Investing in Quantum Computing, moderated by John Thornhill, FT Innovation Editor

ONLINE EVENT / DECEMBER 1st, 2021

Quantum computing is a technology that always seems five years away from living up to the hype. Quantum promises to free us from the limitations of classical computers. It will drive major breakthroughs in drug development, battery design, weather forecasting, cybersecurity, financial modelling, and chemistry. In late 2019 Google announced they had achieved quantum supremacy. But we still hear that major advances in hardware, software and theory are required before it can be used in practice.

So how close are we really to major breakthroughs in quantum computing? And what are the investment opportunities in quantum computing today?

Join an expert panel discussion moderated by John Thornhill, FT innovation Editor. The panel will include Ilana Wisby, CEO of Oxford Quantum Circuits and Alex Van Someren, Managing Partner at Amadeus with investments in Nu Quantum and River Lane, a quantum software company.

The panel will help demystify quantum computing putting it into an investment context. Questions will include:

1. What exactly is quantum computing?
2. What are the potential use cases of quantum computing?
3. How close is quantum to being usable in practice? What are the barriers to its widespread adoption (e.g. need to cool to near absolute zero, errors and noise)? What are the different approaches to solving these problems (e.g. ion trap quantum works at room temperature)?
4. What is the value chain for quantum computing (e.g. hardware, software, quantum as a service, services?)
5. What are VCs and corporates investing in? What have been the results to-date?
6. Should Angels invest in quantum?
7. What are the geopolitics of quantum (i.e. China Vs US Vs Europe)?

Speakers' Biographies
John Thornhill, Innovation Editor FT

John Thornhill is the Innovation Editor at the Financial Times writing a weekly column on the impact of technology. He is also the founder and editorial director of Sifted, the FT-backed site for European startups, and founder of FT Forums, which hosts monthly meetings for senior executives.

John was previously deputy editor and news editor of the FT in London. He has also been Europe editor, Paris bureau chief, Asia editor, Moscow correspondent and Lex columnist.
Ilana Wisby, CEO of Oxford Quantum Circuits

Ilana Wisby is a deep tech entrepreneur and CEO of Oxford Quantum Circuits. She holds a PhD in Quantum Physics from Royal Holloway, University of London, and has previous experiences building start-ups from the ground up and working on deep-tech closely linked with academia. Ilana is passionate about diversity, ethics and redefining leadership framed in emotional intelligence and fractal management. She is also an accomplished pianist.
Alex van Someren, Managing Partner, Amadeus

Alex is Managing Partner of the Early Stage Funds at Amadeus, and he sits on the boards of several Amadeus portfolio companies. Alex has a current investment focus on UK deep technology including Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Cloud Computing/Enterprise SaaS, Cyber Security, Digital Healthcare, Medical Technology and Novel Materials & Quantum Technologies.

Alex lives in Cambridge, UK and is married with three children. He was appointed an Entrepreneur in Residence at the Judge Business School, University of Cambridge in 2005, and he is currently Chairman of the Development Committee of Kettle’s Yard, one of the University of Cambridge Museums.
Heather Higgins, Executive Director for IBM's Quantum Consulting Global Center of Competency

Heather leads a team of global consultants who are working with Fortune 100 business executives who are evaluating and adopting innovative technology.

Heather’s business analysis expertise unearths inhibitors to performance and growth. She is well known as a results-driven business leader who leverages client, market, and competitive insights that address client opportunities.

Heather has been with IBM for 25+ years and has served in roles throughout the organization. But when she’s not leading the charge at IBM, she spends her free time enjoying the ocean view from her home in Maine surrounded by her family.

Heather has a BS in International Business Management and Management Information Systems from Northeastern University.

Видео Investing in Quantum Computing, moderated by John Thornhill, FT Innovation Editor канала Harvard Business School Alumni Angels London