Chapter 1: The Quantum Computing Phenomenon

Greetings, friends! 🖐

Welcome back to this week's edition of #TechWatchbySeb ☕️. Today, we’ll journey through the EU 🇬🇧 and Germany, diving into the exciting realm of quantum computing.

To kick things off, let’s clarify what quantum computing entails. It focuses on advancing computer technology grounded in the principles of quantum theory, which elucidates the behavior of energy and matter at atomic and subatomic levels.

What exactly is Quantum Theory?

The term "quantum" originates from Latin, meaning "amount." In contemporary terms, it refers to the smallest discrete unit of any physical attribute, be it energy or matter.

Ready to dive in? 🤯 Quantum computing leverages scientific principles to exponentially enhance computational capabilities.

In 2019, Google announced that it completed a calculation on a quantum computer in mere minutes, a task that would take a classical computer approximately 10,000 years. A year later, a research team in China reportedly performed a computation in 200 seconds that would require a classical computer an astonishing 2.5 billion years — a speedup of 100 trillion times!

What are the primary uses of Quantum Computing?

Here are three compelling applications that stand out:

1. Healthcare: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the lengthy process of developing, testing, and rolling out new vaccines. Quantum computing could significantly expedite this process, thereby reducing the associated costs.
2. Cybersecurity: As more individuals engage with technology, online risks escalate. Enhanced encryption through quantum computing could bolster security and protect sensitive information from breaches.
3. AI & Machine Learning: Effective machine learning applications necessitate extensive data training. Quantum computing could provide the necessary speed and capacity for processing vast amounts of data.

While these are just a few instances, quantum computing holds promise across various sectors, including finance, space exploration, and logistics.

Moreover, it’s fascinating to observe the funding trends in this sector. A study from CB Insights reveals a consistent rise in investments, with the number of deals increasing from 6 in 2015 to 37 in 2020, alongside the total capital raised each year.

Who are the leading Quantum Computing firms in Europe?

The quantum computing landscape has attracted numerous entrepreneurs. Here are the three most funded companies in Europe:

• IQM 🇫🇮: Specializing in scalable hardware for universal quantum computers, they focus on superconducting technology and have secured $70 million.
• Cambridge Quantum Computing 🇬🇧: They work on tools for commercializing quantum computers by exploring quantum protocols and algorithms, raising $72 million.
• Riverlane 🇬🇧: This company is developing innovative software to harness the power of quantum computers, with funding of $24 million.

Notably, the first two companies rank among the top 10 globally in terms of funding. The most funded company worldwide is D-Wave Systems 🇨🇦, which designs and manufactures quantum computing and superconducting electronics, having raised $216 million.

It’s essential to recognize that this technology demands substantial capital for application launches. Key corporate players driving advancements include:

• Google: Aiming to utilize quantum computing for their AI models.
• Alibaba: They have a dedicated lab for quantum computing.
• IBM: Focusing on commercial quantum computers.

In Europe, Atos is also known for developing quantum applications.

To wrap up, I recommend an intriguing article by the French research center Inria titled "Who are the main players in the world of quantum computing?" It underscores the significance of this technology, stating:

"With the global market projected to reach $948.82 million by 2025, quantum computing will provide a considerable military and economic edge to the nations that excel in this global technological race."

Now, let’s move on to this week’s highlights 🧐

#TECHWATCHBYSEB — WEEKLY ISSUE #19

🥇 The EU is implementing strict regulations on AI usage.

The European Union aims to mitigate the negative consequences of artificial intelligence while simultaneously fostering its economic potential.

🥈 Berlin 🇩🇪 Brands Group secures $240 million in loans.

This company, which focuses on creating and acquiring online retail brands, announced $240 million in debt financing to expedite global acquisitions.

This week, I’ll skip a third highlight as nothing particularly caught my interest.

That’s all for this week! Wishing you a fantastic week ahead! 🖐

Stay safe! ❤️

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Chapter 2: Insights from the Quantum Computing Landscape

The first video titled "Quantum Computing: Hype vs. Reality" explores the balance between the excitement surrounding quantum computing and the actual developments in the field.

The second video, "The Quantum Hype Bubble Is About To Burst," discusses the potential pitfalls and overhyped expectations surrounding quantum technology.