14 Mar 2025
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From Hype to Reality: SXSW 2025 Panel Unveils Quantum Computing’s True Potential

March 14, 2025

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.



10 Mar 2025
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Palm Beach County Charts a Path to Becoming the Quantum Coast

March 10, 2025

Regional Leaders and Universities Convene to Advance Quantum and AI Education, Workforce Development

On March 6, 2025, Quantum Coast Capital participated in an insightful series of discussions hosted by the Business Development Board (BDB) of Palm Beach County, bringing together local educators, university presidents, technology leaders, and business executives. The event was designed to explore the growing importance of quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI) in education and workforce development, aligning with the United Nations’ declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.

Held at the BDB offices and later at The Ben with 150 community business leaders in West Palm Beach, the event began with a focused roundtable discussion among senior leaders and presidents from prominent South Florida educational institutions, including:

  • Florida Atlantic University
  • Palm Beach State College
  • Lynn University
  • Nova Southeastern University
  • Keiser University
  • Palm Beach Atlantic University
  • School District of Palm Beach County

The panel featured industry insights from Matt Cimaglia (Managing Partner, Quantum Coast Capital), Robert Loredo (Global Quantum Ambassador, IBM Quantum), and Marianna Bonanome (Head of AI Strategy and Partnerships, SandboxAQ).

Participants discussed strategies for embedding quantum science and AI topics into academic curricula, highlighting the need for South Florida’s educational institutions to actively prepare students for the evolving technology landscape. Robert Loredo from IBM Quantum described successful models for academic-industry collaboration already in place globally, emphasizing the potential benefits of similar partnerships in South Florida.

Marianna Bonanome of SandboxAQ shared examples of how quantum and AI technologies are already impacting critical sectors such as healthcare, cybersecurity, and finance, underscoring the importance of preparing a workforce skilled in both quantum science and AI-driven solutions.

Matt Cimaglia outlined why preparing students with future-ready skills in quantum computing and AI is crucial for South Florida’s continued economic growth, particularly given the region’s established presence in technology innovation and industry diversity. He highlighted the importance of educational institutions embracing these emerging fields to ensure graduates are prepared for future career opportunities.

“Palm Beach County stands at a critical juncture to educate, develop, and retain top quantum and AI talent right here in South Florida.” said Cimaglia, “By building a vibrant educational ecosystem and fostering industry collaboration, the region can ensure it becomes a global magnet for innovators who will shape tomorrow’s economy.” 

Kelly Smallridge, President and CEO of the BDB, reiterated the importance of early investment in educational initiatives around quantum and AI, stating: “South Florida has historically been a leader in technology innovation, including being home to pioneering developments from IBM. Now is the time to embed quantum and AI into our educational programs to build a skilled workforce that supports sustained economic growth for decades to come.”

Through these collaborative efforts, Palm Beach County aims to position itself prominently within the global quantum and AI conversation, fostering an environment where academia, industry, and community stakeholders work together to shape the next generation of talent. The vision for Palm Beach County is clear: to become a vibrant ecosystem known as America’s Quantum Coast, where education and industry converge to drive forward innovation and economic prosperity.

19 Feb 2025
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The Science Behind Microsoft’s Quantum Breakthrough: A Story Decades in the Making

February 19, 2025
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The Science Behind Microsoft’s Quantum Breakthrough: A Story Decades in the Making

For decades, quantum computing has existed at the edge of possibility—tantalizing yet just out of reach. The promise has always been clear: machines capable of solving problems that no classical computer ever could. The challenge has been equally daunting—creating qubits that are both stable and scalable enough to realize that vision.

This week, Microsoft made a bold claim that could shift expectations, unveiling Majorana 1, a quantum processing unit built on a topological core using a new class of materials called topoconductors. This marks not just a theoretical leap, but a tangible step forward in the real-world pursuit of fault-tolerant quantum computing.

As Microsoft notes in its newly published Nature paper (Read here), significant work remains to conclusively “determine whether the low-energy states detected by interferometry are topological.” However, the progress demonstrated here suggests that practical quantum machines could arrive not in decades, as once thought, but in just a few years.

For those deeply embedded in quantum research, this isn’t an overnight breakthrough—it’s the culmination of ideas first proposed more than two decades ago. At Quantum Coast Capital (QCC), we’ve long recognized the importance of foundational quantum research, and in many ways, Microsoft’s unveiling validates work that our Chief Science Officer, Dmitry Green, helped pioneer at the turn of the millennium.

