In this episode of Tank Talks, host Matt Cohen is joined by Christian Weedbrook, Founder and CEO of Xanadu, a groundbreaking Canadian company leading the charge in photonic quantum computing. With over $250 million raised, Xanadu is on track to revolutionize industries through its cutting-edge quantum technologies.
Christian discusses his transition from academia to entrepreneurship, the challenges of building a quantum company, and the potential for quantum computing to reshape industries like AI, drug discovery, and materials science. He shares his insights on Canada’s role in the future of quantum tech, how quantum’s “ChatGPT moment” will likely change the game, and why error correction is the key to scalable quantum applications.
Christian also dives into Xanadu’s ambitious plans for a quantum data center in Toronto, aiming to leverage room-temperature photonic computing to create the world’s first fault-tolerant quantum computing environment by 2029. From AI-driven innovation to material science breakthroughs, this episode is packed with insights on how the future of computing is being redefined.
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Christian’s Journey from Quantum Physics to Entrepreneurial Vision (08:15)
The transition from academia to founding Xanadu.
Early quantum research and turning theory into a business.
Quantum's "ChatGPT Moment" (13:10)
How quantum computing’s breakthrough will mirror AI’s rise.
The promise of quantum in industries like AI and drug discovery.
The Challenges of Quantum Capital and Investment (16:20)
The hurdles of fundraising and dealing with investors unfamiliar with quantum technology.
Xanadu's Recent Breakthrough in Photonic Error Correction (18:47)
How solving error correction will pave the way for real-world quantum applications.
Quantum advantage in practical settings.
Canada’s Advantage in Quantum and Xanadu's Global Impact (22:01)
Why Christian chose to build Xanadu in Toronto.
How Canada can lead the quantum revolution and avoid the pitfalls faced by the AI sector.
The Future of Quantum Chemistry and Material Science (39:10)
The role of quantum computing in next-gen battery and solar cell development.
Why quantum chemistry is the next big frontier.
About Christian Weedbrook
Christian Weedbrook is the Founder and CEO of Xanadu, a leading quantum computing company based in Toronto, specializing in photonic quantum technologies. With a PhD in quantum computing, Christian has held postdoctoral positions at MIT and the University of Toronto, contributing to groundbreaking work in the field. He founded Xanadu in 2016, aiming to make quantum computing scalable and commercially viable. Under his leadership, the company has raised over $250 million and is on track to build the world’s first fault-tolerant quantum data center by 2029. Christian is dedicated to positioning Canada as a global leader in quantum computing and helping to unlock its potential across industries like AI, drug discovery, and material science.
Connect with Christian Weedbrook on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianweedbrook/
Visit the Xanadu website: https://www.xanadu.ai/
Connect with Matt Cohen on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/matt-cohen1
Visit the Ripple Ventures website: https://www.rippleventures.com/
