The Quantum Economy Podcast

What Nobody Tells You About Qubit Count

The quantum computing race is obsessed with one number: qubit count. But what if that’s simply not the right metric? In this episode, Anders Indset speaks with Thomas Luschmann, Co-Founder and COO of Peak Quantum — a Munich-based deep-tech startup that embeds error protection directly into the hardware architecture, rather than relying on costly error correction after the fact. In this conversation, they explore: * Why more qubits alone will never deliver industrially useful quantum computing and what "better qubits" actually means * How Peak Quantum's hardware-intrinsic approach compares to cat qubits, fluxonium, and topological qubits * What it really takes to turn world-class university research into a fundable deep-tech company * Whether Europe can build a sovereign quantum future or whether economic reality will force its best startups to look elsewhere * What it means to build technology that may already be beyond our full understanding and what that tells us about where humanity is headed Thomas also shares Peak Quantum's 12-month proof-of-concept roadmap and his honest take on deep-tech fundraising, talent, and the asymmetry of who gets access to the first truly powerful quantum machines. Whether you're interested in quantum hardware, European innovation, or the deeper questions at the edge of science and society, this conversation goes well beyond the qubit count. About Thomas Luschmann https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-luschmann/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-luschmann/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/peak-quantum-computing/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/peak-quantum-computing/] https://peakquantum.de/ [https://peakquantum.de/] About Anders Indset Anders Indset is the world’s leading business philosophers and the author of seven international bestsellers. With recent works such as Ex Machina – The God Experiment and The Singularity Paradox: Bridging the Gap Between Humanity and AI, his thought leadership has expanded far beyond economics and classical philosophy – earning him recognition from leading scientists and technologists, including prominent physicists. As the founder of tomorrowmensch, he invests in breakthrough science and technologies and convenes leading thinkers, investors, and entrepreneurs shaping the future. NEW BOOK The Quantum Economy https://andersindset.com/shop/The-Quantum-Economy-p803754261 [https://andersindset.com/shop/The-Quantum-Economy-p803754261] https://andersindset.com/ [https://andersindset.com/] https://tomorrowmensch.com/ [https://tomorrowmensch.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersindset/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersindset/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/tomorrowmensch/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/tomorrowmensch/] https://www.instagram.com/ [https://www.instagram.com/andersindset]andersindset [https://www.instagram.com/andersindset] http://x.com/andersindset [http://x.com/andersindset]

Can We Now Engineer Nature Itself?

What if quantum computing allowed us to engineer nature at the atomic level? In this episode of The Quantum Economy Podcast, Anders Indset speaks with Professor Michelle Simmons, Founder & CEO of Silicon Quantum Computing and one of the world’s leading quantum materials scientists. For over 25 years, Simmons has pioneered a new approach to quantum computing, building systems atom by atom in silicon. This goes beyond faster computation. It opens the possibility to understand, simulate, and ultimately engineer nature itself. In this conversation, we explore: * What it means to engineer nature at the atomic scale * The race to build a fault-tolerant quantum computer * Why silicon-based, atom-level qubits could unlock scalability * How quantum systems allow us to simulate and recreate materials (“quantum twins”) * The convergence of quantum computing and AI * The philosophical implications: Are we moving from observing nature  to designing it? Michelle shares insights into her company’s roadmap toward a million-qubit quantum computer by 2033, and how her team is already delivering early products that accelerate AI and solve real-world problems. Beyond technology, this episode explores the mindset behind innovation, where competition, collaboration, and curiosity come together to tackle some of the hardest challenges in science. Whether you're interested in quantum computing, artificial intelligence, deep tech, or the future of innovation, this conversation offers a rare inside look at one of the most advanced fields shaping our world. About Michelle Simmons https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-simmons-34662921a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-simmons-34662921a/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-quantum-computing-pty-ltd/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-quantum-computing-pty-ltd/] https://www.sqc.com.au/ [https://www.sqc.com.au/]About Anders Indset Anders Indset is the world’s leading business philosophers and the author of seven international bestsellers. With recent works such as Ex Machina – The God Experiment and The Singularity Paradox: Bridging the Gap Between Humanity and AI, his thought leadership has expanded far beyond economics and classical philosophy – earning him recognition from leading scientists and technologists, including prominent physicists. As the founder of tomorrowmensch, he invests in breakthrough science and technologies and convenes leading thinkers, investors, and entrepreneurs shaping the future. NEW BOOK The Quantum Economy https://andersindset.com/shop/The-Quantum-Economy-p803754261 [https://andersindset.com/shop/The-Quantum-Economy-p803754261] https://andersindset.com/ [https://andersindset.com/] https://tomorrowmensch.com/ [https://tomorrowmensch.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersindset/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersindset/] https://www.instagram.com/ [https://www.instagram.com/andersindset]andersindset [https://www.instagram.com/andersindset] http://x.com/andersindset [http://x.com/andersindset]