In 2000, Green, alongside physicist Nick Read, published a paper in Physical Review B that fundamentally reshaped the way scientists think about quantum states. Their research on Majorana fermions in paired states of fermions in two dimensions provided a critical link between superconductivity and topology, demonstrating that a specific type of quantum particle—Majorana zero modes—could exist within a spinless p-wave superconductor. This was more than just an interesting theoretical exercise; it laid the groundwork for the idea that quantum information could be encoded in topological states of matter, offering a path toward qubits that were not only more robust but inherently resistant to errors. Their work has since been recognized as a milestone by the American Physical Society and has influenced some of the most important developments in quantum physics, including Alexei Kitaev’s model for Majorana fermions in one dimension, which later became the basis for experimental implementations, including in Microsoft’s recent release.

For years, the concept of topological qubits remained in the realm of theory, with researchers pushing forward on multiple fronts, from trapped-ion systems to superconducting circuits. The challenge has always been the same: scalability and error correction. Today’s quantum computers rely on fragile qubits that require constant error mitigation, limiting their ability to perform meaningful calculations. Microsoft’s announcement suggests they’ve found a way around that roadblock, developing a new class of topoconductors that allow for qubits that are smaller, more reliable, and capable of scaling toward the long-elusive million-qubit threshold.

To put that into perspective, we’re talking about a quantum chip smaller than a grain of rice with the potential to tackle computational problems that even the sum total of all classical computers on Earth couldn’t solve. The implications stretch across industries—materials science, pharmaceuticals, cybersecurity—any field where classical computing struggles to process the sheer complexity of data at a fundamental level.

Breakthroughs like this don’t appear out of thin air. They emerge from decades of rigorous, methodical research, from countless iterations and refinements, from a willingness to explore ideas long before they are commercially viable. That’s why at Quantum Coast Capital, we don’t just follow the news—we anticipate it. The understanding of fundamental physics within our firm, shaped by scientists like Dmitry Green, has allowed us to recognize real quantum potential versus the hype that so often surrounds emerging technologies.

Of course, there’s still a long road ahead. While Microsoft’s announcement is a major step forward, practical quantum computing is not a solved problem. Engineering a system that can operate at scale, integrate with existing computational frameworks, and deliver real-world advantages remains a challenge. But this milestone proves that the theoretical foundations laid decades ago are not just academic exercises—they are the blueprint for the quantum revolution that is unfolding.

This moment is a reminder that investing in deep science isn’t about quick returns; it’s about shaping the future. The questions now are no longer about whether quantum computing will change the world, but how soon—and who will be ready when it does.

06 Feb 2025
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Strengthening Global Collaboration in Quantum: Reflections from Paris

February 6, 2025

Earlier this week, Quantum Coast Capital had the privilege of joining Quantonation and a distinguished group of global quantum leaders in Paris for an insightful discussion on the future of ultra-secure quantum networks and distributed quantum computing.

Hosted at the historic Hôtel de Bourrienne, the event brought together pioneers from across the quantum ecosystem—venture capitalists, industry leaders, and technical experts—demonstrating the collective strength that fuels progress in this field.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Christophe Jurczak, Olivier Tonneau, and the entire Quantonation team for their warm welcome and for curating a program that highlighted both the advancements and challenges in scaling quantum technologies. Events like these are critical in fostering meaningful partnerships that bridge geographies, industries, and specializations.

Why Collaboration Matters More Than Ever

Quantum technology is inherently global—its impact will transcend industries, borders, and conventional computing paradigms. As we move through the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ 2025), the importance of cooperation between research institutions, startups, governments, and investors cannot be overstated.

At Quantum Coast Capital, we believe that driving innovation in quantum requires a collaborative effort—leveraging expertise, strategic insights, and partnerships to help scale quantum advancements from research to real-world applications.

Key Takeaways from the Event

The discussion featured insights from some of the most respected voices in quantum, including:

  • Christophe Jurczak, Partner, Quantonation
  • Matt Cimaglia, Founder & Managing Partner, Quantum Coast Capital
  • André M. König, CEO, Global Quantum Intelligence – Insights on Market Trends
  • Grégoire Ribordy, CEO & Co-Founder, ID Quantique
  • Johanna Sepulveda, Senior Expert Quantum Communication, Airbus
  • Julia Thiele, Go-To-Market Strategy Specialist for Quantum Computing, AWS
  • Tom Darras, CEO & Co-Founder, Welinq
  • Richard Murray, CEO & Co-Founder, Orca Computing
  • Kasia Balakier, Optical & Quantum Communications Technical Manager, ESA
  • Loïc Henriet, CEO, Pasqal

Each speaker brought unique perspectives on how to scale quantum networks, develop more secure quantum communication, and expand computing capabilities.

