This week, Anastasia Marchenkova, a technical advisor at Quantum Coast Capital and quantum industry veteran, joined a panel discussion at SXSW 2025, moderated by AWS’s Helmut Katzgraber, alongside Michael Biercuk from Q-CTRL and Tim Rogers from IonQ. The panel explored how quantum computing is driving performance in the cloud, offering insights into the full quantum stack—from cutting-edge hardware and performance-enhancing software to practical enterprise applications.
Quantum computing isn’t a distant future technology; it’s here today, delivering tangible R&D outcomes. But what does “working” quantum computing truly look like right now?
At Quantum Coast Capital, we operate at the intersection of quantum research, early-stage investing, and commercialization. A significant challenge highlighted is distinguishing genuinely promising quantum technologies from mere hype, and effectively bridging the gap from scientific proof-of-concept to scalable business models. The panel identified four critical criteria for success among quantum startups:
- Technical Credibility: Demonstrable technological innovations with realistic milestones for addressing technical hurdles.
- Team Strength: A balanced blend of scientific, engineering, and business expertise, with proactive leadership to address any gaps.
- Market Vision: Clearly defined solutions addressing significant market needs, with practical and realistic pathways to quantum-enabled outcomes.
- Integration Readiness: Viable strategies for integrating quantum solutions into existing classical systems, emphasizing specialized roles rather than attempting full-stack solutions.
From a systems perspective, the panel discussed notable complexities at system interfaces—particularly challenges quantum software developers face in obtaining detailed, real-time insights into hardware parameters like qubit coherence and gate fidelities. Improved access to standardized performance metrics could greatly accelerate software optimization and move the industry closer to achieving quantum advantage.
Looking ahead, the panel emphasized several critical yet under-discussed trends essential to the quantum ecosystem’s growth:
- The essential role of middleware and software abstraction layers.
- The necessity of industry-wide interoperability standards between hardware, software, and classical systems.
- Continued investment in workforce readiness and quantum literacy from middle school through professional retraining.
As quantum advantage becomes more routine, enterprises will leverage quantum computing to address previously intractable problems in fields ranging from optimization to cybersecurity.
“The best way to get ready for quantum computing isn’t to wait for a mythical killer app,” Marchenkova said. “It’s to invest in structured quantum literacy, foster collaboration between academia, industry, and government, and run targeted proof-of-concept projects that align with real-world use cases today.”
By SXSW 2030, discussions will likely revolve around how today’s strategic investments and early initiatives have reshaped the quantum ecosystem, potentially even reflecting on quantum computing’s own “ChatGPT moment”—a breakthrough driving broad awareness and practical application that redefines our understanding of quantum technology’s potential.