In this second part of Jerry Cuomo’s conversation with Scott Crowder from the IBM Quantum team, the discussion shifts from the foundations of quantum computing toward the growing signs of practical, real-world impact.

If you haven’t yet listened to part one, you may want to start there first: Click to watch it here.

Recorded inside IBM Research in Yorktown Heights, New York, this episode explores what quantum computing could mean for software engineers, students, cybersecurity professionals, and the broader technology industry as quantum systems continue to mature.

Jerry and Scott discuss the growing push toward post-quantum cryptography, what Scott learned from speaking before Congress about the “Quantum Age,” and why the future value of quantum computing may depend as much on software, algorithms, and applications as the hardware itself.

The conversation also explores the emerging “skills gap” in quantum computing, including why domain expertise and strong mathematical foundations may become increasingly valuable as organizations begin experimenting with real-world quantum workflows.

Along the way, Jerry pauses the podcast to try something live: using generative AI to produce a working quantum program that connects to a real IBM quantum computer and visualizes qubit coherence times.

The episode closes with a look at practical applications beginning to move beyond research demonstrations, including chemistry simulation, optimization problems, and hybrid quantum-classical computing systems already being explored today.

You may also hear a few hints that Jerry has started work on his latest book in the Think series, Think Quantum. Much like Think Blockchain and Think AI, the book takes a student-friendly, builder-first approach to understanding complex technology through code, experiments, and hands-on examples.

If you'd like early access to draft chapters, updates, and behind-the-scenes material as the book evolves, visit wildducks.us and join the free early access list.