The Quantum Spin

Farai Mazhandu, physicist, high school teacher, and dynamic social entrepreneur, first worked with quantum tech in 2019. To continue the energy and enthusiasm he experienced from a Qiskit coding class, he first led the Africa chapter of One Quantum and more recently founded the African Quantum Consortium (AQC). In this episode of The Quantum Spin, Farai and host Veronica Combs discuss the challenges and excitement of  creating a continent’s quantum strategy for today and for the future, using Africa’s inherent strengths, and building a broad community.

00:00 Introduction to the Quantum Spin Podcast

00:34 Meet Farai Mazhandu: STEM Advocate and Educator

00:48 The Birth of the Africa Quantum Consortium

02:18 Building a Quantum Community in Africa

05:34 The Importance of Community and Happy Hours

08:43 Quantum Use Cases and Africa's Technological Future

15:34 Investing in Africa's Quantum Ecosystem

19:09 Addressing Western Misconceptions About Africa

23:28 The Role of Storytelling in Science Communication

28:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Farai Mazhandu is a quantum strategist shaping Africa’s tech trajectory. He founded the Africa Quantum Consortium (AQC) and drives STEM talent pipelines across Africa and the U.S.

Holding dual master’s degrees from the Colorado School of Mines and University of Witwatersrand, Farai brings 15+ years in physics education, quantum research, and ecosystem leadership. He has led cross-continental initiatives advancing quantum innovation, policy, and public engagement.

Originally from Zimbabwe, Farai is a published author, journal editor, and ecosystem architect committed to securing Africa’s quantum future.

Host Veronica Combs is a quantum tech editor, writer and PR professional. She manages public relations for quantum computing clients at 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 15 years.

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

Connect with HKA Marketing Communications on LinkedIn at

https://www.linkedin.com/company/hka-inc--public-relations/ or on our website at ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://hkamarcom

Government, business and innovation have always been intertwined and quantum tech is no exception. In this episode of The Quantum Spin by HKA, Petra Söderling, CEO of Petra Söderling and Company, explains how government investments in deep tech pay off for private companies that commercialize the inventions. Petra also shares the details of her unique career, from working at Nokia to launching her own startups to drafting quantum strategies for the EU. This episode covers the intricacies of quantum policy, the importance of standards in technology, and the role of government in fostering innovation.

00:00 Introduction to Quantum Spin Podcast

00:34 Meet Petra Söderling: A Journey Through Quantum

00:56 Drafting the EU Quantum Strategy

03:14 The Importance of Standardization in Quantum

05:51 EU Quantum Strategy: Communication Networks and Grand Challenges

09:16 Government's Role in Innovation

18:04 Petra's Entrepreneurial Ventures

21:31 The Future of Quantum and Ethical Considerations

24:30 Storytelling in Quantum Technology

27:46 Conclusion and Podcast Information

Petra Söderling is a Finnish-American innovator and strategist specializing in government and innovation. She has held executive roles at Nokia, founded two startups, and advised the World Bank and European Investment Bank on deep tech. She serves as Head of Government and Consortium Relations at the Quantum Strategy Institute and is author of Government and Innovation (2023). https://petrasoderling.com/

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 15 years.

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

Connect with HKA Marketing Communications on LinkedIn at

https://www.linkedin.com/company/hka-inc--public-relations/ or on our website at ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://hkamarcom.

In this episode of The Quantum Spin by HKA, host Veronica Combs talks with Karina Robinson, CEO at Redcliffe Advisory and founder of the City Quantum and AI Summit. The discussion explores Karina's journey into the quantum industry, the inspiration behind the City Quantum Summit and the intricacies of advising CEOs on emerging technologies. The episode also covers the broader implications of quantum advancements on global growth and security. 

