In this episode, Anders Indset speaks with John Martinis, Nobel Prize–winning physicist (Nobel Prize in Physics, 2025) and one of the key architects of modern quantum computing, recorded at the World Economic Forum in Davos
Martinis reflects on his journey from early superconducting qubit experiments to the landmark quantum supremacy breakthrough at Google, and explains why building a scalable quantum computer is ultimately a systems-engineering challenge where manufacturability matters as much as physics. He shares his perspective on how quantum computing will complement classical computing and AI, why meaningful economic impact will take time, and why progress is likely to be slower—but ultimately deeper—than today’s hype suggests.
A focused and personal conversation with one of the scientists who helped turn quantum computing from theory into reality.
Episode breakdown:
00:00 Introduction
00:59 Quantum Supremacy
03:57 Engineer vs. Physicist
07:17 The Feynman Moment
11:16 Scaling Quantum Computing
20:42 From Academia to Industry
28:53 Economics of Quantum36:52 Where the Real Synergies Lie39:36 Consciousness, Language & the Limits of Computation
55:22 Why Progress Still Matters
About John Martinis
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-martinis-5856911a6/ https://www.physics.ucsb.edu/people/john-martinis
About Anders Indset
Anders Indset is the world’s leading business philosophers and the author of seven international bestsellers. With recent works such as Ex Machina – The God Experiment and The Singularity Paradox: Bridging the Gap Between Humanity and AI, his thought leadership has expanded far beyond economics and classical philosophy – earning him recognition from leading scientists and technologists, including prominent physicists. As the founder of tomorrowmensch, he invests in breakthrough science and technologies and convenes leading thinkers, investors, and entrepreneurs shaping the future.
NEW BOOK:The Quantum Economy https://andersindset.com/shop/The-Quantum-Economy-p803754261
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersindset/
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