaches at IE Business School and specializes in the practical application of theory in Quantum, Artificial Intelligence, SaaS, and more. She created the first Quantum Computing curriculum for executives. In her new book, she analyzed four use cases in 11 industries. She and Veronica discuss working for startups, moving beyond early adopters, and making relevant use cases for quantum technology.

Here is the link to her new book:

Quantum Computing Strategy | Foundations and Applicability | Elena Ynd

00:00 Introduction to Quantum Spin Podcast

00:35 Guest Introduction: Elena Yndurain

01:01 Early Encounters with Quantum Computing

02:39 Quantum Technology Readiness

03:35 Challenges in Quantum Computing

04:53 Quantum Computing Metrics and Benchmarks

08:26 Big Tech vs. Startups in Quantum

12:12 Challenges for Quantum Startups

15:47 Writing a Quantum Computing Book

20:07 Use Cases and Applications of Quantum Computing

24:30 Characteristics for Adopting New Technologies

28:02 Conclusion and Farewell

Elena Yndurain is a professor at IE University & Business School and is a high-tech executive with deep expertise in operationalizing innovation. She holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Telematics Engineering with a focus on Artificial Intelligence, along with an Executive MBA and a B.Sc. in Computer Science and Mathematics. Elena has extensive international experience spanning consulting, technology corporations, startups, and banking. She has successfully launched emerging technology products at companies such as Nokia, IBM, and Microsoft. Elena is a pioneer in teaching quantum computing to business executives and engineers both in academia and industry corporations worldwide. 

Host Veronica Combs is a quantum tech editor, writer and PR professional. She manages public relations for quantum computing clients as an account manager with HKA Marketing Communications, the #1 agency in quantum tech PR. Veronica joined HKA from TechRepublic and has covered technology, healthcare and business strategy for more than 10 years.

Connect with Veronica on LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicacombs/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

HKA Marketing Communications⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://hkamarcom.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of The Quantum Spin by HKA, host Veronica Combs interviews Nancy Kawalek, a Professor and Distinguished Fellow in the Arts, Science, and Technology at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering. Nancy shares her journey from a theater performer in New York to a professor integrating arts and science at UC Santa Barbara and the University of Chicago. They discuss the inception and evolution of STAGE, an initiative that combines arts and science to produce theater, films, and games. Highlighting projects such as “Curiosity” and the Quantum Casino, Nancy explains how STAGE uses improvisation and experimentation to tell stories about quantum entanglement and superposition. 

00:00 Welcome to The Quantum Spin

00:43 Introducing Nancy Kawalek

01:10 Nancy's Journey to the Pritzker School

04:31 The Birth of STAGE

06:21 STAGE's Evolution and Projects

09:26 The Quantum Theater Project

17:54 Improvisation and Science

25:29 Quantum Games and Public Engagement

27:34 Curiosity Series and Future Projects

28:40 Conclusion and Farewell

Nancy Kawalek is Professor and Distinguished Fellow in the Arts, Sciences and Technology at the University of Chicago. As Director of the STAGE Lab at the Pritzker School for Molecular Engineering, her research focuses on the creation and development of artistic endeavors inspired by science and technology, using a collaborative process modeled after the exploratory investigations of experimental science. Some of her recent projects include the Quantum Casino, a suite of card and digital games based on core principles of quantum mechanics; Curiosity: The Making of a Scientist, a documentary series that investigates the human side of science; and Entanglement, a multimedia theatre piece that harnesses the power of storytelling to bring an understanding of quantum physics to the public. Additionally, Kawalek has over twenty-five years of experience in the professional theatre world as an actor, director, and writer, working on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and in regional theatres across the United States, as well as in film and television.

Host Veronica Combs is a quantum tech editor, writer and PR professional. She manages public relations for quantum computing clients as an account manager with HKA Marketing Communications, the #1 agency in quantum tech PR. Veronica joined HKA from TechRepublic and has covered technology, healthcare and business strategy for more than 10 years.