Looking Ahead

The conversations in Paris reinforced the urgency and opportunity in quantum technology. With IYQ 2025 officially underway, this year serves as a global platform to highlight quantum’s transformative potential while strengthening collaboration across the industry.

At Quantum Coast Capital, we remain committed to fostering the growth of the quantum ecosystem through strategic partnerships and industry engagement. By working together, we can help build the foundation for quantum technology’s long-term impact.

The momentum we build today will define the quantum future of tomorrow.

03 Feb 2025
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Pioneering Quantum Physicist Dmitry Green Joins Quantum Coast Capital to Drive Breakthrough Innovations

February 3, 2025

West Palm Beach, FL — February 3, 2025 — Quantum Coast Capital (QCC) is pleased to announce that Dmitry Green, PhD has joined the firm as Chief Science Officer and General Partner. With more than two decades of original research in quantum physics and extensive experience in financial strategy, Green brings an unmatched combination of expertise to QCC’s efforts to accelerate innovation and drive value in the rapidly evolving quantum technology sector.

Green is a recognized leader in quantum science, with a diverse research portfolio. Currently an adjunct professor at Boston University, his groundbreaking paper “Paired States of Fermions in Two Dimensions with Breaking of Parity and Time-Reversal Symmetries and the Fractional Quantum Hall Effect” has been recognized as a milestone by the American Physical Society and has garnered over 3,900 citations, serving as a a cornerstone in the study of topological quantum materials. His recent work on combinatorial gauge symmetry and superconducting wire networks, published in leading journals such as Physical Review Letters, is already helping catalyze developments in synthetic quantum matter.

In parallel with his academic achievements, Green has built a strong track record in the financial sector over 20+ years. While serving in a variety of leadership roles, such as Chief Risk Officer, he navigated complex risk environments within leading hedge funds and developed and executed advanced trading strategies to optimize portfolio performance.

“Dmitry is a visionary in quantum science and a proven leader in applying rigorous analysis to solve complex challenges,” said Matt Cimaglia, Founder & Managing Partner of QCC. “His unique mix of expertise aligns perfectly with our mission to identify, support, and scale the most promising technologies in the quantum space. Dmitry’s leadership will enhance our ability to deliver meaningful value to our investors and partners.”

Green’s arrival comes as QCC positions itself to lead the commercialization of quantum technologies, with a focus on scalable solutions that address real-world challenges.

“Quantum technology is in the midst of a dramatic acceleration in discovery and innovation that is both rare and tremendously exciting. It is emerging rapidly from theory to impact and will dramatically reshape markets and redefine the technological landscape,” Green said. “At Quantum Coast Capital, I am excited to combine my experience in both research and business to identify and develop the innovations that will drive this transformation. Financial markets constantly remind us that timing is everything. I believe that both the scientific and market conditions  for quantum are ideal and QCC is ideally positioned to capture that value.”  

Green’s appointment comes at a critical time, as the global focus on quantum innovation intensifies. The United Nations’ International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (2025) underscores the field’s potential to address complex challenges and create new opportunities across sectors. Learn more: quantum2025.org

In his role as Chief Science Officer and General Partner, Green will lead QCC’s scientific and technical due diligence, guide investments in high-impact technologies, and build strategic partnerships with leading innovators in academia and industry. His leadership will position QCC as a key player in the commercialization of quantum breakthroughs.

For more information about Quantum Coast Capital, visit quantumcoastcapital.com.

07 Jan 2025
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Quantum Coast Capital Welcomes Aerospace Trailblazer Dan Hart to Shape Quantum’s Next Leap Forward

January 7, 2025

Dan Hart, former CEO of Virgin Orbit and aerospace leader, has joined Quantum Coast Capital as Senior Advisor. Leveraging his engineering and strategic expertise, Hart will help guide QCC’s efforts to advance quantum technology during this transformative era.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Jan. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The race to harness the transformative potential of quantum technology mirrors the challenges and ambitions of the space race decades ago: both require unparalleled mental agility, strategic foresight, and bold leadership. Quantum Coast Capital (QCC) is excited to announce that Dan Hart, an aerospace veteran with decades of engineering and executive experience, has joined the firm as Senior Advisor to help guide its mission to shape the future of quantum innovation.

