The Hidden Cost of AI — With Michael Förtsch, CEO of Q.Ant
From All Things Photonics by All Things Photonics
April 28, 2026 · 26 min · Episode 131
About this episode
Michael Förtsch discusses the hidden costs of AI and the role of photonic computing in creating sustainable technology.
Computing with light can enable high-performance compute with dramatically lower energy use and reduced heat. Q.Ant is a Stuttgart-based photonic computing scale-up, leading the way to more sustainable AI and high-performance computing. CEO Michael Förtsch joins us to share his thoughts on the hidden costs of AI, the technology and materials driving Q.Ant’s photonic solutions, and why the future of compute is in need of a fundamental change."All Things Photonics"® is produced by Photonics Media and airs biweekly, on Tuesdays.Sponsored by:Hamamatsu – www.Hamamatsu.comOmega Optical - www.omega-optical.com
People in this episode
Guest: Michael Förtsch
Topics covered
- AI
- photonic computing
- sustainability
- energy efficiency
- high-performance computing
Keywords
- AI
- photonic solutions
- energy use
- compute
- sustainability
- high-performance computing
Sponsors
Hamamatsu, Omega Optical
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Q.Ant, Photonics Media
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