Approved for 3 CompTIA CEUs: A+
Quantum computing is a new model of computing, one that uses quantum mechanical effects to improve computational speed and power. Strong theoretical proofs show that, when certain engineering challenges are overcome, quantum devices can do amazing things. Quantum devices should be able to model chemical and molecular physics in ways that are impossible today, create proven guarantees of secure encryption, and crack current, RSA-based, encryption. Many other advances in the fields of cryptography, artificial intelligence, and optimization are also possible.
However, current devices are still significantly limited. Today, we have so-called "NISQ" (Noisy, Intermediate-Scale Quantum) devices. These devices are currently being produced by leading tech companies, like IBM, Google, and Microsoft, and innovative start-ups, including Rigetti and D-Wave.
While the exact capabilities of these devices is unclear, their very existence highlights how important it is for government agencies and institutions to prepare for the consequences and implications of quantum computing. Over the next few decades, it is expected that quantum devices will get steadily larger and more powerful, and the countries and organizations not prepared to use them to their fullest will be left behind.
In this half-day tutorial, we will discuss the high-level capabilities and implications of quantum computing and quantum communication, explore major governmental and commercial players (both domestic and international), and provide a baseline of information to make informed decisions about quantum information. Appropriate for decision makers and managers with minimal technical background.