Podcast Archive - HKA - Marketing Communications

Celebrating Scientific Discovery with Music, Art and Poetry

During its annual March meeting, APS celebrated the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology with a week-long Quantum Fest. The two directors of the event combined their scientific expertise with their love for art to tell stories of quantum physics. Smitha Vishveshwara, PhD and Marilena Longobardi, PhD, brought acrobats, musicians and scientists together on stage to display the wonder and power of nature from a subatomic to a cosmic scale. In this episode, host Veronica Combs and the two physicists discuss how the event came together and how hands-on experiences reveal the awe of scientific discovery.

At the Intersection of Quantum Tech and Health

Human biology is complex and doctors can always use a new tool to understand everyday illnesses, diagnose rare diseases and personalize treatment. Dr. Frederik F. Flöther, Chief Quantum Officer, QuantumBasel, is working with pharma companies and quantum startups to build new data tools for physicians and researchers that use the power of quantum technology. In this episode of The Quantum Spin by HKA, Frederik and Veronica Combs discuss the collaborations that are developing these new tools as well as the ethics that should guide this work.

Qubit-Neutral: Qblox Builds Quantum Control Stack

Quantum hardware isn’t quite ready for server racks in data centers, but that is the vision driving engineers at Qblox. This Dutch company builds control electronics for all qubit modalities. In this episode of The Quantum Spin by HKA, Niels Bultink, co-founder and CEO of Qblox, explains how he built a team that helps researchers and entrepreneurs get the highest performance out of quantum hardware. He also describes how the quantum ecosystem in the Netherlands grew out of strong academic institutions and why collaboration is a key value for the sector.

Making the Business Case for Quantum Computing

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.

Bringing Quantum Science to Life On Stage

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.

A Quantum Journey of Education and Exploration

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.

Building Quantum Software and Community

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 Tokyo.

A Quantum Guide for the Fortune 500

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-François 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-François.

Building a Quantum Workforce: Curiosity Required

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.

Mentoring a New Generation of Quantum Women

In this episode of “The Quantum Spin by HKA,” host Veronica Combs discusses how to support women in the quantum industry with Biliana 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. Biliana 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.