00:00 Introduction to Quantum Spin Podcast

00:34 Meet Karina Robinson: From Politics to Quantum

02:06 The City Quantum Summit: Origins and Evolution

05:02 Geopolitics and Quantum Technology

09:09 Multiverse Computing and AI Integration

16:42 NATO's Quantum Strategy and Future Outlook

20:28 Conclusion and Invitation to the Summit

22:38 Closing Remarks and Podcast Information

Karina Robinson is CEO of Redcliffe Advisory Ltd., Senior Advisor to Multiverse Computing, Europe's largest Quantum/AI firm, and a non-executive director on the board of Atlanti, an Anglo-Swiss Fund Management firm. Karina is the Founder of The City Quantum & AI Summit, celebrating its Fifth Anniversary at Mansion House, the heart of the City of London. She is an Advisor to MissionLink, which brings together Defence and Deep Tech.  In the City, she spent seven years as Founder and Chair of the Lord Mayor’s Appeal Advisory Board and was Master of the Worshipful Company of International Bankers. 

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 15 years.

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

Connect with HKA Marketing Communications on LinkedIn at

https://www.linkedin.com/company/hka-inc--public-relations/ or on our website at ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://hkamarcom.

Steve Suarez sees innovation as a way to expand opportunities and knowledge for everyone. He has spent his career helping individuals develop new skillsets and companies roll out new technology. Now he’s turning his expertise to quantum by consulting with HorizonX clients, teaching an MIT Pro course and serving as a senior advisor with McKinsey & Company. On this episode of The Quantum Spin by HKA, Steve and host Veronica Combs discuss balancing short-term improvements with plans for future business strategies shaped by quantum tech. Get a discount code for all MIT Pro classes here: Learning Hub | HorizonX Corporation. The HORIZONX discount code is valid through the end of 2025.

00:00 Introduction to Quantum Spin Podcast

00:34 Interview with Steve Suarez: Career and HorizonX

01:14 Understanding the Three Horizons of Innovation

03:32 Challenges and Strategies in Quantum Computing

05:44 Leadership and Innovation Execution

08:18 Steve's Experience at HSBC and Quantum Education

18:47 The Quantum Index and Industry Readiness

21:29 Post-Quantum Cryptography and Future Outlook

27:21 Conclusion and Podcast Information

Steve Suarez is the Founder and CEO of HorizonX, https://www.horizonxc.com/ a consulting firm specializing in business strategy and the adoption of emerging technologies. He serves as Senior Advisor on Emerging Technology to McKinsey & Company, sits on the Board of Directors at Classiq and holds senior advisory roles with Mitsubishi Corporation and Qusecure. Steve is the co-founder of The Quantum Index, a global benchmarking initiative measuring enterprise quantum readiness, and a guest lecturer at MIT xPro, where he teaches Quantum Computing: Strategy and Impact. Prior to founding HorizonX, Steve was Global Head of Innovation at HSBC, Global Functions where he led enterprise-wide digital transformation programs in Risk, Finance, and Compliance.                  

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 15 years.

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

Connect with HKA Marketing Communications on LinkedIn at

https://www.linkedin.com/company/hka-inc--public-relations/ or on our website at ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://hkamarcom.

Yuval Boger, also known as The Superposition Guy, has been podcasting for more than 15 years and discussing technology ranging from wireless charging to VR headsets. The subject of his latest show is quantum technology. He discusses with guests the why behind their quantum journey. On this episode of The Quantum Spin by HKA, he and host Veronica Combs discuss the industry and how to explain the promise of the tech without overpromising.

00:00 Introduction to The Quantum Spin

00:34 Meet Yuval Boger: The Superposition Guy

00:51 The Art of Podcasting

01:54 Quantum Computing Conversations

04:04 Understanding the Audience

08:56 Applications and Use Cases of Quantum Computing

11:32 Challenges and Future of Quantum Computing

18:10 QuEra's Plans and Announcements

21:40 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

Yuval Boger is the chief commercial officer of QuEra, the leader in neutral atom quantum computers. In his career, he has served as CEO and CMO of frontier-tech companies in markets including quantum computing software, wireless power, and virtual reality. His Superposition Guy’s Podcast hosts CEOs and other thought leaders in quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum communications to discuss business and technical aspects that impact the quantum ecosystem.

