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A Strategic History of Quantum Technologies in the 20th & 21st Centuries: Assembled through the strategic lens championed by Brian Lenahan

by with No Comment Brian LenahanDanika HannonQuantum Strategy

NOTE: Brian Lenahan, Founder & Chair of QSI, is known primarily for his contributions to quantum strategy, AI, and emerging technologies, especially in the 21st century. His work focuses on bridging the gap between business and quantum innovation, including through the Quantum Strategy Institute (QSI) which he founded. The following is a compilation that uses Lenahan’s themes—especially around commercialization, strategy, and future applications—to frame a history of quantum technologies in the 20th century.

Introduction: Framing Quantum’s History with Strategy in Mind

Brian Lenahan’s work consistently emphasizes the importance of translating quantum potential into real-world value. In retrospect, we can apply this lens to the 20th-century evolution of quantum technologies—not simply as a chronology of scientific breakthroughs, but as a strategic progression: from theoretical foundations to industrial interest.

1900s–1920s: The Quantum Awakening

  • Max Planck (1900) introduced the concept of quantized energy, setting the groundwork.
  • Albert Einstein (1905) explained the photoelectric effect using quantized light.
  • Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg advanced early quantum theory.

Strategic Insight: At this stage, quantum theory had no commercial strategy—it was pure science, but the seeds were planted. Lenahan views this as a foundational “discovery phase”, where key paradigms emerge but value extraction is undefined.

1930s–1950s: Quantum Theory Matures

  • Development of quantum electrodynamics (QED) and the formulation of the Copenhagen interpretation.
  • Early applications began to appear in nuclear physics, radar, and solid-state physics.
  • Bell’s Theorem and hidden variable debates surfaced.

Strategic Insight: Here we begin the “validation phase”—Lenahan highlights this as a time when theoretical quantum principles began influencing macro-level technologies (like nuclear energy), even though “quantum” was not yet a commercial term.

1960s–1980s: From Physics to Engineering

  • The laser and transistor—products of quantum physics—saw mass adoption.
  • Quantum chemistry matured with computational methods.
  • IBM and Bell Labs initiated early quantum research.
  • Feynman (1981) proposed quantum computers.

Strategic Insight: This era represents what Lenahan calls a “hidden quantum era”—quantum was under the hood of many emerging technologies, but not yet branded or understood by the business world. He would stress this as a missed opportunity to create narrative and economic momentum.

1990s: Quantum Information Science Emerges

  • Peter Shor (1994) demonstrated quantum algorithms that could revolutionize computing.
  • Quantum cryptography and entanglement experiments gained traction.
  • The term “quantum advantage” entered the discourse.

Strategic Insight: Lenahan’s strategic lens saw this decade as the birth of quantum value narratives—when investors and institutions first saw glimpses of how quantum could disrupt entire industries (e.g., finance, cybersecurity). He referred to this as the “awakening of commercialization potential”, though actual business models remained speculative.

Foundations for the Quantum Century

By the year 2000, the scientific groundwork was laid. The next step—where Lenahan’s real influence begins—is the translation of theory into strategy. He argued that the 20th century’s main quantum legacy was knowledge without vision, and that the 21st century must focus on vision with execution.

Strategic Rise of Quantum in the 21st Century

The 21st century marks the transition of quantum technologies from academic curiosity to commercial momentum. Through the strategic lens of Brian Lenahan, this period can be seen as the realization of potential laid during the 20th century-where governments, enterprises, and startups begin investing heavily in quantum futures.

2000s: Foundations of a Quantum Ecosystem

Early 21st-century research expanded quantum computing architectures-trapped ions, superconducting qubits, and photonic approaches gained attention. Governments launched major initiatives like the EU’s Quantum Flagship and DARPA’s quantum programs.

Strategic Insight: Lenahan categorizes this as the ‘infrastructure and exploration phase’, with industry observing but not yet acting decisively.

2010s: Momentum and Corporate Entry

Key developments include IBM’s quantum cloud access (2016), Google’s quantum supremacy claim (2019), and the formation of quantum startups like Rigetti, Xanadu, and IonQ. The rise of hybrid quantum-classical algorithms and increased funding put quantum on the business map.

Strategic Insight: This was the ‘commercial curiosity phase’, where strategic players began aligning roadmaps with quantum timelines. Lenahan emphasized education, awareness, and early ecosystem development.

2020s: Commercialization, Platforms, and Ecosystem Building

This decade sees explosive growth in quantum commercialization: IPOs (IonQ), cloud platforms (AWS Braket, Azure Quantum), and national initiatives (U.S. National Quantum Initiative, Canada’s NRC programs). Use cases in finance, pharma, and materials begin pilot testing.

Strategic Insight: Lenahan sees this as the ‘value extraction phase’. Strategy moves from observation to implementation. QSI and other cross-sector collaborations emerge to guide businesses on use cases, readiness, and ethical frameworks.

From Theory to Transformation

In the 21st century, quantum technology evolved from research labs into boardrooms. Brian Lenahan’s voice has been instrumental in helping organizations navigate uncertainty, define value, and take actionable steps. The strategic framing he champions turns a complex technology into a meaningful journey toward transformation.

Looking Ahead: 2030 and Beyond

As fault-tolerant quantum systems approach viability, the next decade will be about scalability, regulation, and societal integration. Strategy will focus on workforce development, responsible innovation, and hybrid architectures. Lenahan’s strategic foresight continues to inform these transitions.

How Brian Lenahan Extends This Legacy

  • Books like Quantum Boost and Quantum Strategy connect quantum science with practical applications.
  • His Quantum Strategy Institute (QSI) brings together cross-disciplinary experts to define roadmaps for quantum readiness and to unify scientists, entrepreneurs, and strategists.
  • Encouraged nations and organizations to prepare for the ‘Quantum Age’ with education.
  • Emphasis on SMEs and emerging markets, ensuring quantum is not just for tech giants.
  • He champions quantum education, preparing society for deep tech transitions through his Substack newsletter, Quantum’s Business

References:

Primary Quantum Science and History Sources

  1. Planck, M. (1901). On the Law of Distribution of Energy in the Normal Spectrum. Annalen der Physik.
  2. Einstein, A. (1905). On a Heuristic Viewpoint Concerning the Production and Transformation of Light.
  3. Bohr, N. (1913). On the Constitution of Atoms and Molecules.
  4. Heisenberg, W. (1927). The Physical Content of Quantum Kinematics and Mechanics.
  5. Dirac, P. A. M. (1930). The Principles of Quantum Mechanics.
  6. Feynman, R. P. (1982). Simulating Physics with Computers. International Journal of Theoretical Physics.
  7. Shor, P. W. (1994). Algorithms for Quantum Computation: Discrete Logarithms and Factoring. Proceedings of the 35th Annual Symposium on Foundations of Computer Science.
  8. Bell, J. S. (1964). On the Einstein Podolsky Rosen Paradox. Physics Physique.

