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In the latest episode of the Tech Podcast, Shai Phillips, president of a company that provides quantum technology executive search firm, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of the quantum computing industry. His firm, PSIRCH (pronounced search), is pioneering in its focus on senior management roles within the quantum sector.

PSIRCH stands out as the only dedicated division of an established executive search firm specializing exclusively in quantum technology. Founded in 2019 under the umbrella of Berkhemer Clayton Executive Search, a 30-year-old firm, PSIRCH leverages decades of experience serving Fortune 500 companies, private multinationals, universities, and nonprofits. We are the only operation of our kind anywhere in the world, Phillips explains.

Phillips grew up in London and studied at Cambridge University; his fascination with quantum mechanics was ignited by lectures from Stephen Hawking. Despite his non-technical academic background, his passion for quantum led him to spearhead PSIRCHs quantum division following significant advancements in commercialization, such as Googles Quantum Supremacy announcement.

I was extremely interested in quantum technology coming up, Phillips says. In 2019, when commercialization began to take off, I realized we needed to carve out a niche in executive search for this burgeoning field.

Phillips highlights a critical challenge in the quantum computing market: the pervasive skepticism and cynicism, even among industry insiders.

The biggest hurdle we face is skepticism. Theres a pervasive cynicism even among industry insiders, he notes. To combat this, Phillips writes a monthly column titled The Unexaggerated Magic of Quantum in The Quantum Insider. I aim to debunk the myth that quantum technologys promises are overhyped. There is a lot of promise to quantum computing, and we need to shift the narrative from skepticism to optimism.

The global quantum landscape is vibrant, with significant activity in the US, Germany, France, the UK, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia. Companies like Pasqal in France and PsiQuantum, with its multinational roots, illustrate the industrys global integration.

Quantum is inherently global. You cant do quantum on a domestic basis, Phillips said.

The Quantum Insiders intelligence platform tracks the number of quantum computing companies, providing valuable insights into the market. The platform tracks over 1,300 vendors across the supply chain and the number continues to grow.

Government funding, particularly from the US Department of Energy and Department of Defense, underscores the strategic importance of quantum technology. This funding is crucial to maintaining a competitive edge, especially against countries like China. The strategic importance of quantum technology cannot be overstated. Its about staying ahead, particularly in the face of competition from China.

Yet, the market is still maturing. We are early to the game, Phillips acknowledges. Most companies are building their quantum teams from the ground up, starting with junior engineers. Its a grassroots approach.

For technical positions, a PhD is typically required, along with considerations around security clearances due to national security implications.

For technical roles, a PhD is almost always necessary. There are also significant national security concerns, so many positions require top secret security clearances, Phillips said.

For executive roles, theres more flexibility, according to Phillips, who added: You can bring in talent from adjacent industries. For example, a CEO might come from a tech background rather than quantum specifically.

PSIRCH employs a comprehensive approach to recruitment.

We use everything from social media to direct outreach and networking. We leverage our extensive network within the quantum industry and go the extra mile to ensure a thorough and creative assessment process, Phillips said

A key focus for PSIRCH is promoting women in leadership. Our CEO, Betsy Berkhemer-Credaire, has been a prolific advocate for women on corporate boards, Phillips said. Theres a strong movement within the quantum industry called Women in Quantum, which we actively support. Were seeing positive trends, though theres always room for improvement.

Phillips offers a glimpse into the future of the quantum technology sector: The quantum technology sector is poised for incredible growth. The need for specialized talent at the senior management level will become increasingly critical. With firms like PSIRCH leading the charge, the future looks promising.

Link:
Bridging the Gap: Shai Phillips on the Quantum Technology Executive Search Landscape - The Quantum Insider

The round is led by Danish VC Dreamcraft, together with biotech investor Lundbeckfonden BioCapital and the private investment company 2degrees.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, July 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --Kvantify, a leading quantum software start-up, has announced the successful closure of a EUR 10 million seed round. This funding will enable Kvantify to strengthen its position as a global leader in quantum computing, with an initial focus on developing applications for the life science sector.

