The Coherence Times

Visit The Coherence Times podcast page to get more AI content → https://www.ibm.com/think/podcasts/the-coherence-times

IBM’s superconducting quantum computers don’t just require advanced quantum processors, they also rely on highly specialized systems to keep those processors operating in an environment that is stable, protected, and colder than the furthest reaches of outer space. As quantum computers scale, the infrastructure that houses, cools, and operates them must advance as well—delivering systems that are easier to maintain, upgrade, and link with other systems.

In this episode of The Coherence Times, we’re joined by IBM’s Matt Hollister and Allie Lindler to dive deeper into the advanced cooling technology that makes superconducting quantum computing possible. Together, they discuss why cryogenic hardware matters, what goes into engineering refrigeration systems for the for modular quantum systems of the future, and how a new modular platform could help support the next generation quantum processors and systems.

"The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of IBM or any other organization or entity. AI tools may be used to transcribe this episode and support selected stages of the production process. All AI-assisted content is reviewed by the production team before publication."

Visit The Coherence Times podcast page to get more AI content → https://www.ibm.com/think/podcasts/the-coherence-times

The very first proposals for quantum computing centered on its potential to simulate molecules and other quantum systems—a task that is still considered one of the technology’s most promising applications today. However, scaling these simulations to real-world use cases remains a major challenge. In this episode of The Coherence Times, we sit down with Cleveland Clinic’s Dr. Kennie Merz and IBM's Dr. Jamie Garcia to explore a new milestone in the field: the simulation of a protein with more than 12,000 atoms using state-of-the-art quantum–classical techniques. Together, they discuss why chemistry is such a natural fit for quantum computers, how researchers are simulating increasingly complex molecules on today’s quantum hardware, and what it will take to move from early demonstrations to practical applications in areas like drug discovery and materials science.

"The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of IBM or any other organization or entity. AI tools may be used to transcribe this episode and support selected stages of the production process. All AI-assisted content is reviewed by the production team before publication."

It was almost exactly ten years ago, on May 4, 2026, that IBM put the first quantum computer on the cloud. This was a seminal moment in computing history. For the first time, anyone could run quantum circuits on a real quantum computer from anywhere with an internet connection. That single act took quantum computers out of the research lab, and put them in the hands of a global community of researchers, developers, students, and enthusiasts. In our first episode of Season 2 of The Coherence Times, we sit down with IBM Quantum CTO of Quantum-Centric Supercomputing Jerry Chow and Oak Ridge National Laboratory Quantum Science Center Director Travis Humble to discuss that moment in history, and the decade of exploration and ecosystem development it inspired.

Visit The Coherence Times podcast page to get more AI content → https://www.ibm.com/think/podcasts/the-coherence-times

Run your first quantum circuit on IBM Quantum Platform → https://quantum.cloud.ibm.com

The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of IBM or any other organization or entity.

Season 2 of The Coherence Times Podcast has arrived! Follow along as host Ryan Mandelbaum interviews quantum computing experts about the latest developments in quantum algorithms, hardware, systems, and more. Learn how researchers and engineers around the world are pushing the boundaries of what's possible and discover what the next decade may hold for generational technology.

Explore the podcast → www.ibm.com/think/podcast/the-coherence-times

Quantum computers have the potential to solve some valuable scientific problems faster, more accurately, or more cost-effectively than any classical computer. They haven't reached this point yet, but when they do, they will have achieved what we call "quantum advantage," a long sought scientific and engineering milestone that will mark the beginning of an exciting new era of computation. So, when will quantum advantage arrive? What methods are researchers and developers to enable their search for advantage? How will we know when it gets here? In this episode of The Coherence Times, we sit down with IBM Principal Research Scientist Abhinav Kandala to discover how, and when, quantum computers will beat classical computers.

00:00 - Introduction
4:37 - What is quantum advantage?
22:38 - How do we look for quantum advantage
26:48 - How close are we to quantum advantage?

The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of IBM or any other organization or entity.

Explore the podcast → www.ibm.com/think/podcast/the-coherence-times
Check out the IBM Quantum Platform → https://quantum.cloud.ibm.com
Quantum Advantage Tracker here → http://quantum-advantage-tracker.github.io