What If Europe’s Biggest Weakness Becomes Its Advantage?

Europe is often seen as strong in science but weak in execution. In quantum technology, this is starting to change. In this episode of The Quantum Economy Podcast, Anders Indset speaks with Prof. Tommaso Calarco, Director at Forschungszentrum Jülich and one of the key figures behind Europe’s Quantum Flagship. They discuss the current state of quantum technology in Europe, the global race with the US and China, and how Europe is moving from research into real-world deployment. Quantum systems are being deployed and tested in public infrastructure, supercomputing platforms, and communication networks across Europe. This episode covers: * The future of quantum computing and quantum infrastructure in Europe * Europe’s role in the global quantum technology race * The challenge of venture capital, scale-up funding, and deep tech investment * Different approaches to quantum computing, including neutral atoms, semiconductors, and NV centers * How quantum communication infrastructure is being developed * Why quantum can strengthen European collaboration and technological sovereignty The conversation also explores broader questions: * How quantum systems influence our understanding of information, probability, and decision-making * The role of education, quantum engineering, and interdisciplinary skills * How quantum technologies and AI influence society and governance A grounded and forward-looking conversation on quantum and Europe’s position in the next wave of technology innovation. About Tommaso Calarco https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/research/research-fields/information/quantum-technology/tommaso-calarco [https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/research/research-fields/information/quantum-technology/tommaso-calarco] https://qt.eu/ [https://qt.eu/] About Anders Indset Anders Indset is the world’s leading business philosophers and the author of seven international bestsellers. With recent works such as Ex Machina – The God Experiment and The Singularity Paradox: Bridging the Gap Between Humanity and AI, his thought leadership has expanded far beyond economics and classical philosophy – earning him recognition from leading scientists and technologists, including prominent physicists. As the founder of tomorrowmensch, he invests in breakthrough science and technologies and convenes leading thinkers, investors, and entrepreneurs shaping the future. NEW BOOK The Quantum Economy https://andersindset.com/shop/The-Quantum-Economy-p803754261 [https://andersindset.com/shop/The-Quantum-Economy-p803754261] https://andersindset.com/ [https://andersindset.com/] https://tomorrowmensch.com/ [https://tomorrowmensch.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersindset/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersindset/] https://www.instagram.com/andersindset [https://www.instagram.com/andersindset] http://x.com/andersindset [http://x.com/andersindset]

What Comes After The Internet?

