Advancing Quantum Algorithms for Real-World Impact

Topic: Advancing Quantum Algorithms for Real-World Impact

Summary:
Quantum computing is progressing steadily, yet today’s hardware and algorithms remain limited in their ability to solve real-world problems beyond the reach of classical systems. While much of quantum algorithm development has remained theoretical, there is growing urgency to translate these ideas into practical applications. Promising areas include molecular and materials simulation, solving classical differential equations, quantum machine learning, and optimization—each offering potential breakthroughs in drug discovery, sustainable energy, and climate resilience. This talk highlights current research directions, challenges, and pathways to real-world impact. It will also feature insights from the XPRIZE Quantum Applications competition, which incentivizes teams worldwide to develop quantum algorithms demonstrating a clear quantum advantage in solving global challenges.

Dr. Kathrin Spendier is the Technical Prize Director for the XPRIZE Quantum Applications competition. Previously, she served as Quantum Computing Technology Evangelist at Quantinuum, where she led North American outreach for the TKET SDK. Before that, she was Associate Professor of Physics and Director of Research Programs at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. She holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of New Mexico. Kathrin is passionate about advancing the quantum ecosystem and enabling researchers to translate theory into breakthrough quantum applications.

Facilitator: Dr. Sebastian Zajac, member of QPoland