Multiverse Computing, a deep tech company established in 2019, is at the forefront of developing quantum software for extreme applications. With headquarters in San Sebastián, Spain, and expanding its presence to Toronto, Paris, and Munich, Multiverse has been an important player in the field of quantum computing and finance. Among their team of experts is Sam Mugel, a PhD holder in cold atoms, who has been pivotal in shaping the company’s trajectory.
In an exclusive interview with La French Tech Toronto this month, Mugel shared his journey from being intrigued by quantum computing as a laboratory curiosity in Barcelona in 2013 to witnessing its evolution into a sector with significant industrial applications. His doctoral studies, completed in 2017, coincided with a burgeoning interest in quantum computing, which he saw as a unique opportunity to be part of something transformative.
“I did my PhD in Barcelona starting in 2013, at the time [quantum computing] was really a lab curiosity,” said Mugel. “By the time I finished in 2017, it had really evolved into something that everyone was talking about. We were already going over into solving problems that were relevant to industry.”
Multiverse Computing recently made headlines with a keynote speech at the French Tech event, focusing on Near Intermediate Error-prone Quantum Computing (NISQ). Mugel elaborated on NISQ’s potential to add value to industries using current quantum computing technologies. He highlighted the collaboration with prominent organizations like Xanadu, OVH Cloud, and Creative Destruction Lab, emphasizing Multiverse’s role in pushing the boundaries of quantum technology.
“The integral part of the keynote was about NISQ, which is near intermediate error-prone Quantum Computing,” he said. “So it’s really okay, we have these machines now, what can we do with them that adds value to industry?”
Mugel also discussed Multiverse Computing’s contribution to the French Tech ecosystem. This involvement signifies their deep connection with the French and Canadian markets, which are leading in quantum computing advancements. He noted the importance of public funding and corporate interest in accelerating the development of quantum technologies.
“Multiverse started out in finance,” he said. “Then we realized that we could really touch a bunch more fields and branched out into manufacturing with BOS, into energy markets with Repsol and AA, and now within Toronto, we’ve stayed really focused on AI and finance… out of Europe, we’ve really been working out of manufacturing and energy.”
The Multiverse Computing Research Center has been instrumental in exploring quantum computing applications beyond finance. Initially focused on finance, working with institutions like Alli Bank and BBVA, the center has expanded into manufacturing and energy sectors. With a talent-rich team in Toronto concentrating on AI and finance, the European branches are making strides in manufacturing and energy, aiming to replicate their North American success.
Mugel concluded by expressing his optimism for the future of quantum computing and its impact on various industries. His insights revealed a deep understanding of the field and Multiverse Computing’s pivotal role in shaping the quantum tech landscape.
Featured image: Credit: La French Tech Toronto
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