Science Meets Industry in “Wissenschaft in Kölner Häusern”

On October 2, under the title Quantum Computers: Ideas, Promises, Problems, experts in the field discussed the hype surrounding quantum computers with a general audience in the Wissenschaft in Kölner Häusern format.

Overlooking the river Rhine, the event took place in Microsoft’s regional office in Cologne. The fully booked evening started with a keynote by Prof. David Gross on A Short History of Quantum Computing. Microsoft’s Benjamin Tokgöz then took the stage to present the leading company’s efforts to accelerate progress towards large-scale quantum computing.

This event comes on the heels of one of the most notable breakthroughs by Microsoft. Microsoft announced the creation of the largest number of entangled logical qubits ever, using its qubit virtualization system in collaboration with Quantinuum. This system entangles 12 logical qubits with exceptionally high fidelity.

After the talks, the audience of 80 had the opportunity to discuss their questions with the speakers in a panel moderated by Martin Schütz. The speakers shared their expectations and clarified the hype from reality when it comes to the future prospects of quantum computing.

Wissenschaft in Kölner Häusern is an initiative by the Kölner Wissenschaftsrunde designed to engage citizens in scientific discussions and experiences outside of traditional academic settings.

Impressions of the evening