Connect with Veronica on LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicacombs/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

HKA Marketing Communications⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://hkamarcom.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of The Quantum Spin by HKA, host Veronica Combs speaks with Cierra Choucair, a quantum journalist and analyst at The Quantum Insider. Cierra shares her unique journey from working in data science to becoming a self-taught expert in quantum computing. She discusses the motivations behind her switch to quantum journalism and the challenges of presenting complex scientific concepts to a broader audience. The episode also delves into her founding of The Daily Qubit newsletter and her insights from the Expanse event in Abu Dhabi. Listeners will gain valuable advice on breaking into the quantum field, the importance of interdisciplinary skills, and fostering a community within the quantum industry.

00:00 Welcome to The Quantum Spin

00:36 Meet Cierra Choucair: A Quantum Journalist

00:52 The Journey to The Quantum Insider

02:51 Highlighting Research in The Daily Qubit

05:27 Educational Background and Career Path

09:01 Expanse Conference Experience

14:00 Building Community in Quantum Industry

18:09 Future Trends in Quantum Computing

21:00 Advice for Aspiring Quantum Enthusiasts

22:15 Working with the Large Hadron Collider

25:41 Conclusion and Farewell

Cierra Choucair is a deep tech journalist and data analyst for The Quantum Insider and a passionate advocate for deep tech. She has carved her own path in science and technology and believes that access to science and discovery is a fundamental right. 

She created The Daily Qubit newsletter to highlight important research in quantum computing and to make this complex field more accessible to a wider audience. As the founder of Universum Labs, she is building a platform that uses emerging technologies to drive scientific discovery and innovation with open-access tools. 

She was a finalist for the 2025 Quantum Innovation Summit’s Femtum Leap Quantum Rising Star award.She is an active member of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C) and recently joined the advisory council for Girls in Quantum. 

Host Veronica Combs is a quantum tech editor, writer and PR professional. She manages public relations for quantum computing clients as an account manager with HKA Marketing Communications, the #1 agency in quantum tech PR. Veronica joined HKA from TechRepublic and has covered technology, healthcare and business strategy for more than 10 years.

Connect with Veronica on LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicacombs/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

HKA Marketing Communications⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://hkamarcom.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of The Quantum Spin by HKA, host Veronica Combs talks with Matt Johnson, CEO and co-founder of QC Ware, a software company that builds tools for drug discovery and materials design. Matt also convenes the quantum community three times a year at Q2B conferences in Silicon Valley, Paris and Toyko.

They discuss the groundbreaking developments announced at the December 2024 Q2B Silicon Valley conference, including Google's new high-reliability qubit technology. The conversation also covers QC Ware's molecular design software, Promethium, designed to expedite drug discovery through high-performance simulations. They also discuss early quantum use cases, chemistry research and the value of building a strong industry ecosystem.

00:00 Welcome to The Quantum Spin

00:36 Introducing Matt Johnson and QC Ware

01:19 Google's Quantum Breakthrough

01:52 Understanding Qubits and Modalities

06:01 Global Quantum Conferences and Keynotes

08:12 The Global Quantum Landscape

12:45 QC Ware's Molecular Design Software

18:48 Looking Ahead: The Future of Quantum Computing

22:37 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Matt Johnson is the CEO and co-founder of QC Ware, a leading quantum computing software and services company. In addition to his role at QC Ware, Matt previously served on the governing board of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C). 

He earned his BS from the U.S. Air Force Academy, followed by five years of active-duty service. Afterward, he completed his MBA at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Matt transitioned into finance, where he became a managing director in private equity at Apollo Management. 

Since co-founding QC Ware in 2014, Matt has been driving the company's mission to become the world’s premier quantum software provider.

Host Veronica Combs is a quantum tech editor, writer and PR professional. She manages public relations for quantum computing clients as an account manager with HKA Marketing Communications, the #1 agency in quantum tech PR. Veronica joined HKA from TechRepublic and has covered technology, healthcare and business strategy for more than 10 years.

