Impact Quantum: A Podcast for the Quantum Curious

Today, host Frank La Vigne and guest Candice Gillhoolley dive deep into IonQ’s headline-making billion-dollar acquisitions that are reshaping the quantum landscape. From hardware with Skywater, to quantum networking through Skyloom Global, and even AI-driven software via Seed Innovations, IonQ is assembling a complete quantum ecosystem—building the supply chain of the future, right here and now.The conversation unpacks the big money flowing into quantum tech, why in-house chip fabrication matters in a world grappling with supply chain vulnerabilities, and what these moves mean for the industry’s evolution. With insights on stock market reactions, defense tech hires, and the urgent quest for quantum-safe security, Frank La Vigne and Candice Gillhoolley explain why the next decade will be defined by quantum preparedness.Plus, they tease the launch of an inspiring new podcast, Women in Quantum, highlighting diverse journeys into the field and the culture-shaping opportunities ahead. Whether you’re quantum curious or watching markets closely, this episode frames why the quantum age is truly dawning—and why it’s time to start thinking quantum safe!LinksIonQ to buy SkyWater for $1.8 billion to expand hardware capabilities - https://www.reuters.com/technology/ionq-buy-skywater-18-billion-expand-hardware-capabilities-2026-01-26/?utm_source=chatgpt.com IonQ Finalizes Acquisition of Skyloom Global - https://thequantuminsider.com/2026/01/28/ionq-completes-skyloom-acquisition/ From Visibility to Advantage – Building a Quantum-Safe Intelligence Enterprise https://intelligencecommunitynews.com/ic-insiders-from-visibility-to-advantage-building-a-quantum-safe-intelligence-enterprise/ Time Stamps00:00 "Reflections on Tech Advancements"03:35 "Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains"07:49 "Quantum Industry Supply Chain Ambitions"11:34 Quantum Tech and Security Trends15:43 "Funny Daycare Story at NIST"16:55 "Data Protection & Future Predictions"22:16 "Winter Boots and School Sneakers"24:03 "Culture Shapes Opportunities"

In this episode, hosts Frank La Vigne and Candace Gillhoolley sit down with James Davies, founder of Embedded Electronics Recruitment Solutions, a specialist in quantum technology recruitment. Together, they explore how quantum is making its way out of the lab and into the real world, and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing companies as they race to hire quantum specialists and consultants.From quantum’s role in defense and communications, to the innovations happening in sensing and computing, James Davies shares his insights on current hiring trends and how the talent landscape is shifting as quantum startups accelerate. The conversation also takes a deep dive into the sociological changes happening within the industry, the growing influence of government and national security concerns, and the bigger picture: how quantum could help solve some of society’s most complex challenges—from resilient supply chains to fusion energy and beyond.Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a recruiter, or just curious about the future, this episode will give you a front-row seat to the quantum revolution—and show why you don't need a PhD, just a sense of curiosity, to be part of it.SponsorsFree Audio book from Audible - https://qrcodes.at/freeaudiobookOpus Video Clips - https://www.opus.pro/?via=f419e6Quantum Sales Playbook (affiliate) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FR5YGFDR?tag=datadrivenm0e-20Books MentionedAll links below are Amazon affiliate links and help us keep the show awesome.Antifragile - https://amzn.to/3ZlELg0Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr. - https://amzn.to/4qpTe6FLinksEmbedded & Electronics Recruitment Solutions -https://eerec.com/Embedded & Electronics Recruitment Solutions (LinkedIn) -https://www.linkedin.com/company/embedded-electronics-recruitment-solutions/James' LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/quantum-recruitment-specialist/Time Stamps00:00 Quantum Consulting: The Next Frontier06:19 Consultants Bridging Quantum Tech Gap08:10 Quantum Defense and Communication Trends14:07 Collaborative Competition in Quantum Technology15:22 "Semiconductor Secrecy and Hiring Pacts"19:54 Startup Success: Exit vs Growth24:30 "Quantum Technology Revolution Insights"26:54 "Quantum Computing, Paranoia, and Privacy"30:01 "Uncertainty, Influence, and Money Talks"31:42 Quantum Tech Integration Insights35:59 "Fragility of Key Industries"39:24 "Achieving Fusion Energy Solutions"43:04 "Technologies Shaping the Future"45:03 "Quantum Mechanical Revolution Unfolding"49:21 "Oil's Shift to Transportation"53:37 "Exploration Limits: Science vs. Ambition"54:48 "Viable Space Travel Technology Discussion"

