My guest this week, Kian van der Enden, is a young engineer and one of the most curious and inquisitive minds I have interviewed so far. Kian is a researcher at QuTech, where he is developing the quantum internet to help connect quantum computers at larger distances. He also interned at Microsoft to study Quantum Architecture, and most impressively, won the first SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition out of 1200 teams by designing and building the capsule that goes into the reduced-pressure tubes that can reach airline like speeds using electric propulsion and magnetic levitation. Our conversation is all about quantum technology and how this space is going to change over the coming decades. We discuss concepts such as quantum entanglement and quantum states and quickly branch off to talk about broader implications and applications of this fascinating technology. Kian describes his work as bending fundamental physics properties to his will by writing software that controls machines in a controlled environment. I am fascinated by his work and I think you will be as well. Enjoy the conversation!

Show Notes:

00:02:00 Background

00:02:30 What is Kian Curious About

00:05:15 Quantum Tech & Edge Computing

00:08:45 Classical vs. Quantum Computers

00:13:45 The Quantum Internet

00:18:30 Quantum States & Entanglement

00:29:45 Teleportation

00:32:45 Debunking Myths

00:41:15 Quantum Machine Learning

00:47:15 General AI

00:56:30 Social Media & Feeding the AI

01:06:00 Staying Curious & Motivated

01:11:15 Career Advice

01:13:45 Hyperloop Competition

01:19:45 Research vs. Building

01:22:45 Career Advice