Connect with Veronica on LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicacombs/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

HKA Marketing Communications⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://hkamarcom.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What does it take to persuade the biggest companies in the world to start exploring quantum technology? Twenty years in deep tech consulting is a great place to start. Jean-Francois Bobier is a partner and director at the Boston Consulting Group in Paris. He uses his expertise in identifying use cases, endless curiosity and computer science background to help Fortune 500 executives understand the quantum world. In this episode of “The Quantum Spin by HKA,” host Veronica Combs discusses story telling and technology with Jean-Francois.

00:00 Introduction to Quantum Spin Podcast

00:36 Interview with Jean-Francois Bobier

01:06 Challenges in Convincing Clients

02:07 Deep Tech and Quantum Innovations

03:21 Quantum Use Cases and Client Engagement

05:30 IBM's Success in Quantum Computing

07:25 Factors for Success in Quantum Adoption

14:55 Global Quantum Computing Landscape

18:52 Future of Quantum Computing

20:14 Conclusion and Farewell

Jean-François Bobier is a Partner and Vice President at the Boston Consulting Group expertise center on deep tech, where he leads research and has authored key publications. He advises Fortune 500 companies on adopting deep technologies, notably quantum computing, synthetic biology, at scale for both competitive advantage and climate & sustainability.

Host Veronica Combs is a quantum tech editor, writer and PR professional. She manages public relations for quantum computing clients as an account manager with HKA Marketing Communications, the #1 agency in quantum tech PR. Veronica joined HKA from TechRepublic and has covered technology, healthcare and business strategy for more than 10 years.

Connect with Veronica on LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicacombs/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

HKA Marketing Communications⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://hkamarcom.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of 'The Quantum Spin by HKA', Veronica Combs discusses upskilling and reskilling with Professor Dr. Helena Liebelt from the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT). Dr. Liebelt shares her extensive experience in both academia and industry, highlighting the importance of upskilling and preparing a workforce capable of advancing in the quantum and HPC sectors. At DIT, Dr. Liebelt founded the first master’s degree in HPC and quantum computing, designing a program with workforce needs in mind where students spend half the week in classes and the other half working with quantum industry leaders. The episode also covers the challenges and opportunities within the quantum computing landscape, the role of HPC in quantum's future, and practical advice for those seeking to enter the field.

00:00 Introduction to Quantum Spin Podcast

00:36 Introducing Professor Dr. Helene Liebelt

01:02 Overview of the New Master's Program

02:23 Challenges and Opportunities in Quantum Computing

03:34 Building the Quantum Workforce

06:01 Professor Liebelt's Industry Experience

09:40 The Role of HPC and Quantum Computing

10:33 Insights on Quantum Chips and Mass Production

12:19 Details of the Master's Program

15:09 Germany's Investment in Quantum Technology

16:37 Advice for Aspiring Quantum Professionals

17:57 Conclusion and Application Information

Professor Dr. Helena Liebelt

Helena founded her first digital start-up company at the age 18, while still studying Computer Science. She started her Intel career in 2005 as an Application Engineer within the Software and Solutions Group (SSG), developing good understanding of software products and the ISV market. She moved on building a SW lab supporting internal engineering community as well as external customers. Initially starting out as a local service unit, she lastly was managing a worldwide operating SW enabling lab, supporting, with her constantly growing team, a variety of SSG and SMG (as in press and marketing support) departments along the way. She gained marketing experience during a 6-month rotation to Portland where she was responsible for the definition of an application harvesting process for scale media apps and games, definition of benefits and the design and implementations of a program for ISVs and Intel.

Since 2010 Helena was leading the HPC Market in Germany. Working with the in-country resources as well as collaborating and leveraging off the central enabling, marketing and platform teams to grow German HPC business.