The investment will accelerate the development of Kvantify's innovative solutions that aim to leverage quantum computing to address complex problems in drug discovery and beyond. It will also boost the further development of quantum algorithms for chemical simulation, expanding their applicability across various industries.

The seed round is notable not only for its substantial size but also for the strategic match of the new investors to Kvantify's mission. It is led by Danish VC Dreamcraft, together with biotech investor Lundbeckfonden BioCapital and the private investment company 2degrees. Other notable investors include international sector-focused tech investor Redstone VC, Danish lead quantum VC 2xN as well as EIFO.

Lundbeckfonden BioCapital is a large Danish investor focused on local life science companies, supporting the translation and commercialization of ground-breaking science. This is Lundbeckfonden BioCapital's first investment outside the therapeutics space.

"With our investment in Kvantify, we are broadening our footprint in and commitment to further strengthening the Danish life science ecosystem. Quantum computing can deliver accuracy and derisking to the early stages of drug development to a level not possible with classical computers, thereby enabling faster speed to market. We are therefore excited about this opportunity and look forward to working with the Kvantify team to bridge quantum computing and drug development to the future benefit of patients," said Jacob Falck Hansen, Partner at Lundbeckfonden BioCapital.

Danish VC Dreamcraft invests in tech-driven companies, from pre-seed to series A, and has a proven track record with B2B SaaS software.

"We're thrilled to partner with the team at Kvantify as they take a significant step forward in their mission to fulfill the promise of industrial applications of quantum computers. The potential of quantum chemical computational drug discovery is massive and represents a truly exciting beachhead market. We cannot wait to see how Kvantify will help solve today's seemingly impossible problems and serve as a crucial tool in designing the solutions of the future." - Carsten Salling, General Partner at Dreamcraft

Redstone QAI Quantum Fund is a highly specialized venture capital fund that focuses on investing in groundbreaking technologies within the quantum technologies sector.

"Kvantify's focus on applying quantum computing to life sciences and further industrial use cases across various sectors aligns with our strategic vision of advancing practical and impactful quantum solutions. With their interdisciplinary team, in-depth knowledge of quantum technology, and innovative approach to enhancing computational efficiency, Kvantify is perfectly placed to bring tremendous value to commercial markets." Marco Stutz, Partner at Redstone.

In light of their successful product launch for a groundbreaking drug discovery tool, Hans Henrik Knudsen, CEO of Kvantify, comments:

"On behalf of the founding team, we are incredibly excited about the completion of our 10 million seed round, which marks a significant milestone for Kvantify. This funding not only validates our vision of leveraging quantum computing to revolutionize the life sciences industry but also provides us with the resources and strategic partnerships needed to accelerate our development and growth. With the support of new and existing investors, we are well-positioned to continue to bring groundbreaking solutions to market."

About Kvantify Kvantify is a pioneering quantum software company based in Denmark. The company leverages quantum and high-performance computing to create revolutionizing solutions for complex scientific and industrial challenges. Kvantify's mission is to make quantum computing technology widely accessible, and a valuable tool for businesses worldwide. For more information, please visit (www.kvantify.com).

Additional questions Klaus Eriksen, Communications Officer, Kvantify. Phone: (+45) 61 699 700. Email: [emailprotected]

Photo -https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2452960/Kvantify_founders.jpg Logo -https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2452959/Kvantify_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Kvantify ApS

Continued here:
Danish start-up Kvantify secures EUR 10 million seed round to unlock quantum computing potential, starting with life ... - PR Newswire

End of drawer navigation content Skip to main content But significant barriers remain preventing the technologies from unlocking their full potential

Ravi Menon

Asset tokenisation, artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing are the three breakthrough technologies that have the best prospects for transforming finance, according to Ravi Menon, former managing director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

Menon told an audience at the Point Zero conference in Switzerland on July 3 that he believed harnessing fintech would have deeply impactful benefits, so long as substantial risks associated with new technology are mitigated. He also

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AI, quantum computing and tokenisation set to transform finance Menon - Central Banking

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Kvantify, a Copenhagen-based quantum software startup, has successfully closed a 10 million seed round. This funding will enable the startup to strengthen its position as a global leader in quantum computing, focusing initially on life sciences applications. The round is led by Danish VC Dreamcraft, alongside biotech investor Lundbeckfonden BioCapital and the private investment company 2degrees, with participation from Redstone VC, 2xN, and EIFO. Kvantify plans to use the investment to accelerate the development of quantum solutions for drug discovery and chemical simulation, aiming to address complex problems and expand applicability across various industries. This strategic funding will enhance Kvantifys innovative capabilities, ensuring a significant impact on the life sciences sector and beyond.