Quantum Technology Development

  1. Gilder, L. (2008). The Age of Entanglement: When Quantum Physics Was Reborn. Vintage.
  2. Kumar, M. (2008). Quantum: Einstein, Bohr, and the Great Debate About the Nature of Reality.
  3. Deutsch, D. (1997). The Fabric of Reality. Penguin Books.
  4. Nielsen, M. A., & Chuang, I. L. (2000). Quantum Computation and Quantum Information. Cambridge University Press.

Brian Lenahan and Quantum Strategy

  1. Lenahan, B. (2020). Quantum Boost: Using Quantum Computing to Supercharge Your Business.
  2. Lenahan, B. (2021). Quantum Strategy: How to Realize Value from Quantum Computing.
  3. Lenahan, B. (2022). Leadership for the Future of Quantum Technology.
  4. Quantum Strategy Institute (QSI). Website: www.quantumstrategyinstitute.com
  5. Quantum’s Business substack: brianlenahan.substack.com

Supporting Themes and Strategic Insight

  1. Arute, F. et al. (2019). Quantum Supremacy Using a Programmable Superconducting Processor. Nature.
  1. National Quantum Initiative Act (USA, 2018).
  2. ETSI Industry Specification Group for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).
  3. McKinsey & Co. (2023). The Real Value of Quantum Computing for Business.
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Export Controls & Quantum Technologies

by with No Comment Brian LenahanNational StrategiesPetra SoderlingQuantum RiskQuantum Strategy

The Quantum Strategy Institute’s new report, by Petra Soderling and Brian Lenahan, analyzes the drivers and effects of introducing export controls in the quantum sector. As governments seek to safeguard national security and strategic economic interests, these policies can have far-reaching effects on global collaboration, innovation, and talent mobility.

The report explores the complex balance between protecting critical technologies and supporting a thriving, internationally connected quantum ecosystem, read it here: Export Controls & Quantum Technologies.

Report Authors

Petra Soderling

Petra Söderling, Head of Government and Consortium Relations at the Quantum Strategy Institute (QSI).

Petra Söderling has over 25 years of experience in the technology industry, having held key positions in standardization, open source, research, and product management at Nokia. She has an MBA from Helsinki University of Technology, and executive education from Harvard Business School and Stanford University.

Being Finnish-American, she has been instrumental in ramping up trans-Atlantic relationships in quantum since 2020. She is also a key contributor to EU’s quantum strategy, financing, standardization, and international relations.  Petra Söderling is the author of Government and Innovation – the Economic Developer’s Guide to our Future.

Brian Lenahan

Brian Lenahan, Brian Lenahan is Founder & Chair of the Quantum Strategy Institute and the author of seven published books on quantum technologies and artificial intelligence.

He is a recognized speaker and moderator at conferences around the world and a global consultant on the strategy of road mapping quantum and AI tech adoption. He is the author of Quantum’s Business Substack, enjoyed by thousands of readers in over 90 countries.

Brian is a three-time LinkedIn Quantum Top Voice. He leverages all of his media platforms to augment the work of QSI in accelerating the adoption of quantum technologies worldwide.

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QSI Report on National Strategies: What Goes into a Winning National Quantum Strategy?

by with No Comment Brian LenahanNational StrategiesPetra SoderlingQuantum Strategy

Quantum technology represents a significant leap in scientific and technological progress, holding the potential to significantly progress fields such as computing, cryptography, communications, and sensing. National quantum strategies are essential for countries aspiring to lead or maintain competitiveness in this transformative domain. A successful national quantum strategy involves a multifaceted approach that integrates research and development (R&D), education, industry partnerships, infrastructure, international collaboration, and policy frameworks. 

This report explores how countries can design and implement successful national quantum strategies to harness the full potential of quantum technology.

1. Comprehensive Research and Development Ecosystem

Investing in Fundamental Research

A robust R&D ecosystem is the cornerstone of a successful quantum strategy. Countries must prioritize sustained investments in fundamental research, which forms the foundation for technological advancements. Governments should fund academic institutions, research centers, and laboratories to explore various quantum phenomena and develop new theories and technologies while establishing milestones for key results against such funding. Establishing national quantum research institutes can centralize efforts and foster collaboration among top scientists.

Encouraging Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Quantum technology spans multiple disciplines, including physics, computer science, mathematics, and engineering. Encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration can accelerate innovation. Research initiatives should bring together experts from these diverse fields to address complex quantum challenges. For example, quantum computing requires insights from both computer scientists and quantum physicists to develop algorithms and hardware. Such collaboration can extend across geographical borders and should not operate in isolation from best practices of other successful groups.

Public-Private Partnerships

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can enhance R&D efforts by combining public funding with private sector expertise and resources. Governments should incentivize private companies to invest in quantum research through grants, tax breaks, and collaborative projects. For instance, tech giants like IBM, Google, and Microsoft have made significant strides in quantum computing through such partnerships, which benefit from both public research funding and private sector innovation capabilities. Once again these partnerships should be aligned with key result metrics and goals. 

2. Building a Skilled Workforce

Education and Training Programs

Developing a skilled workforce is crucial for the success of any national quantum strategy. Countries should invest in education and training programs to produce quantum scientists, engineers, and technicians. Universities should offer specialized degree programs in quantum science and engineering. Additionally, governments can fund scholarships and fellowships to attract talented students to these fields.

Continuous Professional Development

Given the rapid evolution of quantum technology, continuous professional development (CPD) is essential. Providing opportunities for current professionals to upskill through workshops, short courses, and online programs can keep the workforce updated with the latest advancements. Collaboration with industry players to create tailored CPD programs can ensure that the training is relevant and practical.

International Talent Attraction

To build a world-class quantum workforce, countries should also attract international talent. Offering competitive salaries, research grants, and favorable immigration policies can help attract leading scientists and engineers from around the world. Establishing renowned research institutions can also serve as a magnet for global talent.

3. Developing Quantum Infrastructure

Quantum Computing Facilities

State-of-the-art quantum computing facilities are critical for advancing quantum research and development. Governments should invest in building and maintaining these facilities in-country, which include quantum computers, simulators, and related infrastructure. Ensuring access to these facilities for academic researchers, startups, and industry partners can democratize innovation and foster a collaborative environment.

Quantum Communication Networks

Quantum communication networks, particularly those using quantum key distribution (QKD), are increasingly essential for secure information transfer. Countries should invest in building and expanding these networks to protect sensitive data and communications. National initiatives could include creating a quantum internet, which leverages quantum entanglement for ultra-secure communication.

Standardization and Interoperability

Developing standards for quantum technologies is crucial for ensuring interoperability and facilitating widespread adoption. National bodies should work with international organizations to create and adopt standards for quantum hardware, software, and communication protocols. Standardization can also help reduce costs and accelerate market entry for new quantum products and services.

Countries considering the maturity levels of quantum technology should understand the array of data, like the tables and graphs produced by Global Quantum Intelligence, to understand, in particular the eras of quantum evolution and how that impacts research and commercialization opportunities.