In 2018 Helena received the prestigious Intel Achievement Award for her contribution to HPC. She has Doctorate in Economics (“Strategic change management in post crisis environment”) as well as formal education in Business Administration and Computer Science. In 2018 Helena received a tenured position as a full Professor of Computer Science at her Alma Mater, the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT), where she is building a new HPC department. Helena is also the director of the IT-Centre in charge of University IT.

Helena founded the first HPC/QC Technology master courses at the DIT in autumn 2021 with a high demand of students.

As of 1st of June 2023, Helena founded a new Institute of Future Technologies in Deggendorf as part of the DIT, being its director since then.

Host Veronica Combs is a quantum tech editor, writer and PR professional. She manages public relations for quantum computing clients as an account manager with HKA Marketing Communications, the #1 agency in quantum tech PR. Veronica joined HKA from TechRepublic and has covered technology, healthcare and business strategy for more than 10 years.

Connect with Veronica on LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicacombs/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

HKA Marketing Communications⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://hkamarcom.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of 'The Quantum Spin by HKA,' host Veronica Combs discusses how to support women in the quantum industry with Biljana Rajevic, Head of Strategy, Corporate Development, and Public Relations at Quantum Brilliance and the founder of Quantum Women. The conversation explores the motivations and initiatives of Quantum Women, including mentoring, networking, and raising the visibility of women’s work in quantum sciences. Biljana also shares her strategies for building relationships, and her thoughts on responsible quantum computing. Tune in to learn about her efforts to create an inclusive, equitable environment in the quantum industry and her insights on the vibrant quantum ecosystem in Australia.

00:00 Introduction to Quantum Spin Podcast

00:36 Meet Biljana Rajevic: Quantum Brilliance and Quantum Women

01:18 Empowering Women in Quantum: Initiatives and Goals

05:00 Power and Influence in the Workplace

10:09 Building Relationships in the Quantum Industry

12:37 Responsible Quantum Computing

14:35 The Vibrant Australian Quantum Ecosystem

16:00 Communicating Quantum: Progress and Misconceptions

17:01 Conclusion and Call for Volunteers

About Biliana Rajevic

Biliana is a seasoned executive with more than 25 years of experience across financial services, technology, and quantum technology.  She has held leadership roles in large organisations, boutique firms, and start-ups across Australia, the U.S., and Europe.

Biliana began her career in New York as a B2B SaaS Product Manager before transitioning to Wall Street, specialising in capital markets, leveraged finance, and structured finance.  After 18 years in New York, she relocated to Australia, where she continued her impactful career.  Currently, she is the Strategy and Corporate Development Lead at Quantum Brilliance, a full-stack quantum technology company, directing strategic corporate and partnership initiatives.  She is also the Co-founder and Director of Quantum Women, a not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to empowering women in quantum technology.  Biliana serves as Co-Chair of the Australian Quantum Alliance, sits on the Swinburne Industry Research Advisory Board, and is a Working Group Member of the World Economic Forum’s Quantum Applications Hub initiative.

Previously, Biliana led strategic engagement at QuintessenceLabs, an Australian quantum cybersecurity company and played a pivotal role at Sydney Quantum Academy as their inaugural Industry Engagement Manager.

Biliana holds an MBA from the Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University.

Host Veronica Combs is a quantum tech editor, writer and PR professional. She manages public relations for quantum computing clients as an account manager with HKA Marketing Communications, the #1 agency in quantum tech PR. Veronica joined HKA from TechRepublic and has covered technology, healthcare and business strategy for more than 10 years.

Connect with Veronica on LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicacombs/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

HKA Marketing Communications⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://hkamarcom.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of 'The Quantum Spin by HKA,' host Veronica Combs chats with Celia Merzbacher, Executive Director of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C). They discuss how identifying the gaps – in technology, workforce and policy – can lay the groundwork for winning government funding and making significant advances in the industry.

Early in her career, Celia learned the power of policy. She worked in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy as an Assistant Director for Technology R&D and was a vice president at the Semiconductor Research Corporation. Now she is applying those lessons to the quantum industry as the executive director of QED-C. 