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 15 years.

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

Connect with HKA Marketing Communications on LinkedIn at

https://www.linkedin.com/company/hka-inc--public-relations/ or on our website at ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://hkamarcom.

In this episode of The Quantum Spin by HKA, host Veronica Combs discusses the barriers to scaling quantum hardware and how QuantWare is removing them with the company’s co-founder and CEO Matthijs Rijlaarsdam. QuantWare’s technology platform helps customers build exponentially more powerful quantum computers. The company also runs a fab that produces quantum chips. Matt credits the Dutch government’s early and sustained financial support for the country’s strong quantum ecosystem. Tune in to understand how QuantWare fits into the full stack ecosystem in the Netherlands. 

Matthijs Riljarrsdam has a background in Quantum Information and did his thesis on the simulation of quantum computers in the Elkouss group of QuTech. He also worked at a non-profit strategy consulting firm. When he is not working on QuantWare's five-year plan, he likes to go hiking in mountains.

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 15 years.

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

Connect with HKA Marketing Communications on LinkedIn at

https://www.linkedin.com/company/hka-inc--public-relations/ or on our website at ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://hkamarcom.

00:00 Introduction to Quantum Spin Podcast

00:35 Meet Matthijs Rijlaarsdam: CEO of QuantWare

00:52 Scaling Quantum Processors with VIO Technology

01:51 Challenges in Quantum Computing

02:06 QuantWare's Proprietary Chip Architecture

04:42 The Importance of Interdisciplinary Collaboration

07:53 QuantWare's Quantum Error Correction

12:03 The Dutch Quantum Ecosystem

14:11 Future of Quantum Computing

22:39 Conclusion and Farewell

At university, Kirsty McGhee studied physics but always liked writing a paper a little more than conducting an experiment. She worked at several industry-leading publications before landing at Qruise, a quantum machine learning startup. Now she is learning Python and writing the company’s experiment catalog. She and Veronica Combs, host of The Quantum Spin by HKA, talked about how collaborating with colleagues and using clear language are key to effective communication.

00:00 Introduction to Quantum Spin Season Four

00:29 Interview with Kirsty McGhee: Journey into Quantum Industry

02:15 Explaining Complex Topics to a Broader Audience

04:01 Challenges in Writing and Audience Engagement

05:52 Learning and Adapting in the Quantum Field

14:03 Future of Quantum Computing and Global Impact

15:51 Conclusion and Podcast Information

Kirsty is the Scientific and Technical Writer at Qruise, a software company using physics-based machine learning to accelerate R&D in quantum computing and beyond. During her PhD, which focused on strong-light matter coupling in microcavities, she realized her true passion lay in science communication. This inspired her to pursue various science writing roles, where she developed her skills and enthusiasm further. This ultimately lead her to Qruise and the quantum community.

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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with HKA Marketing Communications on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hka-inc--public-relations/ or on our website at ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://hkamarcom.

What do you do with 450 scientists in 15 labs across the country? You take on the country’s biggest energy challenges and bolster national security in the process. This leadership role is one of Bert de Jong’s jobs at the Berkeley Lab. He leads the Quantum Systems Accelerator which pairs advanced quantum prototypes with algorithms as part of the National Quantum Initiative. Bert is also the Department Head for Computational Science. He discusses the vital role of America’s national labs in translating basic research into industry solutions on the latest episode of The Quantum Spin. 