4. Promoting Industry and Innovation

Supporting Quantum Startups

Encouraging entrepreneurship in the quantum sector can drive innovation and economic growth. Governments should create supportive ecosystems for quantum startups, including providing seed funding, incubation facilities, and mentorship programs. Establishing innovation hubs and clusters can facilitate collaboration among startups, academic institutions, and established companies.

Technology Transfer and Commercialization

Effective technology transfer mechanisms are essential for translating research breakthroughs into commercial products. Governments can support this process by establishing technology transfer offices (TTOs) within universities and research institutions. These offices can help researchers patent their discoveries, navigate the commercialization process, and connect with potential industry partners.

Market Incentives and Demand Creation

Creating market incentives for adopting quantum technologies can stimulate demand and drive industry growth. Governments can implement policies such as tax credits for businesses that integrate quantum solutions or procure quantum technologies for public sector use. Public sector procurement can serve as a catalyst for early-stage quantum technologies, providing companies with the necessary market validation and revenue.

5. International Collaboration

Bilateral and Multilateral Agreements

International collaboration is vital for advancing quantum technology, given its global nature and the significant resources required. Countries should engage in bilateral and multilateral agreements to share knowledge, resources, and expertise. Collaborative projects with leading quantum research nations can accelerate progress and avoid duplication of efforts.

Supply chains.

Many countries seem much more open to collaborating with each other. As computers get more mature and being used for real use cases by real companies, people realize ” our system is only as strong as the weakest link in our supply chain” (quote from one Cleveland Clinic doctor).

Export control and standards.

Again, like-minded countries want to collaborate more with example such as AUKUS  mentioned and NATO. Also, implementing the concept of free trade zones in friendly countries that could freely exchange products, people and intellectual property. 

Participation in Global Initiatives

Active participation in global quantum initiatives, such as the Quantum Flagship in Europe or the National Quantum Initiative in the United States, can provide countries with access to cutting-edge research and funding opportunities. Consortiums like QED-C and Europe’s QuiC are also extending membership beyond national borders. These initiatives often involve cross-border collaborations and offer platforms for sharing best practices and standardization efforts.

Addressing Ethical and Security Concerns

Quantum technology raises significant ethical and security concerns, particularly regarding quantum computing’s potential to break current cryptographic systems. International collaboration is essential to address these issues through the development of new cryptographic standards and ethical guidelines. Countries should work together to ensure that quantum technologies are used responsibly and for the benefit of all.

6. Policy and Regulatory Framework

Strategic Roadmaps and National Policies

A clear and comprehensive policy framework is essential for guiding national quantum strategies. Governments should develop strategic roadmaps that outline their vision, goals, and priorities for quantum technology. These roadmaps should be regularly updated to reflect technological advancements and changing global dynamics. National policies should also address funding allocation, regulatory standards, and public-private partnerships.

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Protection

Protecting intellectual property rights is crucial for fostering innovation in quantum technology. Governments should ensure that robust IPR frameworks are in place to protect the discoveries and inventions of researchers and companies. Simplifying the patent process and providing support for navigating IPR issues can encourage more entities to invest in quantum research.

Ethical and Security Regulations

Developing ethical guidelines and security regulations specific to quantum technologies is essential. Governments should establish regulatory bodies to oversee the ethical use of quantum technologies and ensure compliance with security standards. These bodies can also address potential misuse of quantum technologies and safeguard national security interests.

How Do We Define “Winning”?

The only relevant definition of success is the one created for oneself. As a nation, each country determines its priorities, strategies and tactics to achieve those priorities. So, when we considered winning strategies for quantum technologies, we recognize our readers will argue that their quantum choices must be viewed within the context of their overall priorities. 

To win in quantum, we will look at a number of factors, including level of investment, 

Innovation and talent.

Measuring the Top Countries

In order to assess the progress of national strategies, QSI has worked with data providers, The Quantum Insider and their Quantum Intelligence Platform ©, and Qureca, using the following metrics:

  1. Government Funding Commitment
  2. Quantum Companies
  3. Quantum Involved Universities
  4. Investors
  5. Enterprise Users
  6. Patents
  7. Research papers

Government Funding:

The top 15 countries have committed anywhere between $250 million to $4 billion over various time periods (excluding the often disputed $15 billion committed by China). The UK leads with over $4 billion committed though the US $3.1 billion which excludes a significant Department of Defence spend. 

Quantum Investment by Country (Updated to June 2024)

The graphic below, aggregated by Qureca, identifies the investments by country to June 2024 totaling $42 billion worldwide.

Quantum Companies:

The United States leads by a long way with 459 quantum companies of all modalities with 36% of the total of the top 15 countries. 

The number of quantum involved universities has flourished in the past decade with the top 15 countries being home to 453 institutions devoting time and resources to quantum in their curricula.

Quantum Universities

For those countries looking to establish a quantum ecosystem through private investment, they would be wise to look to the US, UK and Japan for models given the material number of quantum investors today. 

Quantum Investors

Amongst the top 15 countries for quantum enterprise users, Japan has an outsized role relative to other metrics with the second-most number of organizations. 

Quantum Users

The United State leads quantum users environment by a significant margin and would be a reasonable locale to look for best practice opportunities. 

Quantum Patents

Over 67,000 patents have been registered for quantum technologies with half coming from China. The World Intellectual Property Organization and the European Patent Office are actively involved  in quantum technologies today with 16% of total quantum patents. 

The world of quantum research has blossomed over the last decade with researchers devoting their time to every aspect of quantum physics, mechanics and technologies. China and the US from the beginning have led the research effort. 

National Quantum Strategies*

   Latvia                                     2016                                          1                                                   No                             Signed 

   Lithuania                             2023                                          No                                               No                             Not Signed

   Luxembourg                     2021                                          10                                                No                             Signed

   Malta                                     2016                                          No                                               No                             Not Signed

   Netherlands                     2018                                          1                                                   Yes                            Signed

   Norway (EFTA)                 2019                                          No                                               No                             Not    Signed

   Poland                                  2019                                          No                                               No                             Signed

   Portugal                               2019                                          No                                               No                             Signed

   Romania                              2022                                          No                                               No                             Signed

   Slovakia                               2021                                          No                                               No                             Signed

   Slovenia                               2016                                          No                                               No                             Signed

   Spain                                     2019                                          No                                               No                             Signed

   Sweden                                2020                                          No                                               Yes                            Signed

Case Studies: National Quantum Strategies

United States

The United States has implemented a comprehensive national quantum strategy through the National Quantum Initiative (NQI). The NQI Act, passed in 2018, established a coordinated approach to quantum research and development across multiple federal agencies. The strategy includes significant funding for quantum research, the establishment of Quantum Information Science (QIS) Research Centers, and strong public-private partnerships. Additionally, the U.S. focuses on international collaboration, participating in global quantum initiatives and fostering bilateral agreements.

