Time to Talk Quantum

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Michelle Simmons on Silicon Quantum Computing: Atomic Qubits, AI and Scaling Quantum Hardware

2026-09-1639:39

In this episode of Time to Talk Quantum (TTQ), recorded at Founders Forum Global, Firgun Ventures co-founder Dr Kris Naudts speaks with Professor Michelle Simmons, Founder and CEO of Silicon Quantum Computing, about her journey from fundamental physics to building a commercially focused quantum computing company.Michelle reflects on her early interest in understanding how things work, her studies at Durham University and her seven years at Cambridge’s Cavendish Laboratory, before moving to Australia with the ambition of building a quantum computer in silicon. She explains why the quality, stability and reproducibility of materials are essential when creating quantum devices at the atomic scale.The discussion explores Silicon Quantum Computing’s approach to building quantum processors using silicon and how it compares with superconducting technologies pursued by many of the world’s largest technology companies. Michelle discusses the company’s ability to design, build and test a chip in as little as one week, compared with traditional foundry timelines of 16 to 40 weeks, alongside its work developing extremely dense qubit registers.Together they examine the transition from scientific breakthrough to commercial reality, including customer demand, revenue and interest from organisations such as DARPA. Michelle also shares how the company reduced a deep-learning training process from three weeks to two days and discusses the role quantum hardware could play in the next generation of computing.The conversation also covers leadership, talent and purpose in quantum and AI, as well as what it takes to build an ambitious technology company capable of competing on the global stage.About the guest:Professor Michelle Simmons is the Founder and CEO of Silicon Quantum Computing, which she established in 2017. A globally recognised pioneer in atomic electronics and silicon-based quantum computing, she has led the development of technologies that enable electronic devices to be created with atomic precision. Michelle was named Australian of the Year in 2018 and has received numerous international honours for her contributions to science and quantum technology.This episode was recorded at Founders Forum Global.This podcast is brought to you by Firgun Ventures.Content advisory: Time to Talk Quantum explores the intersections between quantum technology and AI, health, finance, defence and art. Some discussions may cover sensitive or technical subjects related to cybersecurity, global security, geopolitics or emerging technologies. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, scientific or medical advice.

Inside Banking’s Quantum Future with Lloyd’s Banking Clare Schramm Fergus (Ep 6)

2026-05-2035:52

In this final episode of series one of Time to Talk Quantum (TTQ), Firgun Ventures co-founder Dr Kris Naudts speaks with Clare Schramm Fergus, Managing Director of Transaction Banking Technology Platforms at Lloyds Banking Group, about how the financial sector is preparing for the quantum era.Clare discusses the risks and opportunities quantum computing presents to global finance, from the threat it poses to today’s encryption systems to what a large-scale quantum attack could mean for financial markets. The discussion covers quantum readiness and the role of standards such as NIST in shaping preparation, as well as Lloyds’ collaboration with partners such as IBM and Google on quantum experiments and simulations.Together they explore how the financial sector is preparing, including broader discussion of how institutions such as JPMorgan and HSBC are engaging with quantum developments. They also discuss the wider implications for financial systems and society, from Bitcoin and dormant crypto wallets to digital public infrastructure, alongside the UK Government’s role in quantum regulation.About the guest: Clare Schramm Fergus is Managing Director of Transaction Banking Technology Platforms at Lloyds Banking Group. Clare drives the modernisation of Lloyds’ core technology platforms to enhance business and transaction banking services, future‑proofing the bank for emerging technologies from AI to quantum. Over her 20-year career, she has led and grown global teams and delivered award-winning platforms at BT, Google, and IBM. Follow Clare on LinkedIn Clare Schramm Fergus | LinkedIn In the news: Lloyds Bank uses quantum computing to detect money mules This podcast is brought to you by Firgun Ventures.Follow Dr Kris Naudts on LinkedInFirgun Ventures LinkedInFirgun Ventures WebsiteContent advisory: Time to Talk Quantum explores the intersections between quantum technology and AI, health, finance, defence and art. Some discussions may cover sensitive or technical subjects related to cybersecurity, global security, geopolitics or emerging technologies. The podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, scientific, or medical advice.

AI Infrastructure, Compute Moats and Quantum Computing (Ep 5)

2026-03-3101:12:43

In this week’s episode of Time to Talk Quantum [TTQ], Firgun Ventures co-founder Dr Kris Naudts is joined by Yariv Adan and Dr Bob Sutor for a deep dive into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the foundations of computing and what that means for quantum.Together, they focus on the breakdown of the traditional technology stack as large language models commoditise the application layer, shifting value toward compute, infrastructure, and data. Yariv shares an investor perspective on why many startups and VCs are misreading this shift, while Bob unpacks the realities of quantum computing and the long winding road towards scalable, fault-tolerant systems. The discussion also touches on geopolitics, supply chains, and the growing concentration of power in global tech infrastructure.Episode Themes: Why compute, scale, and infrastructure are becoming the new competitive moatThe reality of quantum computing today vs. long-term expectationsHow AI can improve quantum systems and where quantum may enhance AIThe role of hybrid (classical + quantum) computing workflowsSupply chains, and the fragility of global tech infrastructureWhat investors are getting wrong about AI and quantumFollow TTQ Podcast on social media: Instagram: @timetotalkquantum TikTok: @timetotalkquantum X @talk_quantum About the guests: Yariv Adan: Yariv is the founding General Partner at ellipsis venture, an early-stage AI deep tech VC, focused exclusively on transformative AI solutions. Previously, Yariv spent 17 years building AI at Google. He co-founded Google Assistant and Google Lens and led Google Cloud’s Conversational AI and Applied GenAI teams. Dr Robert Sutor: Bob is the founder of Sutor Group Intelligence and Advisory. A theoretical mathematician by training, Bob’s industry role is to advance AI and quantum technologies, providing strategic and technical insight to build strong business and educational ecosystems. He is also the author of ‘Dancing with Qubits’, and a Non-Executive Director at Nu Quantum. Links & Resources Substack: From 17 Years at Google to Venture: Yariv Adan, Founding General Partner at Ellipsis Ventures, on Building Defensible AI CompaniesBook: Dancing with Qubits: How quantum computing works and how it can change the world: Amazon.co.uk: Robert S. Sutor: 9781838827366: BooksThis podcast is brought to you by Firgun Ventures.Follow Dr Kris Naudts on LinkedInFirgun Ventures LinkedInFirgun Ventures WebsiteContent advisory: Time to Talk Quantum explores the intersections between quantum technology and AI, health, finance, defence and art. Some discussions may cover sensitive or technical subjects related to cybersecurity, global security, geopolitics or emerging technologies. The podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, scientific, or medical advice.