Throughout his distinguished career, Hart has demonstrated the leadership required to navigate complex technological landscapes. As CEO of Virgin Orbit, he spearheaded the development of a new space launch approach with the LauncherOne airlaunch system, overseeing successful satellite deployments. Before this, Hart spent more than three decades at Boeing leading teams across space launch, satellites, human spaceflight, and missile defense systems. His tenure culminated in the role of Vice President of Government Satellite Systems, where he managed marque space programs supporting NASA, the Department of Defense, and other national agencies. In 2022 Hart was recognized through his election into the National Academy of Engineering.

“Dan’s experience leading groundbreaking initiatives and his ability to solve complex challenges make him an incredible addition to Quantum Coast Capital,” said Matt Cimaglia, Founder & Managing Partner of QCC. “His leadership and strategic insight are exactly what we need to help guide quantum technology through its next phase of development and into real-world applications. We’re thrilled to have him on board.”

Just as space has changed our lives through ubiquitous communications, global navigation, and earth observation, the quantum revolution holds the promise of new transformative capabilities—unprecedented computational power, secure communication, and breakthroughs in sensing. Hart’s appointment highlights the parallels between these technological frontiers: they both demand the ability to think big, manage risks, and execute with precision.

“I’m honored to join Quantum Coast Capital at such a pivotal time for the quantum industry,” said Hart. “Much like our evolution into space, the development of quantum technology is an incredibly complex challenge, requiring collaboration, persistence, and a clear vision. I believe the principles of engineering and strategic leadership are universal and I’m eager to help QCC shape a future that quantum technologies will undoubtedly define.”

Hart’s addition to the team coincides with 2025 being declared the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (Quantum2025.org), further underscoring the global focus on this revolutionary field. QCC is dedicated to identifying and fostering innovation in areas such as quantum computing, quantum-secure communication systems, quantum sensors, and enabling infrastructure, bringing together the expertise and strategic direction necessary to advance these transformative technologies.

01 Jan 2025
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The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology: A Momentous Leap into the Future

January 1, 2025

International Year of Quantum Science and Technology: quantum2025.org

As we step into 2025, a monumental shift in the trajectory of human innovation is taking center stage. The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, declared by the United Nations, represents more than just a celebration of the past century’s quantum breakthroughs—it is a global acknowledgment of the transformative potential these technologies hold for the future.

Quantum science, with its roots in the early 20th century, began as a theoretical framework that redefined our understanding of reality. Pioneering physicists like Planck, Einstein, and Schrödinger introduced concepts that challenged classical physics, unveiling a world where particles could exist in multiple states simultaneously and become inexplicably intertwined across vast distances. For decades, these ideas were confined to laboratories and academic journals. Today, they are driving innovations that promise to reshape industries and societies alike.

The designation of 2025 as the International Year of Quantum is both a recognition of how far we’ve come and a rallying cry for what lies ahead. Over the past decade, quantum technology has transitioned from a nascent field to one poised to revolutionize everything from computing and communication to healthcare and artificial intelligence. In December 2024, Google unveiled its quantum chip, Willow, which demonstrated the capability to solve problems in mere minutes that would take classical supercomputers millions of years. This breakthrough underscores the profound possibilities that quantum computing can unlock, from optimizing supply chains to accelerating drug discovery.

But quantum’s impact isn’t limited to computing. In the field of communication, quantum key distribution is emerging as a game-changer for cybersecurity, offering encryption that is theoretically immune to hacking. In healthcare, quantum sensors are being developed with the potential to revolutionize medical imaging, providing unprecedented precision in diagnostics. Meanwhile, the intersection of quantum computing and artificial intelligence is opening doors to new forms of machine learning, enabling algorithms to tackle problems previously thought unsolvable.

The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology also highlights the importance of collaboration in this transformative era. Governments, academic institutions, and private organizations around the globe are working together to advance quantum research and infrastructure. From the European Union’s Quantum Flagship program to China’s rapid developments in quantum communication, the race to harness quantum technology is as collaborative as it is competitive. Initiatives like this year’s global observance aim to foster international partnerships, ensuring that the benefits of quantum innovations are accessible and equitable.

Yet, with this progress comes responsibility. As quantum technology disrupts existing systems, it raises critical questions about ethics, security, and accessibility. How do we ensure that quantum’s benefits are distributed fairly? What safeguards are needed to prevent its misuse? These are challenges that require foresight and collective action.

The year 2025 is not just a milestone for quantum science; it is a moment to reflect on the shared opportunities and challenges of building a quantum-powered future. As the world embraces this technological revolution, we stand on the brink of a new era—one where the boundaries of possibility are continuously redefined. The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology reminds us that this journey is not just about advancing technology but about shaping a better world for generations to come.

The future of quantum is here, and it’s one we will create together.