European Union

The European Union’s Quantum Flagship initiative represents a long-term, large-scale research program aimed at advancing quantum technologies. With a budget of over €1 billion for the first ten years, the Quantum Flagship supports a wide range of projects across quantum computing, communication, simulation, and sensing. The initiative emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, industry participation, and international cooperation. The EU also prioritizes standardization and the development of a skilled quantum workforce through education and training programs. 

China

China has made significant strides in quantum technology, driven by substantial government investment and strategic planning. The country has established leading quantum research institutions, such as the Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale. China’s national quantum strategy includes developing a quantum communication network, advancing quantum computing capabilities, and fostering a skilled workforce. The government’s commitment is reflected in significant funding allocations and the establishment of dedicated quantum research programs.

Canada

Canada’s national quantum strategy is characterized by strong government support, world-class research institutions, and a vibrant quantum ecosystem. “The NQS revolves around three key pillars: research, talent and commercialization.” The country invests heavily in fundamental research through organizations like the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) and the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo. Canada’s strategy includes fostering industry partnerships, supporting quantum startups, and promoting international collaboration. The government also prioritizes education and training to build a skilled quantum workforce.

Conclusion

A successful national quantum strategy requires a holistic approach that encompasses research and development, education and training, infrastructure development, industry support, international collaboration, and a robust policy framework. By investing in these areas, countries can position themselves at the forefront of the quantum revolution, unlocking new economic opportunities and addressing critical societal challenges. The examples of the United States, the European Union, China, and Canada illustrate different pathways to achieving success in the quantum domain. Ultimately, the collaborative and strategic efforts of nations will determine the global landscape of quantum technology in the coming decades.

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How Europe Prepares Itself Against Quantum Threats: Part Three in QSI’s Series on Global Cryptography Reports

by with No Comment Danika HannonPetra SoderlingQuantum CryptographyQuantum RiskQuantum Strategy

Introduction to QSI’s Post-Quantum Cryptography Series

Governments around the world are beginning to prepare themselves for the quantum threat. Even though quantum computers may not be prevalent in any commercial sense in years, national security requires for sensitive data and documents to be quantum proof well in advance. No one wants their opponents to get access to five-year-old, or even ten-year-old, sensitive material.

But how, exactly, are nations approaching post-quantum cryptography (PQC)?

In answering that question, QSI has released its third quantum cybersecurity report, titled How Europe Prepares Itself Against Quantum Threats: Part Three in QSI’s Series on Global Cryptography Reports.

Report Authors

Petra Soderling

Petra Söderling, Head of Government and Consortium Relations at the Quantum Strategy Institute (QSI).

Söderling is a Finnish American award-winning innovation leader who thinks that governments have an unrecognized role in creating new innovations, new industries even.

Söderling is currently an advisor with the World Bank on development and application of deep technologies. She is the author of Government and Innovation, a 2023 book that that looks at how local, regional, and national governments can use existing instruments to steer their economies to include more innovative industries that provide a higher economic value-add.

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How Asian Countries are Addressing Post-Quantum Cryptography: Part Two in QSI’s Series on Global Cryptography Reports

by with No Comment Danika HannonPetra SoderlingQuantum CryptographyQuantum RiskQuantum Strategy

Introduction to QSI’s Post-Quantum Cryptography Series

Governments around the world are beginning to prepare themselves for the quantum threat. Even though quantum computers may not be prevalent in any commercial sense in years, national security requires for sensitive data and documents to be quantum proof well in advance. No one wants their opponents to get access to five-year-old, or even ten-year-old, sensitive material.

But how, exactly, are nations approaching post-quantum cryptography (PQC)?

In answering that question, QSI has released its second quantum cybersecurity report, titled How Asian Countries are Addressing Post-Quantum Cryptography: Part Two in QSI’s Series of Global Cryptography Reports.

Report Authors

Petra Soderling

Petra Söderling, Head of Government and Consortium Relations at the Quantum Strategy Institute (QSI).

Söderling is a Finnish American award-winning innovation leader who thinks that governments have an unrecognized role in creating new innovations, new industries even.

Söderling is currently an advisor with the World Bank on development and application of deep technologies. She is the author of Government and Innovation, a 2023 book that that looks at how local, regional, and national governments can use existing instruments to steer their economies to include more innovative industries that provide a higher economic value-add.

Danika Hannon

Danika Hannon, Deputy Head and International Quantum Strategy Day Chair of QSI.

In her role with QSI, Hannon writes thought leadership on quantum computing and business development, plus she leads International Quantum Strategy Day, which features a global strategy competition.

Hannon was in the top 10 Top Quantum Voices in the 2024 international thought leadership ranking from Barcelona bqb. In addition, Hannon’s earning a Cybersecurity Master’s degree and will be graduating from the University of North Dakota in December 2024.

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QSI’s Report on Cryptography: Taking a Data-Driven Approach to the Quantum Computing Threat

by with No Comment Danika HannonQuantum CryptographyQuantum RiskQuantum Strategy

New Year, New Perspectives

Reactions to the idea of quantum computing breaking encryption range from uncertainty (at best) to fear (at worst). Given how harmful that is to businesses, QSI’s Report on Cryptography breaks down the quantum computing threat from a US standpoint and explores these critical questions:

  1. What types of encryption are at risk?
  2. Where will the attacks come from and what will the targets be?
  3. What are the timelines for this threat arriving?
  4. How can my business prepare for this?

A data-driven approach is used to explore each of those areas.

Because if you’re going to face the changing landscape with confidence, then you’ll need fact-based guidance.

Report Authored by Danika Hannon

Danika Hannon is the Deputy Head and International Quantum Strategy Day Chair of QSI.

In her role with QSI, Hannon writes thought leadership on quantum computing and business development, plus she leads International Quantum Strategy Day, which features a global strategy competition. In addition to her work with QSI, Hannon’s earning a Cybersecurity Master’s degree and will be graduating from the University of North Dakota in December 2024.

Hannon also focuses on giving back to the tech community as both a speaker and a mentor. In 2024, she’ll be speaking at the Quantum Innovation Summit and South by Southwest. She’s recently been nominated for a Femtum Leap Award in Quantum Leadership and in 2022, she was nominated for VentureBeat’s Women in AI Awards in the Mentorship category. Added to that, she’s served as a mentor with Women in Quantum and Girls in Quantum.

Afterword by Chuck Brooks

Chuck Brooks has been named the “Top Tech Person to Follow” by LinkedIn, Voted “Cybersecurity Person of the Year”, Cited Top 10 Global Tech & Cyber Expert & Influencer, Georgetown University Professor, Two Time Presidential Appointee, FORBES writer, 113k LinkedIn Followers.

Brooks is the President of Brooks Consulting International and a Consultant with over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, emerging technologies, marketing, business development, and government relations. He helps Fortune 1000 clients, organizations, small businesses, and start-ups achieve their strategic goals and grow their market share.

Brooks also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University, where he teaches graduate courses on risk management, homeland security, and cybersecurity, and designed a certificate course on Blockchain technologies.

