Dr. Faisal Kamran is an internationally-renowned technology strategist and sustainability expert, working as Principal Technology Analyst for Sony Electronics.

With a PhD in photonics, he had the skills and knowledge to understand the science, and his role in the technology sector bought him to the frontlines of the quantum space and technological landscape.

“The moment I first encountered quantum computing was nothing short of a revelation. Here was a technology that had the power to revolutionize the world as we know it, to unlock doors that were previously locked shut.
I had a chance and privilege to talk to some of the brightest people in the field – leaders, CEOs, inventors - and learn about the huge variety of solutions, each with its own pros and cons, at our disposal that are being passionately explored. This enabled me to build a roadmap of what an ideal QC might look like.”

Joining us last year he shared whether ‘quantum computing could save the world’ and he’s still passionate about pushing the limitations:

“Although Quantum Computing is in its infancy, its potential is simply breathtaking.

Imagine designing new materials with unprecedented properties, simulating complex chemical reactions with accuracy, or even breaking today's encryption. With it, we can solve problems that are considered intractable today. The world is on the cusp of a new technological era with the latest AI advances as we have seen in the last few months. Quantum computers may one day take the AI to unseen levels. For some, it is a terrifying thought. For others, it is exhilarating.

You can visualize it as a quantum ecosystem in which most of the existing industries would be beneficiaries of the fruits of quantum technologies either directly or indirectly. “

Ahead of this year’s Quantum Computing Summit, we asked him to reflect on the challenges quantum computing decision makers and solutions creators are facing, from commercialisation to a ‘quantum winter’:

“The promise is “the world” however, reality is that there are several obstacles that quantum computing needs to overcome in order to be commercialised.

Whether we think of large number of stable and reliable qubits, sophisticated error correction techniques, long coherence times or customer facing issues like UI and market standardisation to reduce fragmentation, these issues will take time and need to be addressed for commercialisation. Furthermore, quantum computing needs to overcome the obstacles like scalability issues, carbon footprint, and power consumption. One of the major scalability issues is to build larger quantum computers with more qubits in a way that scaling the qubits doesn’t come with scaling of accompanying hardware and associated costs.

To commercialise quantum computing, it is crucial to develop solutions to these obstacles. This can involve research into new materials and technologies for qubits and error correction, improvements in cooling and power efficiency, and the development of software and algorithms specifically designed for quantum computing.”
 

What advice would you give to a C-suite executive who is currently evaluating what to do about quantum computing?

“As a C-suite executive, evaluating the potential of quantum computing for your organisation is a crucial step towards staying ahead of the competition and driving innovation. There are only two major decisions you need to make:

Do I need quantum computing capability? And if the answer is “YES” then, 2) How to adapt it?

First, let's dream big. Imagine the impossible problems that your industry currently faces and consider how quantum computing could potentially solve them. Imagine the new products and services you could offer, the ways your current operations could be optimised, and the competitive edge you could gain by embracing this cutting-edge technology.

Next, let's get real. Understand the current state of quantum computing, its potential timeline for commercialisation and its impact on your industry. This will enable you to make informed decisions about when to invest and how to position your organisation to take advantage of the opportunities it presents.

Then, let's make connections. Forge strategic partnerships and collaborations with academic institutions, startups, and other organisations working on quantum computing. This will not only keep you informed about the latest developments in the field, but also give you access to expertise, equipment, and funding.

Finally, let's take action. Carefully consider the resources available to you and the level of investment you are willing to make in order to fully leverage the power of quantum computing. This may involve investment in talent, R&D, infrastructure, and other resources needed to develop and implement quantum solutions.

The race to harness the power of quantum computing is on, and the time to act is now. With a clear vision, a solid understanding of the technology, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to investment, your organisation can be at the forefront of the quantum computing revolution, leading the way in solving impossible problems, creating new opportunities, and shaping the future of your industry.”
 

The concept of a 'quantum winter' has been floated on and off since late 2019, how do you feel about the possibility?  

“The term "quantum winter" has been used to describe a possible slowing or stagnation of progress in the field of quantum computing. This is a powerful reminder that progress in the field of quantum computing is not guaranteed, and that there are challenges and obstacles along the way.

But remember, that the development of any new technology is rarely a linear process. There will be breakthroughs, as well as setbacks and obstacles that need to be overcome. The field of quantum computing is still in its early stages and it's important to remember that it will take time and sustained investment to realise its full potential.

As a C-suite executive or industry leader, it's important to be aware of this concept and to carefully consider the long-term potential of quantum computing for your organisation.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Let's not be discouraged by potential dips on the way: let's instead focus on the immense potential of this technology because the implications for industry and society are staggering.

Like any other technology, quantum computing is not a one-stop solution, it needs to be integrated with other technologies and approaches. It's important to keep an open mind, and to think creatively about how quantum computing can be integrated into your current operations and product offerings.

As a leader in your industry, it's important to not just be aware of the potential of quantum computing, but to actively work towards realising it.

It's true that there may be challenges and obstacles along the way, but with a clear vision, strategic alliances, and a willingness to think outside of the box, we can not only overcome any potential "quantum winter", but we can shape the future of industry and society with the power of quantum computing.”

If you’re empowered by Dr. Faisal’s words, attend the Quantum Computing Summit London this June to access the tools and technology that will enable you to compete in the race to harness the power of quantum computing!