In an insightful discussion on “New Horizons in Quantum Computing” during The Enterprise Sessions, Professor Anthony Laing, a pioneering figure in the quantum computing (QC) arena and CEO of Duality Quantum Photonics, shared his journey and the cutting-edge advancements his company is making in quantum technology. From a mature student to a leading innovator, Laing’s path was anything but conventional. He reminisced about his initial fascination with the universe, sparked by documentaries and the iconic “Back to the Future” movies, leading him to pursue physics despite lacking traditional qualifications.
“I just wanted to understand how time works,” Laing recounted, underlining his curiosity-driven approach to science.
Duality’s trajectory, as Laing detailed, is a testament to the power of adapting to market needs while staying true to scientific inquiry. He outlined the quantum computing landscape.
“There are a handful of well-formed application areas where we know that if we can build a quantum computer, then we can gain an exponential time advantage over even supercomputers,” said Laing. This focus on practical applications, from quantum factoring to drug design, demonstrates Duality’s commitment to translating quantum breakthroughs into real-world solutions.
The journey wasn’t without its hurdles, particularly highlighted by the challenges posed by the pandemic. Yet, Laing saw these obstacles as opportunities for growth and innovation. The company’s pivot to producing quantum photonic devices for quantum authentication with British Telecom exemplified this resilience.
“It was one of those situations where that kind of a hiccup really made us,” Laing observed, revealing how necessity drove the company to quickly commercialize and deliver on contracts, a move that significantly shaped its business model.
Ethical considerations also play a crucial role in Duality’s decision-making process, especially when choosing projects and partners. Laing discussed turning down opportunities with oil, gas, and defense companies, respecting the values of his team. This decision underscored Duality’s aim to be a values-based company with a distinctive voice.
“The company is not just me, it’s what it really is,” said Laing, emphasizing the importance of listening to his team and aligning the company’s actions with its collective ethos.
A significant collaboration with the UK Atomic Energy Authority on fusion reactor technology highlights Duality’s involvement in projects with the potential for profound societal impact, particularly in clean energy. Laing’s vision for Duality extends beyond quantum computing to contributing to solving one of humanity’s most pressing issues: climate change.
“If we can be part of the story that’s solving climate change, then that would be magnificent,” he said, reflecting on the potential legacy of his work.
Laing’s journey from an inspired student to a leader in quantum computing encapsulates the essence of innovation: curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact. As Duality Quantum Photonics continues to evolve, its story serves as a compelling example of how pioneering technology and ethical business practices can converge to address some of the most challenging problems facing our world today.
Featured image: Credit: University of Bristol
For more market insights, check out our latest quantum computing news here.