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Exploring Quantum Industry Consortiums: Q-STAR

by with No Comment Petra SoderlingQuantum Industry RelationsQuantum Strategy

The Quantum Strategy Institute (QSI) is an international network of cross-domain experts with a rich and varied expertise. Tasked to accelerate the market adoption of quantum technologies, QSI looks at both enablers and hurdles businesses face in making these complex, forward looking decisions. We drive the exploration and further the understanding of the practical applications of quantum computing across industries and to help bridge the white space between potential and practicality.

For an industry that is on the verge of commercial expansion, this includes forming new industry consortiums, adding new working groups to existing consortiums, and forming interactive industry relationships with the policy making governments.

In this series of papers under QSI’s Government and Consortium Relations pillar, we’ll explore the global landscape of these initiatives. This paper, third in the series, introduces Q-STAR, Quantum Strategic Industry Alliance for Revolution. Q-STAR gathers Japanese companies and academic organizations under one roof to steer Japanese quantum research, development, and commercialization of quantum technologies into the future.

History

The alliance for officially formed in September 2021 as a voluntary organization by members of the Japanese high-tech industry. The founding meeting included a Japanese all-star team of Canon, Fujitsu, Hitachi, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company, Mizuho Financial Group, NEC, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, Sumitomo Corporation, Toshiba, and Toyota Motor Corporation.

Japan has a long, successful history in creating and launching technological inventions. Many of the founding companies of Q-STAR have developed high tech products and services for decades. It was time to ensure this Japanese tradition also carries forward in the quantum era. The anticipation and expectation for quantum-led, or quantum adjacent technologies also brings upon as the realization that we all need to work together to create a safe and secure living environment for countries around the world. Japan’s innovation thread is tightly woven into this international fabric, so the Japanese industry is a natural party to take leadership in developments in and around quantum.

The goal for the alliance from the get-go was to leverage Japan’s technological superiority in materials, devices, measurement technology, computers, communications, simulations, and so on, and to create new industries through the provision of services that take advantage of these enablers. With the help of the alliance, Japan aims to become a firmly established “quantum technology innovation nation” on a global scale.

By demonstrating global leadership and promoting activities that contribute to the development of science and technology, Q-STAR will contribute to the realization of this “quantum technology innovation nation,” while promoting Japanese industry and strengthening its international competitiveness.

Since its founding meeting in September 2021, Q-STAR held monthly executive committee meetings quickly ramping up the organization and operations. By February 2022, the Alliance already had over 50 members, and on the World Quantum Day in April 2022, Q-STAR joined a global announcement with its peer organizations Quantum Industry Canada (QIC), Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C), and European Quantum Industry Consortium (QuIC). Q-STAR’s establishment was already internationally recognized, although it only became a general incorporated association in May 2022 with full scale activities.

As said Mr. Taro Shimada, Representative Director, Association for Creation of New Industries by Quantum Technology (President and CEO, Toshiba Corporation):

  • “We aim to build a society that can use quantum technology without being conscious of it. In addition, we will accelerate the transition to quantum technology through industry-government-academia integration. Furthermore, in line with economic globalization, we will promote the globalization of quantum technology in order to accelerate the progress and practical application of quantum technology through international cooperation. Q-STAR aims to be a council that can contribute to the development of society by actively promoting cooperation with quantum-related organizations not only in Japan but also overseas, for the development of quantum technology and future social implementation.”

Since the official incorporation, the alliance has held three board meetings, spoken in a number of conferences, webinars, given academic lectures, and participated in international activities.

Organizational Structure

As a voluntary industry association, Q-STAR operates with the principle of rotating responsibility.

The organizational structure includes a Chairman, Vice Chairman, Board of Directors, and Executive Officers. The Chairman is at the top of the structure and oversees the alliance’s operations and strategic direction. The Vice Chairman supports the Chairman and may assume their responsibilities when necessary. The Board of Directors is responsible for making key decisions and setting policies. Executive Officers manage specific functional areas and implement the alliance’s strategies.

Industry Focus

Objectives

The strategy of Q-STAR is organized around a number of activities that support Japan’s overarching goal to become a quantum technology innovation nation. The alliance is to investigate and research general trends in quantum technology, including devices and materials, and share information among top management within industry so they stay informed and can take appropriate action. Similarly, the alliance conducts research and proposes where quantum technology can be applied to other industries in multiple fields.

Q-STAR is also the Japanese industry’s top resource when it comes to studying and understanding the needs to develop human resources in the country in order to make the most of its quantum technology advancements. Equally, this group will study and suggest systems and principles for intellectual property and standardization, ethics and trust required for the implementation of quantum technology.

The alliance is also tasked to cooperate with other organizations, both domestic and overseas, working in quantum-related areas, in order to promote Q-STAR’s objectives, raise public awareness, and make policy recommendations.

Subcommittees and Working Groups

The work that supports Q-STAR’s objectives is divided into subcommittees and working groups. All technical work resides in one of the five subcommittees, and non-technical work is within one of the eight working groups.

Each subcommittee is led by industry experts from that field.

  1. Subcommittee on Quantum Wave and Quantum Probability Theory Applications

Tasked with exploring the creation of new industries using quantum amplitude estimation and optimization. The objective is to create industries with the potential to become mainstays in various areas while also spanning multiple industries, including the financial sector, which has a close affinity with these technologies.

  1. Subcommittee on Quantum Superposition Applications

Tasked with taking a broad view of the systems, services, and businesses created by the application of quantum superposition, the most important capability of quantum computers. It will also examine changes in existing industries and industry structures that will result. By collaborating with users and vendors to draw a new image of society, the aim is to create new industries that will become future pillars and mainstays of industry, and that span multiple industries.

  1. Subcommittee on Optimization and Combinatorial Problems

Tasked with using quantum-inspired computing technology (Ising Machine) that almost instantaneously selects the optimum solution from among an enormous number of combinations to solve diverse problems facing industry in areas including real-time prediction, efficiency, and optimization.

4. Subcommittee on Quantum Cryptography and Quantum Communications

Tasked with examining business use of quantum cryptography communication, a technology already available, and aim to open up a future pioneered by communications that guarantee information-theoretically security.

5. Quantum City Promotion Committee

This committee deepens use cases related to social infrastructure development that can be used to try the social implementation of quantum technology from various angles, create new industries through demonstration experiments, and aim for social implementation in Japan and overseas.

The supporting working groups are:

  • Policy Recommendation Working Group
  • Standardization Coordination and Proposal Working Group
  • Testbed Collaboration Working Group
  • R&D Collaboration Working Group
  • Overseas Industry Collaboration Working Group
  • Long-Term Roadmap Formulation Working Group
  • Legal and Compliance Working Group
  • Human Resource Development Working Group

International Collaboration

As the working language of Q-STAR is Japanese, there is a dedicated working group to ensure all members of the alliance will have a chance to network with their international colleagues. This is the Overseas Industry Collaboration Working Group.