In this episode, Frank La Vigne and Candice Gillhoolley are diving into what’s actually working—and what’s just hype—in the world of quantum computing. Today, they’re joined by Abhigyan Mishra, Quantum Director and co-founder of Rune Technology, for an enlightening conversation on real-world quantum advantage, especially in the finance sector.You’ll hear how Abhigyan Mishra and his team are merging AI with quantum approaches to tackle market intelligence in innovative ways, and why being “quantum-ready” might be more important than you think. He breaks down why quantum won’t solve every problem, how to spot when quantum truly creates value, and why intuition—and not just math—is key for those curious about breaking into the field. Plus, we get practical advice for aspiring quantum engineers, a candid look at quantum’s adoption curve in finance, and what real ROI from quantum could look like in the next decade.Whether you’re a quantum newbie or a seasoned tech enthusiast, this episode will give you a fresh, accessible perspective on where quantum tech is now—and where it’s really heading.Time Stamps00:00 "Quantum-Enhanced AI for Scalability"06:27 AI Missteps in Finance09:47 "Ethics Follows Technology Adoption"12:16 "Data Complexity and Approximations"15:58 "Navigating Quantum Learning Challenges"20:18 "Quantum Computing: Start with Intuition"23:50 Quantum Computing: From Struggle to Progress25:36 "Future of Quantum: What's Next?"29:29 "Introducing Quantum Tech in Education"33:25 "Rethinking Entropy and Insights"37:37 "Quantum Mechanics: Confusing Yet Fascinating"41:44 "Problem-Solving in Quantum Computing"43:35 Building a Quantum Team Philosophy47:41 "Cloud Access Drives Quantum Innovation"51:44 "Embracing Quantum Computing's Potential"

In this episode, Frank La Vigne and Candace Gillhoolley are joined by Mahmoud Sabooni, lead quantum processor engineer at Open Quantum Design (OQD). Today’s conversation takes us to the snowy landscapes of Canada and deep into the heart of quantum hardware—specifically, the fascinating world of trapped ion systems.Mahmoud Sabooni shares insights from his experience in both academia and industry, explaining how OQD is pioneering open-source quantum hardware and what “full stack quantum computing” really means. The episode covers the differences between trapped ions and other quantum computing platforms, the challenges of scaling these systems, and how open hardware might accelerate innovation by bringing transparency and collaboration to quantum research.Whether you’re just beginning to explore quantum technology or already knee-deep in atomic physics, this discussion breaks down complex concepts and reveals the practical sides of building and maintaining quantum computers. Get ready for a deep dive into cutting-edge hardware, workforce development in quantum, and visions of how quantum technologies will impact our everyday lives.Time Stamps00:00 Quantum Hardware to Computing Journey03:49 Open-Source Quantum Computing Initiative07:28 Open-Access Benchmark for Machines13:31 Collaborative Scientific Resource Sharing15:31 "Quantum Computing Full Stack Layers"18:20 Quantum Computing Challenges Explained21:31 Ionized Atom Trapping Explained25:55 Scaling Quantum Computing Challenges27:51 Quantum Benchmarking Across Platforms33:12 Physics and Engineering in Optics35:34 "Builders vs. Users Explained"38:53 "Optimizing OQD Stability and Efficiency"43:29 "Quantum Technology in Daily Life"46:42 "Atom Precision Mind-Boggler"48:40 "Industry vs Academia Mindset"51:45 "Highest Paid Person's Opinion"

In today’s episode, hosts BAILeY, Frank La Vigne, and Candace Gillhoolley sit down with experimental quantum physicist Katanya Kuntz—a pioneering voice who’s bridging the gap between Earth and space through her work with the Quantum Encryption and Science Satellite (KEYSAT).Get ready to dive into the foundations of a quantum internet and learn how tomorrow’s secure communications might depend on orbiting lasers. We’ll unravel the challenges of sending quantum information across continents, explore the wild differences between classical and quantum tech, and ask why, perhaps, your own body is already home to quantum processes. From safeguarding cybersecurity to pondering quantum consciousness, this episode takes you on a journey across photons, probability, and the cosmic threads connecting us all.So settle in and prepare to get entangled with Impact Quantum—where science fiction meets science fact, and curiosity reigns supreme.Special OfferQubo Consulting website: https://quboquantum.com/NAIT-Qubo Quantum for Executive Certificate: https://www.nait.ca/nait/continuing-education/programs/quantum-for-executivesNAIT-Qubo Quantum for Engineers Certificate: https://www.nait.ca/nait/continuing-education/programs/quantum-for-engineersLimited time 10% discount offer on NAIT-Qubo Online Courses: NAITQUBO10Learners can email NAIT directly for more information: melissah@nait.caTime Stamps00:00 Quantum Computing: Internet of Photons04:06 "Quantum Communication Challenges Explained"08:39 "Quantum Photons and Detection"10:20 "From Classical to Quantum Computing"14:22 "Explaining Quantum Physics Simply"18:15 "Quantum Encryption Challenges Explained"20:24 Quantum Systems for Accurate Modeling24:32 "Quantum Sensors for Navigation"28:00 Quantum-Classical Boundary Experiments29:26 Quantum Collapse Measurement Insights34:58 Academic Vs. Tech Conference Blend38:28 Quantum Computing Risks and Security39:26 Quantum Computing for Optimization Problems44:51 Quantum Systems for Energy Optimization47:03 "Synchronized Light Emission"50:28 "Real Genius Movie Recap"54:49 "Quantum Communication Unraveled"