00:00 Introduction to Quantum Spin Season Four

00:29 Interview with Bert De Young: Quantum Systems Accelerator

02:28 Bert De Young's Research Journey

03:42 Quantum Computing and Energy Efficiency

06:48 The Role of Quantum Computing in Scientific Research

10:58 Open Source Software in Quantum Computing

12:22 Berkeley National Lab: Mission and Impact

18:53 Advice for Aspiring Physicists and STEM Students

20:40 Future of Quantum Computing and Current Projects

29:00 Conclusion and Closing Remarks

Bert de Jong is a senior scientist at Berkeley Lab, and currently serves as the Department Head for Computational Sciences, and the interim lead for the Applied Computing for Scientific Discovery Group . 

de Jong is the Director of the $25M/year National Quantum Initiative Quantum Systems Accelerator that involves 15 institutions and over 450 scientists. He is also the team director of the new large multi-institutional, 5 year MACH-Q project funded under the DOE ASCR Accelerated Research in Quantum Computing (ARQC) program, focused on advancing quantum algorithms and software integrated development environments. He is a co-PI on two science with quantum focused projects in DOE Basic Energy Sciences and DOE High-energy Physics.

In addition to developing HPC applications in chemical sciences and his work in quantum computing, de Jong and his team are developing machine learning approaches for chemical sciences.

de Jong has a background in general chemistry, chemical engineering, high performance computing, quantum computing, AI, and quantum chemistry. 

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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with HKA Marketing Communications on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hka-inc--public-relations/ or on our website at ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://hkamarcom.

Postdoc researcher Joel Hutchinson discusses quantum materials and innovative science communication with host Veronica Combs in this episode of The Quantum Spin by HKA. Joel is an experimentalist at the University of Basel who specializes in 2D quantum materials. He is also a science communicator who helped to build the “Save the Cat'” quantum quest, a game that incorporates physics puzzles as well as history lessons in scientific discovery. He and host Veronica Combs cover the Hubbard Model as well as the power of games to level the educational playing field. 

00:00 Introduction to Season Four

00:29 Interview with Joel Hutchinson: Exploring 2D Quantum Materials

02:00 Global Quantum Communities: A Comparative Insight

04:33 Save the Cat: A Quantum Quest

13:08 The Future of Quantum Computing

20:55 Advice for Aspiring Quantum Researchers

21:33 Conclusion and Podcast Information

Joel Hutchinson is a Canadian postdoctoral researcher at the University of Basel working on the theory of two-dimensional quantum materials. He earned his PhD from the University of Alberta in 2019 and has since conducted research on quantum technologies in France and Switzerland. His work focuses on applications of spin-orbit coupling, superconductivity, and strongly-correlated electrons. He is a passionate science communicator and educator and has delivered a TEDx talk on the holographic principle. When he’s not busy with science he finds other avenues of exploration; last year he published a novella and rode his bike 4000km across Western Europe.

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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with HKA Marketing Communications on LinkedIn at

https://www.linkedin.com/company/hka-inc--public-relations/ or on our website at ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://hkamarcom.

Anurag Saha Roy, the Chief Product Officer of Qruise, found the perfect place to combine his two interests of physics and science: building hardware solutions for quantum computers. In this conversation with host Veronica Combs, Anurag describes the complexities of booting up a quantum computer and the necessity for continuous calibration. Qruise works with researchers and quantum hardware engineers to make this process quicker and more reliable. Anurag also explains the need for a broader community for quantum software development as well as what classical software engineers can contribute.

00:00 Introduction to Quantum Spin Season Four

00:29 Exploring Quantum Software with Anurag from Qruise

02:56 The Role of Digital Twins in Quantum Computing

11:25 Building a Quantum Software Developer Community

19:21 Future Prospects and Challenges in Quantum Computing

23:16 Conclusion and Farewell

Anurag Saha Roy is the Chief Product Officer at Qruise. He is an experienced engineer and entrepreneur with a background in machine learning and various quantum technology platforms. At Qruise, he leads a team of physicists and software engineers developing tools to automate and accelerate the development of quantum devices through the use of digital twins for faster and better calibration and characterisation.

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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with HKA Marketing Communications on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/hka-inc--public-relations/ or on our website at ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://hkamarcom.