Ideas worth spreading

The promise of quantum computers

1,606,880 views | Matt Langione • TED@BCG

What if tiny microparticles could help us solve the world's biggest problems in a matter of minutes? That's the promise -- and magic -- of quantum computers, says Matt Langione. Speaking next to an actual IBM quantum computer, he explains how these machines solve complex challenges like developing vaccines and calculating financial risk in an entirely new way that's exponentially faster than the best supercomputers -- and shares why industries should prepare now for this new leap in computing.

What if tiny microparticles could help us solve the world's biggest problems in a matter of minutes? That's the promise -- and magic -- of quantum computers, says Matt Langione. Speaking next to an actual IBM quantum computer, he explains how these machines solve complex challenges like developing vaccines and calculating financial risk in an entirely new way that's exponentially faster than the best supercomputers -- and shares why industries should prepare now for this new leap in computing.

This talk was presented at a TED Institute event given in partnership with BCG. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about the TED Institute.

Build a program on a real quantum computer.

About the speaker

Quantum advocate

See speaker profile

BCG's Matt Langione is a partner in the firm's Boston office, where he brings research-intensive deep tech innovations to market.

Frank Ruess | BCG.com, 2018 | Article

"The Next Decade in Quantum Computing -- and How to Play"

A concise, plain-language introduction to "near term" quantum computers.

Matt Langione, Corban Tillemann-Dick, et al. | BCG.com, 2019 | Article

"Where Will Quantum Computers Create Value -- and When?"

An overview of where and when quantum computers will create value for businesses.

John Preskill | Cornell University, 2018 | Article

"Quantum Computing in the NISQ era and beyond"

Near term applications and prospects during the "Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum" (NISQ) era.

Scott Aaronson | Cambridge University Press, 2013 | Book

Quantum Computing Since Democritus

Zany, tangential but accessible introduction to the topic by one of its leading theoreticians.

Adam Becker | Basic Books, 2018 | Book

What Is Real?: The Unfinished Quest for the Meaning of Quantum Physics

An intellectual history of quantum physics and an accounting of its remaining mysteries.

Matt Langione, Jean-François Bobier, et al. | BCG.com, 2019 | Article

"Will Quantum Computing Transform Biopharma R&D?"

About TED Institute

Every year, TED works with a group of select companies and foundations to identify internal ideators, inventors, connectors, and creators. Drawing on the same rigorous regimen that has prepared speakers for the TED main stage, TED Institute works closely with each partner, overseeing curation and providing intensive one-on-one talk development to sharpen and fine tune ideas. The culmination is an event produced, recorded, and hosted by TED, generating a growing library of valuable TED Talks that can spur innovation and transform organizations.

Read more about the TED Institute

This talk was presented at a TED Institute event given in partnership with BCG. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about the TED Institute.

Build a program on a real quantum computer.