Quantum computing was a hot topic in recent sessions, so i thought I’d brush up on all things quantum. To do that, I read a book titled Quantum Supremacy. Author Michio Kaku explores the rise of quantum computers and its potential to address many of our societal challenges. He envisions an end to the age of silicon and digital and the dawn of the quantum age. We learn the fundamentals of quantum mechanics and the staggering growth in compute capacity that it drives.

Along the way, he explores critical areas like the origin of life, the greening of our world, feeding the planet, energizing the world, curing cancer, global warming, and yes, immortality. The general premise in tackling all these challenges is that digital computers simply cannot scale to address the sheer volume of data at the heart of societal solutions. A quantum computers ability to scale to meet the challenges offers hope that we may someday in the not to distant future drive these solutions.

Quantum computers might usher in an entirely new age for the economy, society, and our way of life. Areas like chemistry, medicine, oil and gas, transportation, logistics, banking, pharmaceuticals, and cybersecurity are ripe for major change.

Michio Kaku – Quantum Supremacy

When we combine quantum computing and artificial intelligence, the enormous potential for society becomes evident. To be sure, potential manifests itself in two ways, opportunity and disruption. I believe both lie ahead on a timeline that is anyone’s guess. The current pace of invention and breakthroughs having me leaning towards the sooner rather than later side of the timeline discussion. However, as we know, there are accelerants and obstacles that influence the path. How those play out will have a big say in timing. I recommend the book and have added to my library.