Explore the extraordinary potential of quantum computing!
In the latest episode of Sustainability Talks, ETF Partners’ Managing Partner Patrick Sheehan sits down with Steve Brierley, CEO & Founder of Riverlane, the world leader in Quantum Error Correction, to explore the extraordinary potential of quantum computing.
For decades, quantum computing has felt like science fiction — powerful in theory but always just out of reach. That is beginning to change. As Steve explains, we are entering a new era where quantum computers will soon be able to solve problems that even the world’s most advanced supercomputers cannot.
The conversation dives into:
Why quantum computing is a radically new capability that can solve problems classical computers cannot
How it could revolutionise drug discovery, materials design, and sustainable fertiliser production
The role of error correction in making quantum computers commercially viable
The huge market potential and environmental impact of this next frontier in technology
How geopolitics and innovation are shaping the future of computing and AI
As Steve notes, the next few years will be pivotal: the technology is advancing rapidly, investment is scaling, and the race to build a quantum future is intensifying across the globe.
This episode paints an inspiring picture of how harnessing the laws of nature at the atomic level could unlock innovations critical to building a more sustainable world.
Chapters
00:00 The Foundations of Quantum Mechanics
02:23 Introduction to Quantum Computing
04:10 Understanding Quantum Computing
06:32 The Progress and Future of Quantum Computing
09:39 The Era of Mega-Qubits
11:14 Applications of Quantum Computing
13:49 The Market Potential of Quantum Computing
16:33 Challenges in Quantum Computing
19:42 The Role of Quantum Error Correction
24:59 Current Status and Future Trends in Quantum Computing
30:27 Geopolitical Implications of Quantum Technology
34:51 The Future of Quantum Computing and AI
About Steve Brierley
Dr. Steve Brierley is founder and CEO of Riverlane, a quantum computing company with a difference. Riverlane is the global leader in what is called quantum error correction.
Steve founded Riverlane in 2016 to build the error correction stack for quantum computers. Driven by his conviction that fault-tolerant quantum computers will accelerate human progress, Riverlane partners with leading quantum hardware companies to make that happen sooner.
Steve has worked in quantum for over 20 years and is an expert advisor to the UK government. He holds a PhD in quantum information, spent a decade in the intelligence community and worked as a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge leading major research projects in quantum computing. In January 2024, Steve was awarded an OBE for his services to quantum computing.
Find out more about Riverlane here: https://www.riverlane.com
Follow Steve Brierley HERE
Find out more about ETF Partners here: https://etfpartners.capital/