Though not itself a new concept, Quantum Computing is drawing interest and investment as an area of technology with transformative if not revolutionary potential. The solutions to many complex problems are proving to be beyond the capabilities of conventional computing techniques, and this has inevitably triggered commercial and public sector efforts to develop alternative advanced computational systems.
Quantum computers make use of the quantum phenomena of superposition and entanglement to process and manipulate data utilising ‘quantum bits’, or quibits, to compute in ways that traditional binary ‘bits’ cannot achieve. As a result quantum computers should be able to complete certain computational tasks in a fraction of the timescales required by traditional computers. This in turn should accelerate the rate at which, for example, machine learning tasks can be learned and performed to enable us to better analyse and model highly complex data sets; and the rate at which cryptographic processes can be completed, exponentially enhancing data security standards.
Unsurprisingly, quantum computing use cases are likely to span many sectors, and for this reason the development and commercialisation of quantum computing systems and processes is something we are following closely. We have created our Quantum Computing Hub to collect together our developing knowledge and expertise, to collect and produce thought pieces and relevant content, and to assure our readiness to respond to quantum computing opportunities and challenges for our clients and our own business.
PODCASTS
Podcast: Quantum Computing 101
18 May 2021
In the first in a new series of podcasts where we delve into the world of quantum computing, David Subel, an associate in one of our corporate teams and Emily Bradley, a professional support lawyer in our financial regulation group, discuss the key findings of their research into what is meant by ‘quantum computing’. Both David and Emily are members of our Slaughter and May quantum technologies hub.
Podcast: Cyber security in the era of Quantum Computing
26 May 2021
In this podcast Rob Sumroy, Robert Hannigan, Chairman of BlueVoyant International and Senior Adviser to McKinsey & Co, and Dr Ali El Kaafarani, Research Fellow at the Mathematical Institute (University of Oxford) and Founder/CEO of PQShield, discuss the risks that quantum computing poses to the security of organisations and their data. Is there a solution we should be investing in now to stay quantum secure?
Podcast: Quantum Computing - Small Science, Huge Opportunity
2 June 2021
In the final podcast in this series, Ben Kingsley, Natalie Donovan and Emily Bradley turn to consider the promise presented by quantum technologies, and discuss how businesses can start to leverage the opportunities they present. They catch up with Alexei Kondratyev, Managing Director and Head of Data Science and Innovation at Standard Chartered Bank, to hear more about the work that Slaughter and May’s clients are already doing in this space.