Welcome to a special crossover episode of Impact Quantum, where we dive straight into the action from the floor of Nvidia GTC in Washington, D.C.! In this episode, hosts Frank La Vigne and Candace Gillhoolley take you behind the scenes of one of the tech world’s most exciting conferences—from AI-driven robots and GPU-powered supercomputers to a surprising amount of quantum computing buzz.Join us as Frank shares his firsthand experiences, including the latest hardware reveals, government involvement, unique swag, and even the cosplay antics of attendees impersonating Nvidia’s CEO. Candace and Frank also unpack the growing intersections of AI, quantum computing, robotics, and national security, while highlighting the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning in the face of rapid technological change.Whether you’re a seasoned technologist, a quantum curious newcomer, or just here for the epic robot sightings, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and actionable advice for navigating a future shaped by emerging technologies. Hit play and get ready for a front-row look at the innovations, opportunities, and human stories fueling the data-driven quantum revolution!LinksFrank gets a shout out from Pluralsight – https://www.pluralsight.com/resources/blog/upskilling/frank-lavigne-customer-storyJensen Huang’s DTC DC Keynote – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQHK61IDFH4Mariya & Python Simplified – https://www.youtube.com/@pythonsimplifiedTime Stamps00:00 Nvidia GTC Highlights03:36 "AI, Quantum, and Innovation"09:15 "Robots, Shorts, and Streaming Woes"11:43 Digital Twins Attract Buzz13:56 DGX Bars: The Hot Giveaway19:10 Career Shifts in Tech23:05 From Publishing to Tech Transition24:43 "Quantum, Satellites, and Lasers"29:01 "Nvidia as Defense Contractor"32:25 Tech Innovations Powering the Future34:59 AI & Quantum Computing Insights37:37 "Quantum Networking Revolution Explained"42:18 "Unique Tech-Security Conference Highlights"46:05 "Re-recording for Authenticity"49:26 "Learning from a System Launch"50:33 "Quantum Impact for Innovators"

On this episode of Impact Quantum, we dive into the visionary world of Sanjay Chittore, founder of Quantum AI Global and QLabs, who’s on a mission to bring quantum theory out of the realm of science fiction and into real-world applications. Joined by host Frank La Vigne and the wonderfully quantum-curious Candice Gillhoolley, we unravel common myths about quantum computing—like whether you really need a quantum computer to build quantum products—and explore the massive impacts quantum technology is poised to have on everything from healthcare diagnostics to next-generation memory and sensing.Sanjay shares his journey from startup success through the pandemic to his self-driven deep dive into quantum and AI, revealing why he believes the future hinges on the synergy of quantum physics and electronics, rather than the traditional computing and electronics combination. Prepare to have your assumptions challenged as we discuss what makes quantum so secure, so fast, and so revolutionary—plus real-world examples like quantum memory, quantum sensors in healthcare, and the bold dreams that keep this field moving forward.Whether you’re a scientist, entrepreneur, or just quantum-curious, this episode offers inspiring insights into how today’s breakthroughs could transform industries and everyday life. Buckle up—things are about to get entangled!Time Stamps00:00 Quantum-AI Product Integration Company04:36 "AI Focus Led to Quantum"08:20 Quantum Discovery and Einstein's Doubts10:49 "Futuristic Startups: Embrace Risks"16:04 "Quantum Computers Lack Storage"19:15 "Quantum Sensors: Superior Precision"22:39 "Quantum Sensor for Cancer Detection"24:48 "Quantum Sensors and Cryptography"28:43 "Quantum: Infinite Between Ones, Zeros"31:50 "Unhackable Quantum Qubits Explained"34:52 "Solving Maze Navigation"38:38 "Quantum Efficiency Simplified"43:19 "Supporting PhDs in Industry"45:02 India's First Quantum Cryptography Product47:42 "Classical to Quantum Conversion"53:40 Quantum Revolution: Theory to Reality54:19 "Bailey's Quantum Farewell"