Most of the attention in quantum goes to computing. But there is another layer and it’s already being built. Quantum networking is already being tested on real telecom infrastructure from New York to Deutsche Telekom’s network in Berlin. In this episode of The Quantum Economy Podcast, Anders Indset speaks with Noel Goddard, CEO of Qunnect, about how quantum is being built, tested, and run in real infrastructure. They discuss what quantum networks actually are, how they differ from today’s internet, and why security is emerging as the first practical use case. The conversation also explores the technical challenges of building quantum infrastructure, the realities behind the hype, and what it takes to turn deep-tech research into deployable hardware. Looking ahead, Noel outlines a longer-term vision: connecting quantum computers, sensors, and data centers — and building the foundation for a new layer of the internet. A grounded and forward-looking conversation on quantum, infrastructure, and the future of information systems. About Noel Goddard https://www.linkedin.com/in/noel-goddard-b973225/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/noel-goddard-b973225/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/noel-goddard-b973225/About Anders Indset Anders Indset is the world’s leading business philosophers and the author of seven international bestsellers. With recent works such as Ex Machina – The God Experiment and The Singularity Paradox: Bridging the Gap Between Humanity and AI, his thought leadership has expanded far beyond economics and classical philosophy – earning him recognition from leading scientists and technologists, including prominent physicists. As the founder of tomorrowmensch, he invests in breakthrough science and technologies and convenes leading thinkers, investors, and entrepreneurs shaping the future. NEW BOOK The Quantum Economy https://andersindset.com/shop/The-Quantum-Economy-p803754261 [https://andersindset.com/shop/The-Quantum-Economy-p803754261] https://andersindset.com/ [https://andersindset.com/] https://tomorrowmensch.com/ [https://tomorrowmensch.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersindset/]andersindset/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersindset/] https://www.instagram.com/andersindset [https://www.instagram.com/andersindset] http://x.com/andersindset [http://x.com/andersindset]

Who Will Control the Quantum Age?

In this episode of The Quantum Economy Podcast, Anders Indset speaks with Zeynep Korutürk, co-founder of Firgun Ventures and former Executive Director at Goldman Sachs, about the emerging investment landscape around quantum technologies. Zeynep shares her perspective on how the quantum ecosystem has evolved over the past decade – from a field with only a few dozen startups to a rapidly expanding global industry with hundreds of companies. The conversation explores why the biggest bottleneck today may not be scientific progress, but capital: many promising quantum startups struggle to secure the Series A and Series B funding needed to scale. Together, they discuss what it takes to invest in quantum technologies, how venture capital differs in a field rooted in physics rather than software, and why talent, engineering execution, and long-term vision are critical for identifying the future leaders of the industry.  The discussion also touches on geopolitics, the global race between the US, Europe, and China, the convergence of quantum computing with AI and biotechnology, and how investors should think about responsibility and long-term impact in technologies that could fundamentally reshape industries and economies. This episode is a deep dive into the intersection of quantum science, venture capital, and the future of technological progress. Episode breakdown: 00:00 Introduction 02:03 Quantum Investment Landscape 05:04 The Evolution of Quantum Technologies 07:52 Investment Strategies in Quantum 10:49 Talent Acquisition in Quantum Startups 13:38 Navigating Series A and B Funding Challenges 16:47 The Asymmetric Upside of Quantum Computing 19:32 Differences Between Quantum and Traditional VC 22:30 The Future of Quantum Exits and Acquisitions 25:38 Balancing Scientific Breakthroughs with Commercial Viability 28:30 Geopolitical Implications of Quantum Technology 31:27 Global Landscape of Quantum Technology 35:00 Sovereign Capital and Geopolitical Dynamics 38:10 Convergence of AI, Quantum, and Biotech 41:07 Investor Responsibilities in Quantum Development 44:09 Future of Quantum Technology and Market Dynamics 46:52 Rethinking Economic Structures in a Quantum Era 48:38 Predictions for Quantum's Future and Investment Strategies About Zeynep Korutürk https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeynepkoruturk/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeynepkoruturk/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeynepkoruturk/About Anders Indset Anders Indset is the world’s leading business philosophers and the author of seven international bestsellers. With recent works such as Ex Machina – The God Experiment and The Singularity Paradox: Bridging the Gap Between Humanity and AI, his thought leadership has expanded far beyond economics and classical philosophy – earning him recognition from leading scientists and technologists, including prominent physicists. As the founder of tomorrowmensch, he invests in breakthrough science and technologies and convenes leading thinkers, investors, and entrepreneurs shaping the future. NEW BOOK: The Quantum Economy https://andersindset.com/shop/The-Quantum-Economy-p803754261 [https://andersindset.com/shop/The-Quantum-Economy-p803754261] https://andersindset.com/ [https://andersindset.com/] https://tomorrowmensch.com/ [https://tomorrowmensch.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersindset/]andersindset/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersindset/] https://www.instagram.com/andersindset [https://www.instagram.com/andersindset] http://x.com/andersindset [http://x.com/andersindset]