US Economy & Quantum Computing Header Image

The US Economy & Quantum Computing: Short-Term Headwinds, Long-Term Opportunities

by with No Comment Danika HannonQuantum Strategy

Selling quantum computing proofs of concept is hard under good economic conditions. As the US (which is currently the largest market for quantum computing1) stares down a potential recession in quarter three or four of this year, the job of business development (BD) professionals in our industry is going to get harder.

But all things will pass with time. And while there are short-term headwinds facing the US market, long-term opportunities are already emerging.

We’ll explore both of those areas, starting with what’s near-term.

Short-Term Headwind One: Layoffs

The US tech sector has been hard-hit by layoffs in recent months. As of late June, 794 tech companies, including major employers like Google and Amazon, went through layoffs2.

The quantum computing industry can’t afford to ignore the impacts this will likely have on our industry. Because according to the New York Times, teams that are working on bleeding edge, non-revenue generating projects are the ones who are getting laid off first.

“The shifting economy and executive transitions away from founders have ushered in a new era, and employees wonder: Is their leader marching them to make their mark on the future, or right off a cliff?” – The Perils of Working on a C.E.O.’s Pet Project, New York Times3.

Image Credit: The New York Times

Getting laid off is a painful life event that’s linked to negative health outcomes4. In all likelihood, these lay-offs will have a chilling effect on the risk appetites of both the people who lead innovation efforts and those around them.

If you’re not sure if the company you’re targeting has been impacted by layoffs, check the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Tracker database5 to see if the company has reported that they’re going to layoff employees within the next two months or if they’ve already laid off employees. (Enacted in 1988, the WARN Act is a US, federal law6 mandating that businesses with more than 100 employees must notify the government 60 days before they’re going to have mass layoffs.)

Short-Term Headwind Two: Increased Interest in AI, which is Taking Resources Away from Quantum Computing

In a LinkedIn post from May7, Sergio Gago (Managing Director of AI/ML and Quantum at Moody’s Analytics) was one of the first people to call out how AI is getting increased attention compared to quantum computing.

In expanding on his LinkedIn post, Gago said:

  • “From our position in the financial industry we see how many corporates are switching their efforts to this new shiny toy, Generative AI. This is not a surprise since the vast majority of companies did not have relevant budgets for Quantum to start with as we found in our recent report, or they have not seen bottlenecks in their processes. Generative AI provides tangible results today so we see how innovation teams are pivoting towards that.

    At the same time, the question arises whether Quantum can do anything with Generative AI. We believe the answer is NO. These two technologies are in two completely separate horizons, and while it is possible that in the far future they could complement each other, today they belong to different fields.”

    Note: Gagos’ quote referred to the Moody’s Analytics report on “Quantum Computing in Financial Services: A Business Leader’s Guide,” which you can download here8.

In digging into the data, Gago’s right.

For instance, take a look at findings from Google Trends9 and IOT Analytics10:

  • Here’s data from Google9 comparing interest in quantum computing vs. AI between April and June of this year.

Image Credit: Google Trends

  • Among the US population, interest in AI surged in April and, even though it’s cycled up and down since then, the interest in AI is far higher than quantum computing. From a business leader standpoint, right now it makes more sense to invest in less risky projects, which gives AI an edge over quantum computing.
  • And in looking at data from a C-Suite perspective, IOT Analytics found a similar theme. After analyzing roughly 5,800 earnings calls and 3,000 public companies in Q4 2022 and Q1 2023, IOT Analytics found that quantum computing isn’t being talked about by CEOs10.

Image Credit: IOT Analytics Research

Short-Term Headwind Three: The Likelihood of a Recession in 2023

The Federal Reserve sets economic policy for the US and they’re intentional about what they say and how they say it, because the language Fed officials use has an immediate impact on markets. And they’re aware of their impact – in fact, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas wrote a report about how communications from the Federal Open Markets Committee are analyzed with natural language processing11.

With that in mind, ING looked at guidance from the Federal Reserve and their prediction is that, “recessionary forces are building rapidly, which will lead to rising unemployment and inflation falling quickly through late 2023 into 2024.”12

If a recession hits, it’ll have wide-reaching impacts and decrease the appetite for quantum computing proofs of concept because of their high costs. (As a note for quantum computing startup leaders, here’s a LinkedIn post with industry-specific guidance on how to weather a recession13.)

Shifting Gears

The short-term outlook is bumpy, yet at the same time, layoffs and increasing interest in AI could create opportunities for quantum in the long-run.

Long-Term Opportunity One: Talent is Getting Redistributed

In an article from April, the Wall Street Journal reported that laid-off workers from large companies are changing their priorities; instead of looking for jobs with prestigious, brand-name businesses, those workers are now finding jobs with small to medium-sized companies because they offer more stability14.

The redistribution of highly skilled workers in new areas will mean that, as demand for quantum computing eventually grows, there’ll be more companies who have the in-house talent needed to tackle a quantum computing proof of concept.

Image Credit: The Wall Street Journal

Long-Term Opportunity Two: AI Will Open Doors for Quantum

In the World Economic Forum’s most recent Future of Jobs Report, one of their top five key findings was: “Within technology adoption, big data, cloud computing and AI feature highly on the likelihood of adoption.”15

As companies build out new capabilities, like AI, they’ll lay the ground work (such as upskilling their workforce16 and navigating change management17) that they’ll need to one day take on a quantum computing proof of concept.

Image Credit: World Economic Forum

Long-Term Opportunity Three: Quantum-Inspired Algorithms

Powered by AI chips, quantum-inspired algorithms are gaining consumer interest because of how they deliver increased performance without needing to be run on a quantum computer.

In a recent article for Reuters, industry leaders from SandBoxAQ and QCWare commented on how they’re using quantum-inspired algorithms to tackle chemistry problems on classical computers. In doing this, they’re bridging the gap between the promise of scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computers and the performance that’s available today18.

Moving Through the Changing BD Landscape

Closing a deal in the quantum computing industry has never been easy. In the coming months, it’s likely going to get harder and finding deals to close will be like finding diamonds in the rough: it can be done, but an even more thoughtful approach will be needed to close sales opportunities.

As a parting thought, how can the health of the industry be measured?

From a BD standpoint, the best way to gauge how companies are responding is to look at their financials.

Take financial reporting from Quantinuum19, Rigetti20, 21, and IonQ22, 23, for instance. All three companies have publicly available financial information, as shown in the graph below where all the figures are in the millions.

Between 2021 and 2022, all three companies had steady or increasing revenues. With that baseline data in mind, the most successful companies will refine their go-forward strategies to optimize resources, while finding short-term, revenue opportunities to weather impending storms. When quarterly reports for Q3 and Q4 2023 and annual reports for 2023 come out, quantitative and qualitative analysis can be done to see how each company has navigated the uncertainty of 2023 and how they’re positioning themselves to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the years to come.