Quantum Computing in Healthcare: Drug Discovery, Diagnostics and Biology (Ep 4)

2026-03-2401:05:57

In this week’s episode of Time to Talk Quantum [TTQ], Firgun Ventures co-founder Dr Kris Naudts is joined by Dr Lara Jehi & Professor John Morton to discuss all things quantum and health. The conversation examines how quantum could unlock new approaches to drug discovery, diagnostics, and complex problem-solving. As data outgrows classical systems, quantum offers a path to simulate biology, accelerate innovation, and rethink what’s possible. The episode also looks at what it will take to scale: from hardware and algorithms to talent, infrastructure, and early demand. With growing global momentum and new UK investment; the question is no longer if, but how quickly these technologies will start to deliver impact.Available to watch on YouTubeEpisode Themes: Quantum & Drug Discovery How Far Can Quantum Take Healthcare? New Investment If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share. Follow TTQ Podcast on social media: Instagram: @timetotalkquantum TikTok: @timetotalkquantum X @talk_quantum About the guests: Dr Lara Jehi is the Chief Research Information Officer at Cleveland Clinic and Professor of Neurology at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine. She is also the Executive Program Lead for the Discovery Accelerator, which spans more than 50 projects focused on AI, quantum computing, data science education, and international initiatives.Dr John Morton is the Professor of Nanoelectronics and Nanophotonics at University College London and Director of the UCL Quantum Science and Technology Institute and co-founder of Quantum Motion, developing quantum processors based on silicon transistor technology, and Phasecraft, the quantum algorithms companyMusic: NGN2 by ILĀ from their album Quantum Computer Music. Content advisory: Time to Talk Quantum explores the intersections between quantum technology and AI, health, finance, defence and art. Some discussions may cover sensitive or technical subjects related to cybersecurity, global security, geopolitics or emerging technologies. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, scientific, or medical advice. This podcast is brought to you by Firgun Ventures.Follow Dr Kris Naudts on LinkedInFirgun Ventures LinkedInFirgun Ventures WebsiteContent advisory: Time to Talk Quantum explores the intersections between quantum technology and AI, health, finance, defence and art. Some discussions may cover sensitive or technical subjects related to cybersecurity, global security, geopolitics or emerging technologies. The podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, scientific, or medical advice.

Quantum Security, Post-Quantum Cryptography and Defence Innovation (Ep 3)

2026-03-1701:09:57

In this week’s episode of Time to Talk Quantum [TTQ], Firgun Ventures co-founder Dr Kris Naudts is joined by Joab Rosenberg, Partner at US-Israeli deep tech fund Deep33, and John Ridge CBE, Chief Adoption Officer at the NATO Innovation Fund, for a conversation about the shifting relationship between venture capital, geopolitics, and emerging technologies.This conversation explores how quantum technologies are moving from theoretical science to strategic infrastructure and why the decisions made today about investment, governance, and innovation may define the technological landscape for decades to come.Available to watch on YouTube Episode Themes: Why venture capital is driving the next generation of defence innovationQuantum computing and the future of encryptionThe growing technological competition between the West and ChinaThe geopolitical stakes of emerging technologiesSilicon Valley’s renewed relationship with defence and governmentThe risks facing global technology supply chainsIf you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share. Follow TTQ Podcast on social media: Instagram: @timetotalkquantum TikTok: @timetotalkquantum X @talk_quantum About the guests:Joab Rosenberg is Partner at US-Israeli deep tech fund, Deep33, where he leads investments in quantum technologies.Joab served as a Colonel in IDF Intelligence, where he was commander of the prestigious Talpiot program and served as Deputy Head Analyst, overseeing the work of around 1,000 analysts.In 2015, he co-founded and was CEO of Epistema, now Ment.io, an AI platform for improved decision making.John Ridge CBE is Chief Adoption Officer at the NATO Innovation Fund. John spent over 30 years in the British Army and UK government. He joined as a reservist in 1989, was later commissioned into the Royal Engineers, and went on to command 8 Engineer Brigade and serve as Chief of Joint Force Operations at the UK’s crisis response headquarters. After leaving the Army, John joined the Civil Service, serving in Defence Intelligence, working at 10 Downing Street, and as Director Defence Innovation at the Ministry of Defence.Music: NGN2 by ILĀ from their album Quantum Computer Music. Resources Books: The Technological Republic – Alexander C. KarpDIANA UK National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF)National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) – Post-Quantum CryptographyThis podcast is brought to you by Firgun Ventures.Follow Dr Kris Naudts on LinkedInFirgun Ventures LinkedInFirgun Ventures WebsiteContent advisory: Time to Talk Quantum explores the intersections between quantum technology and AI, health, finance, defence and art. Some discussions may cover sensitive or technical subjects related to cybersecurity, global security, geopolitics or emerging technologies. The podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, scientific, or medical advice.

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