IARPA: Disbelief to Doubt

Quantum Leaps: Part 2

The demand to solve increasingly complex problems is accelerating beyond the capabilities of traditional computing approaches. Quantum computing promises to revolutionize a host of industries by enabling rapid solutions to complex problems that are currently intractable for more traditional – or classical – computers.  As a primary funder of quantum research since 2009, IARPA-sponsored efforts have resulted in multiple world-record demonstrations of quantum computing capabilities, including achieving a “Quantum Advantage” – when a quantum computer can solve a problem more efficiently than a classical one. IARPA-funded quantum efforts have also led to over a thousand publications, dozens of patents, and the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physics. If you haven't already, head over to our website, at https://www.iarpa.gov/podcast, where you will find resources and citations for this, and all of our episodes, including examples of quantum computing systems. In part two of this two-part episode, we discuss with Michael why quantum is such an IARPA hard problem, unpack IARPA’s history of quantum breakthroughs over the last decade, explore what applications might come from quantum computing in the future, and much more – including how Michael’s first foray into engineering and maybe even the world of quantum might of have had its roots in the mechanics of bowling alley pin setters.

Quantum Leaps: Part 1

The demand to solve increasingly complex problems is accelerating beyond the capabilities of traditional computing approaches. Quantum computing promises to revolutionize a host of industries by enabling rapid solutions to complex problems that are currently intractable for more traditional – or classical – computers. As a primary funder of quantum research since 2009, IARPA-sponsored efforts have resulted in multiple world-record demonstrations of quantum computing capabilities, including achieving a “Quantum Advantage” – when a quantum computer can solve a problem more efficiently than a classical one. IARPA-funded quantum efforts have also led to over a thousand publications, dozens of patents, and the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physics. In part one of this two-part episode, we sit down with former IARPA Program Manager, and resident quantum expert, Dr. Michael Di Rosa to talk about his journey to IARPA, what quantum computing is exactly, how it differs from more traditional computing, and much more.

Quantum Leaps (Teaser)

Enjoy this sneak peak of IARPA: Disbelief to Doubt Episode 4!  In this upcoming episode of Disbelief to Doubt we speak with former Program Manager Michael DiRosa and explore how quantum computing differs from classical computing approaches, how this technology may eventually change the world, and how IARPA has been at the forefront of quantum research for nearly two decades.

High-Risk/High-Payoff Part 2

IARPA invests in high-risk, high-payoff research with the goal of providing our nation with an overwhelming intelligence advantage.   Developing scientific breakthroughs that challenge the state of the art requires IARPA Program Managers (PMs) to take ideas from a place of “disbelief to doubt” before successfully launching an IARPA program.  As part of that development process, PMs must address a series of rigorous questions known as the “Heilmeier Questions” named after George Heilmeier, a pioneer in the research and development field.  In Part 2 of this 2 part episode we continue our conversation with former Office of Analysis Director, Mr. Rob Rahmer and discuss how Rob defines success in the Office of Analysis, what makes a problem "IARPA Hard" and much more.

High-Risk/High-Payoff Part 1

IARPA invests in high-risk, high-payoff research with the goal of providing our nation with an overwhelming intelligence advantage.   Developing scientific breakthroughs that challenge the state of the art requires IARPA Program Managers (PMs) to take ideas from a place of “disbelief to doubt” before successfully launching an IARPA program.  As part of that development process, PMs must address a series of rigorous questions known as the “Heilmeier Questions” named after George Heilmeier, a pioneer in the research and development field.  In Part 1 of this 2 part episode we sit down with former Office of Analysis Director Rob Rahmer to discuss his journey to IARPA, unpack the Heilmeier Questions and the role the play in IARPA research, and much more.