References

  1. Zion Market Research. Quantum Computing Market Size, Share, Growth Report 2030. January 16, 2023. https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/quantum-computing-market
  2. NerdWallet. Tech Layoffs Really Are Rising, and Here’s Why. June 23, 2023. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/tech-layoffs
  3. The New York Times. The Perils of Working on a C.E.O.’s Pet Project. March 8, 2023. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/08/technology/tech-big-bets-layoffs.html?unlocked_article_code=LwQZ2kYmrOwCJ2QczDL_l0I-uegF_CKVbRBe43LpO3obV1LSniDgGH_iPzPogfkbokXtUmqXcfqdmiFT0eHlNoxjbmuT7zivSi0HPRV_CZ0b9Wi3nkr7c2HZdPuULxfovzQS2T2PwsHMU7pzBVatWeP6P8EmVzzgNkOY7o_6clKWQOpHozkEHApiJgQkHvW7OPP2l9fDzdp13HRdQ7yK-Epq1UyaXgFMI2MJSrKeQ5wrV4qOFFPs4ll-XTzHnr3i1pDjv82_DDGcLry2T-xVjG513uW_ltmfYGfCQLcU8H7KvQS_W1dY21uqKwai2-unzCctEf1W1miWW0f51TxUMF_a&smid=url-share
  4. American Psychological Association. The Toll of Job Loss. October 1, 2020. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/10/toll-job-loss
  5. WARN Tracker. Layoff Insights from Public Records. https://www.warntracker.com/
  6. U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration Fact Sheet. The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act. March 6, 2019. https://www.doleta.gov/programs/factsht/WARN_Fact_sheet_updated_03.06.2019.pdf
  7. LinkedIn. Sergio Gago’s LinkedIn post. May 2023. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sergiogh_quantumcomputing-artificialintelligence-activity-7048259482149150721-LI6O?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
  8. Moody’s Analytics. Quantum Computing in Financial Services: A Business Leader’s Guide. 2023. https://www.moodys.com/web/en/us/about/what-we-do/quantum-computing/quantum-survey-report.html
  9. Google Trends. https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=2023-04-01%202023-06-30&geo=US&q=%2Fm%2F069kd,%2Fm%2F0mkz&hl=en
  10. IOT Analytics. What CEOs Talked About in Q1/2023: Economic Uncertainty, Layoffs, and the Rise of ChatGPT. April 5, 2023. https://iot-analytics.com/what-ceos-talked-about-in-q1-2023/
  11. Kansas City Federal Reserve. How You Say It Matters: Text Analysis of FOMC Statements Using Natural Language Processing. https://www.kansascityfed.org/Economic%20Review/documents/7577/erv106n1dohkimyang.pdf
  12. ING. Federal Reserve Preview: A Final Hike as US Recession Fears Mount. April 23, 2023. https://think.ing.com/articles/federal-reserve-preview-a-final-hike-as-us-recession-fears-mount#a8
  13. LinkedIn. Danika Hannon’s LinkedIn post. November 2022. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/danikahannon_futurefocused-resilient-quantumcomputing-activity-6988111501815332864-SVDB?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
  14. The Wall Street Journal. As Tech Jobs Disappear, Silicon Valley Veterans Reset Their Careers: Laid-Off Workers from Companies Such as Meta and Amazon Choose Stability Over Status. https://www.wsj.com/articles/as-tech-jobs-disappear-silicon-valley-veterans-reset-their-careers-dbdb983?st=2hix38tl7slrzpt&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink
  15. World Economic Forum. Future of Jobs Report 2023. May 2023. https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_2023.pdf
  16. Quantum Strategy Institute. Quantum Machine Learning: A Roadmap for Technologists. February 28, 2022. https://quantumstrategyinstitute.com/2022/02/28/quantum-machine-learning-a-roadmap-for-technologists/
  17. Quantum Strategy Institute. Becoming a Quantum Company: A Change Management Approach for Quantum Technologies & the Quantum Mindset. November 11, 2021. https://quantumstrategyinstitute.com/2021/11/11/becoming-a-quantum-company/
  18. Reuters. Waiting for Quantum Computers to Arrive, Software Engineers Get Creative. April 17, 2023. https://www.reuters.com/technology/waiting-quantum-computers-arrive-software-engineers-get-creative-2023-04-17/
  19. Honeywell. Q4 2022 Earnings Release. February 2, 2023. https://honeywell.gcs-web.com/static-files/efecdfab-e5a6-4702-b837-606f4a82788f
  20. Rigetti. Rigetti Computing Announces Financial Results for Fiscal Year 2021; Delivers 48% Year-over-Year Revenue Growth and Further Accelerates Business Momentum Through Technology Leadership. March 10, 2022. https://investors.rigetti.com/news-releases/news-release-details/rigetti-computing-announces-financial-results-fiscal-year-2021#:~:text=Financial%20Results%20for%20the%20Fiscal,for%20the%20fiscal%20year%202020
  21. Rigetti. Rigetti Computing Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2022 Results. March 27, 2023. https://investors.rigetti.com/news-releases/news-release-details/rigetti-computing-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2022
  22. IonQ. IonQ Announces Full Year 2021 Financial Results and Provides Business Update. March 28, 2022. https://investors.ionq.com/news/news-details/2022/IonQ-Announces-Full-Year-2021-Financial-Results-and-Provides-Business-Update/#:~:text=2021%20Financial%20Highlights&text=IonQ%20achieved%20revenue%20of%20%242.1,as%20of%20December%2031%2C%202021
  23. IonQ. IonQ Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Financial Results and Provides Business Update. March 30, 2023. https://investors.ionq.com/news/news-details/2023/IonQ-Announces-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-2022-Financial-Results-and-Provides-Business-Update/default.aspx
Product Ideation Session 2

Finding Your Product Market Fit: Adding Unique Value in a Crowded Market

by with No Comment Danika HannonQuantum Strategy

Have you ever attended a quantum computing conference and noticed that the vendor pitches sound … similar?

Broadly speaking, quantum computing companies with software offerings have the same business model of creating a solution to a challenging R&D problem that’s focused on quantum machine learning, optimization, or quantum chemistry.

Overall, this works well.

But put yourself in a consumer’s shoes and imagine that you’re at a quantum computing conference talking to vendors for the first time. If each vendor walked you through the same business model, it wouldn’t take long for them to start blurring together.

I speak from experience here. At one of my first quantum computing conferences, I made a point to talk with as many quantum computing vendors as I could and (even though I worked for a quantum computing company at the time) I had the gut-sinking realization that we all sounded the same.

Plus, with nearly 100 quantum computing companies listed on the Quantum Insider’s Market Intelligence Platform, it’s important to find a way to break through the noise.

As a vendor, you have two chances to stand out from the crowd when you’re talking to a new prospect. You can either already have a great product-market fit that’s uniquely suited for your prospect, or you can listen to your prospect’s ideas and turn them into products.

One Company, in Particular, is Excelling in this Area: D-Wave

Granted, their Launch Program business model follows the same key steps that many other software vendors do.

But since their launch in 1999, they’ve made 250+ early quantum applications for their clients. Essentially, each use case is a separate product that they offer.