Kvantify is dedicated to harnessing the power of quantum computing to solve complex scientific and industrial challenges. With a strong emphasis on life sciences, Kvantify develops advanced quantum algorithms and high-performance computing solutions aimed at revolutionizing drug discovery and chemical simulation. Their mission is to make quantum technology accessible and valuable to businesses worldwide, driving innovation and efficiency in various sectors. Leveraging an interdisciplinary team and cutting-edge technology, Kvantify is positioned at the forefront of the quantum computing revolution.

The seed round is notable not only for its substantial size but also for the strategic match of the new investors to Kvantifys mission. It is led by Danish VC Dreamcraft, together with biotech investor Lundbeckfonden BioCapital and the private investment company 2degrees. Other notable investors include international sector-focused tech investor Redstone VC, Danish lead quantum VC 2xN as well as EIFO.

Lundbeckfonden BioCapital is a large Danish investor focused on local life science companies, supporting the translation and commercialization of ground-breaking science. This is Lundbeckfonden BioCapitals first investment outside the therapeutics space.

With our investment in Kvantify, we are broadening our footprint in and commitment to further strengthening the Danish life science ecosystem. Quantum computing can deliver accuracy and derisking to the early stages of drug development to a level not possible with classical computers, thereby enabling faster speed to market. We are therefore excited about this opportunity and look forward to working with the Kvantify team to bridge quantum computing and drug development to the future benefit of patients, said Jacob Falck Hansen, Partner at Lundbeckfonden BioCapital.

Danish VC Dreamcraft invests in tech-driven companies, from pre-seed to series A, and has a proven track record with B2B SaaS software.

Were thrilled to partner with the team at Kvantify as they take a significant step forward in their mission to fulfill the promise of industrial applications of quantum computers. The potential of quantum chemical computational drug discovery is massive and represents a truly exciting beachhead market. We cannot wait to see how Kvantify will help solve todays seemingly impossible problems and serve as a crucial tool in designing the solutions of the future. says Carsten Salling, General Partner at Dreamcraft.

Redstone QAI Quantum Fund is a highly specialized venture capital fund that focuses on investing in groundbreaking technologies within the quantum technologies sector.

Kvantifys focus on applying quantum computing to life sciences and further industrial use cases across various sectors aligns with our strategic vision of advancing practical and impactful quantum solutions. With their interdisciplinary team, in-depth knowledge of quantum technology, and innovative approach to enhancing computational efficiency, Kvantify is perfectly placed to bring tremendous value to commercial markets, says Marco Stutz, Partner at Redstone.

In light of their successful product launch for a groundbreaking drug discovery tool, Hans Henrik Knudsen, CEO of Kvantify, comments:

On behalf of the founding team, we are incredibly excited about the completion of our 10 million seed round, which marks a significant milestone for Kvantify. This funding not only validates our vision of leveraging quantum computing to revolutionize the life sciences industry but also provides us with the resources and strategic partnerships needed to accelerate our development and growth. With the support of new and existing investors, we are well-positioned to continue to bring groundbreaking solutions to market.

Click to read more funding news.

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Continued here:
Danish startup secures 10M seed to advance quantum computing in life sciences - ArcticStartup

The Australian government has announced a pledge of approximately A$940 million (US$617 million) to PsiQuantum, a quantum computing start-up company based in Silicon Valley.

Half of the funding will come from the Queensland government, and in exchange, PsiQuantum will locate its planned quantum computer in Brisbane, with a regional headquarters at Brisbane Airport.