Key topics include:

Looking ahead, Celia discusses QED-C's focus on outreach, education, and developing a roadmap for quantum network applications. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of consortiums in advancing the quantum sector.

Dr. Celia Merzbacher is Executive Director of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C), a consortium that aims to enable and grow the U.S. quantum industry. QED-C is supported by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and approximately 250 industry, academic and other members worldwide and is managed by SRI International. Dr. Merzbacher is on the CSIS Commission on U.S. Quantum Leadership and is U.S. Co-Chair of the Quad Investors Network’s Quantum Center of Excellence. She also serves as an advisor to several quantum research organizations. Previously, she was the Assistant Director of Technology R&D at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and Executive Director of the President’s Council of Advisors for Science and Technology.  Dr. Merzbacher is a Fellow of the AAAS and served as Chair of the National Materials and Manufacturing Board of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine.

Host Veronica Combs is a quantum tech editor, writer and PR professional. She manages public relations for quantum computing clients as an account manager with HKA Marketing Communications, the #1 agency in quantum tech PR. Veronica joined HKA from TechRepublic and has covered technology, healthcare and business strategy for more than 10 years.

Connect with Veronica on LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicacombs/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

HKA Marketing Communications⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://hkamarcom.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

In his role as Chief Analyst at Global Quantum Intelligence, David Shaw combines a PhD in physics with years of advising executives in tech, healthcare, energy, and financial services. This understanding of quantum mechanics and the technology life cycle gives him a unique perspective on quantum hardware. In this episode, he explains how many “chips” it will take to build a quantum computer, how far we are from modularity, and why quantum sensing should get more attention.

David Shaw has worked extensively across a wide range of sectors including Technology, Healthcare, Energy and Financial Services. He has held a number of senior executive roles in public and private companies. David studied Physics at Oxford, and has a PhD in Physics from UCL. He is a member of the Institute of Physics. David founded Fact Based Insight to provide insight and advisory services across the quantum technology sector. Now combined with the Quantum Computing Report and Interference Advisors, that journey continues as Global Quantum Intelligence.

Chief Analyst - Global Quantum Intelligence

www.global-qi.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidkshaw/

https://twitter.com/davidkshaw

Host Veronica Combs is a quantum tech editor, writer and PR professional. She manages public relations for quantum computing clients as an account manager with HKA Marketing Communications, the #1 agency in quantum tech PR. Veronica joined HKA from TechRepublic and has covered technology, healthcare and business strategy for more than 10 years.

Connect with Veronica on LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicacombs/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

HKA Marketing Communications⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://hkamarcom.com/⁠⁠⁠

The US has 10 federal quantum research centers and four of them are in or near Chicago (California has only two). That’s only one reason the city was named a U.S. Regional and Innovation Technology Hub for quantum tech. Science writer Meredith Fore covers the quantum scene including national labs, universities and startups for the Chicago Quantum Exchange. She shares stories of scientists and technical advances in the region.

Meredith Fore is a science writer at the Chicago Quantum Exchange, a consortium of academic institutions, national labs, and corporate partners with the collective goal of advancing quantum information technology. She became a full-time science writer after leaving the physics PhD program at the University of Washington in Seattle, participating in the 2019 AAAS Mass Media Fellowship program at WIRED and freelancing for publications such as Physics, LiveScience, and Symmetry. She enjoys sci-fi television, anime, and hiking and backpacking with her partner and Brownie, their dog. You can find her on Twitter, LinkedIn and at her personal website.

Host Veronica Combs is a quantum tech editor, writer and PR professional. She manages public relations for quantum computing clients as an account manager with HKA Marketing Communications, the #1 agency in quantum tech PR. Veronica joined HKA from TechRepublic and has covered technology, healthcare and business strategy for more than 10 years.

Connect with Veronica on LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicacombs/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

HKA Marketing Communications⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://hkamarcom.com/⁠⁠