When asked about what sets D-Wave’s products apart, they shared that:

  • “We bring a relentless customer focus to everything we do,” said Murray Thom, vice president of quantum business innovation at D-Wave. “Our motivation stems from the opportunity to harness powerful quantum computing technology to help customers find solutions to problems they’ve been unable to address. We’re not creating quantum products simply for the sake of innovation. We’re building quantum solutions that have real enterprise applicability and impact today. Together with our customers, we’ve produced quantum-hybrid applications that address a multitude of optimization challenges that cut across industries, including cost reduction, revenue growth, and operational effectiveness. Our quantum technology is being used to optimize supply chains, employee scheduling, e-commerce delivery, protein folding, fraud detection, and industrial manufacturing, just to name a few.”

To better understand D-Wave’s approach, look at their work with Save on Foods. It’s particularly striking because it’s clear that they deeply understood the challenges of the grocery industry, what mattered to the Save on Foods team, and how to prioritize what they cared about.

On YouTube, there’s a 15-minute video where an executive from Save on Foods, plus one of their data scientists, talked about what made this application so impactful for them. It’s an excellent guide on how to build a product from consumer insights and well-worth watching.

Building Your Own Product Expertise

To get a subject matter expert’s perspective on how to build products, I interviewed Tina Nguyễn, Senior Vice President, Director of Digital Transformation at Truist.

Her immediate advice was that innovators should follow the CIRCLES Method™ of product creation. While the online example walks through how to use this process during an interview, anyone can use this to bring a new product to market. And, as shown in the graphic below, this is an iterative process that’s entirely focused on your end customer.

Image Source: the Impact Interview website

During this seven step process, you should:

  1. Comprehend the situation – what are the hardest problems to solve? How much does that problem cost on an annual basis? How is it affecting other areas of the business?
  2. Identify your customer – look for one customer segment that your product would impact. Put yourself in their shoes, learn about what’s most important to them and how they view their business.
  3. Report customer needs – after you’ve spoken to your customer segment, take your voice of the customer notes and boil them down into a single sentence user story. A template you can follow is: “As a <role>, I want <goal/desire> so that <benefit>.
  4. Cut, through prioritization – tease out what’s a “must have” vs. a “nice to have” for your customer.
  5. List solutions – as tempting as it may be to build a product based on your first idea, get creative and list at least two to three ideas.
  6. Evaluate tradeoffs – consider what your product needs to address and what matters to your end user. For instance, it’d take more resources to develop, but would your client be willing to pay more if your product had a seamless user interface?
  7. Summarize recommendations – analyze what you’ve learned, then get ready to go through the process again. As you continue learning about your end customer and the industry you’re serving, keep using the CIRCLES MethodTM to guide your roadmap.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid on Your Journey

Tina shared three, common mistakes that are made with the CIRCLES MethodTM.

  1. People have a tendency to be too focused on what they’re good at because they spent so much time building those skills. By committing to one path, they restrict themselves from innovation.
  2. Inventors who don’t empathize with their end users. A sign of this is when something amazing is built, but it doesn’t have much market adoption.
  3. Not speaking the same language as your end customer. If you can’t put things into layman’s terms, in a way that your customer will understand, that shows you don’t understand the business impact.

Here’s a Challenge for You

Have you ever heard the joke about how to get to Carnegie music hall?

The joke is, “a fellow goes to New York to attend a concert, but gets lost. He spots a musician who’s carrying a violin case and asks, ‘Sir, can you tell me how to get to Carnegie Hall?’ The musician smiles and says, ‘Practice, man, practice.'”

Just like you’d need to practice to become an expert musician, it’ll take practice to become an expert product builder.

To get started, try this: re-watch D-Wave’s Save On Foods case study and identify which parts of the video fit in the CIRCLE MethodTM framework. (Hint: timestamps 0:00-3:07 in the video will give you the information you’ll need for step one.)

While you won’t be an expert from doing that alone, it’ll be a step in the right direction. And even though it may take a while, remember that this process will make it easier for you to stand out from your competition and be relevant to your prospective clients, which will grab their attention and make you memorable.

It doesn’t end there, though. Once you’ve started to figure out your product, you’ll need to decide how you’ll price, place, and promote it.

Over the coming months, I’ll put out more thought leadership on those topics because everyone at the Quantum Strategy Institute wants to see the consumer adoption of quantum computing grow. And a key driver of that growth will be quantum computing vendors who can meet their customers’ needs.

Stratethon: A Unique Approach to Building Quantum Planning Skills

by with No Comment Brian LenahanDanika HannonQuantum Strategy

Hackathons represent an exciting educational experience for programmers, coders, data scientists and other pursuits and have become ubiquitous globally in the last decade.

Quantum technologies, while nascent compared to other IT fields, hold hackathons as well. Quantum Futures & CERN hold their hackathon over a weekend dedicated to “hacking on quantum computers at the Fields Institute in Toronto, the world’s most renown mathematics institute.”

MIT annually holds IQuHack (interdisciplinary Quantum HACKathon) for high school to early career participants “to explore improvements and applications of near-term quantum devices.” Winners in 2023 are listed here along with their GitHub links.

The ICTP-Quantinuum Quantum Hackathon invites 18 international teams of students to the International Centre for Theoretical Physics “to learn and develop quantum algorithms and apply them in the context of real-world use-cases with leading industrial partners.” The hackathon starts April 5, 2024.

Strategy

Strategy can be defined as “a plan of action or policy designed to achieve a major or overall aim.”

Strategy includes diagnosing the problem to be solved, establishing a guiding policy to address that problem and then propose a set of coherent actions which will deliver that policy. Strategy and strategic planning can leverage a similar approach to hackathons. By bringing together people from multiple disciplines, strategic plans can be made more robust. Through a stratethon, quantum strategists can practice this process in a risk-free environment.

Optum, a United Health Group company, has held a stratethon over 4 seasons for 150 schools across India, Philippines and Singapore that “brings some of the best minds together to solve very real and current health care related problems byt also lets them battle it out with each other to identify the most innovative solution that could help improve the lives of millions around the world.”

Quantum Strategy Institute recently announced the International Quantum Strategy Day (IQSD) incorporating a stratehon model leveraging a compelling case study.

Here’s the call out for participants:

Calling all quantum strategists: on Friday, April 19th, the Quantum Strategy Institute is holding its second stratethon to celebrate people like you, the quantum strategists who are driving the adoption of quantum computing!


🌍 We’re looking for up to 5 teams of two to five people to put their skills to the test and create recommendations for how Indigo Strategies (a fictional, Indian consulting company) can bring quantum into its business. 


🌍 You can get a jump start by checking out Indigo Strategies’ quantum Case Study and Strategy Assessment at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1X7o52TYtDp8LWKRPq6eTTPsm0s_pMWt2?usp=sharing


🌍 All backgrounds and skill levels are welcome, you can register your interest here: https://lnkd.in/gGxAXDah

Registration for the IQSD closes on Friday, April 5th.

Given the complexity of quantum technology, we should expect to see more quantum stratethons in the future, and more quantum strategists joining the workforce.