Michelle Simmons on Silicon Quantum Computing: Atomic Qubits, AI and Scaling Quantum Hardware

In this episode of Time to Talk Quantum (TTQ), recorded at Founders Forum Global, Firgun Ventures co-founder Dr Kris Naudts speaks with Professor Michelle Simmons, Founder and CEO of Silicon Quantum Computing, about her journey from fundamental physics to building a commercially focused quantum computing company. Michelle reflects on her early interest in understanding how things work, her studies at Durham University and her seven years at Cambridge’s Cavendish Laboratory, before moving to Australia with the ambition of building a quantum computer in silicon. She explains why the quality, stability and reproducibility of materials are essential when creating quantum devices at the atomic scale. The discussion explores Silicon Quantum Computing’s approach to building quantum processors using silicon and how it compares with superconducting technologies pursued by many of the world’s largest technology companies. Michelle discusses the company’s ability to design, build and test a chip in as little as one week, compared with traditional foundry timelines of 16 to 40 weeks, alongside its work developing extremely dense qubit registers. Together they examine the transition from scientific breakthrough to commercial reality, including customer demand, revenue and interest from organisations such as DARPA. Michelle also shares how the company reduced a deep-learning training process from three weeks to two days and discusses the role quantum hardware could play in the next generation of computing. The conversation also covers leadership, talent and purpose in quantum and AI, as well as what it takes to build an ambitious technology company capable of competing on the global stage. About the guest: Professor Michelle Simmons is the Founder and CEO of Silicon Quantum Computing, which she established in 2017. A globally recognised pioneer in atomic electronics and silicon-based quantum computing, she has led the development of technologies that enable electronic devices to be created with atomic precision. Michelle was named Australian of the Year in 2018 and has received numerous international honours for her contributions to science and quantum technology. This episode was recorded at Founders Forum Global. This podcast is brought to you by Firgun Ventures. Content advisory: Time to Talk Quantum explores the intersections between quantum technology and AI, health, finance, defence and art. Some discussions may cover sensitive or technical subjects related to cybersecurity, global security, geopolitics or emerging technologies. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, scientific or medical advice.