Quantum Computing: Separating Signal from Noise

Understand what quantum computing actually is, what it's good for, and how to start preparing for its impact on your industry.

Quantum computing is one of the most talked-about technologies of the decade, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood. Headlines swing between breathless hype and premature dismissal, making it difficult for technical professionals and business leaders to form a clear picture of where the technology actually stands and what it means for them.

In this session, Sebastian Hassinger — author of The New Quantum Era and former AWS Quantum Technologies GTM lead and IBM Quantum Business Development lead — cuts through the noise to explain how quantum computers work, what classes of problems they're suited to solve, and where the technology is on its path from research to real-world impact. We'll explore the science without requiring a physics degree, examine the industries most likely to be affected first, and discuss what "getting quantum ready" actually looks like in practice.

Topics covered include:

• What quantum computing is and how it differs from classical computing
• The core concepts — superposition, entanglement, and interference — explained in plain language
• Which problems quantum computers are (and aren't) well suited to solve
• The current state of quantum hardware and the road to practical advantage
• Real-world use cases in chemistry, materials science, optimization, cryptography, and machine learning
• How to separate genuine progress from marketing hype
• What "quantum ready" means for engineers, architects, and technology leaders
• The talent and skills landscape — where quantum meets classical software development
• How organizations are preparing today without waiting for fault-tolerant machines

By the end of this session, you'll be able to explain the fundamentals of quantum computing to a technical audience, identify which problems in your domain might benefit from quantum approaches, evaluate quantum computing claims and announcements with a critical eye, and understand the practical steps you can take now to build quantum literacy within your team or organization.

Whether you're a software engineer curious about what comes after classical, a technical leader assessing emerging technology risk, or simply someone who wants to understand quantum computing beyond the buzzwords, this session will give you a grounded, honest view of where the technology stands and where it's headed.