PsiQuantum claims it will build the worlds first useful quantum computer. Such a device could be enormously helpful for applications like cracking codes, discovering new materials and drugs, modelling climate and weather, and solving other tough computational problems.

Companies around the world and several national governments are racing to be the first to solve the quantum computing puzzle. How likely is it Australias bet on PsiQuantum will pay off?

Quantum computers are computers that run quantum algorithms. These are step-by-step sets of instructions that change data encoded with quantum information. (Ordinary computers run digital algorithms, step-by-step sets of instructions that change digital information.)

Digital computers represent information as long strings of 1s and 0s. Quantum computers represent information as long lists of numbers. Over the past century, scientists have discovered these numbers are naturally encoded in fine details of energy and matter.

Read more: Hype and cash are muddying public understanding of quantum computing

Quantum computing operates fundamentally differently from traditional computing. It uses principles of quantum physics and may be able to perform calculations that are not feasible for digital computers.

We know that quantum algorithms can solve some problems with far fewer steps than digital algorithms. However, to date nobody has built a quantum computer that can run quantum algorithms in a reliable way.

Researchers around the world are trying to build quantum computers using different kinds of technology.

PsiQuantums approach uses individual particles of light called photons to process quantum data. Photon-based quantum computers are expected to be less prone to errors than other kinds.

The Australian government has also invested around A$40 million in Sydney-based Silicon Quantum Computing. This company aims to encode quantum data in tiny particles trapped in silicon and other familiar materials used in current electronics.

A third approach is trapped ions individually captured electrically charged atomic particles, which have the advantage of being inherently stable and all identical. A company called IonQ is one taking this track.

However, many believe the current leading approach is artificial atoms based on superconducting circuits. These can be customised with different properties. This is the approach taken by Google, IBM, and Rigetti.

There is no clear winning technology. Its likely that a hybrid approach will eventually prevail.

The timeline set by PsiQuantum and supported by federal endorsements aims for an operational quantum computer by 2029. Some see this projected timeline as overly optimistic, since three years ago PsiQuantum was planning to meet a deadline of 2025.

Progress in quantum technology has been steady since its inception nearly three decades ago. But there are many challenges yet to overcome in creating a device that is both large enough to be useful and not prone to errors.

The announcement represents a significant commitment to advancing quantum computing technology both within Australian borders and worldwide. It falls under the Albanese governments Future Made in Australia policy.

However, the investment risks being overshadowed by a debate over transparency and the selection process.

Criticisms have pointed to a lack of detailed public disclosure about why PsiQuantum was chosen over local competitors.

Read more: Australia may spend hundreds of millions of dollars on quantum computing research. Are we chasing a mirage?

These concerns underscore the need for a more open dialogue about government spending and partnership selections to maintain public trust in such large-scale technological investments.

Public trust is difficult to establish when little to no effort has been made to educate people in quantum technology. Some claim that quantum literacy will be a 21st-century skill on par with digital literacy.

Australia has made its quantum hardware bet. But even if the hardware works as planned, it will only be useful if we have people who know how to use it and that means training in quantum theory and software.

The Australian Quantum Software Network, a collaboration of more than 130 of the nations leading researchers in quantum algorithms, software, and theory including myself was launched in late 2022 to achieve this.

The government says the PsiQuantum project is expected to create up to 400 specialised jobs, retaining and attracting new highly skilled talent to both the state and country. The media release also contains the dramatic forecast that success could lead to up to an additional $48 billion in GDP and 240,000 new jobs in Australia by 2040.

Efforts like the Sydney Quantum Academy, the Australian Centre for Quantum Growth, and my own quantum education startup Eigensystems, which recently launched the Quokka personal quantum computing and quantum literacy platform, will help to meet this goal.

In the coming decade, education and training will be crucial, not only to support this investment but also to expand Australias expertise so that it may become a net exporter in the quantum industry and a substantial player in the global race for a quantum computer.

See the article here:
Australia just made a billion-dollar bet on building the world's first 'useful' quantum computer in Brisbane. Will it pay off? - The Conversation