365-1181-00L Introduction to Quantum Computing: Current Challenges and Business Insights
| Semester | Autumn Semester 2023 |
| Lecturers | B. J. Bergmann, P. Kammerlander |
| Periodicity | yearly recurring course |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Comment | Exclusively for MAS MTEC students (1st and 3rd semester). |
| Abstract | In recent years quantum computing has become one of the most talked-about technological promises yet it is still often misunderstood. This 2-day course will give you an introduction to the basic principles of quantum computing and related technologies with lectures from both academic experts and business leaders. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | After taking this course, students will - have a basic, pragmatic, and practical understanding of quantum computing: how it works, what makes it different from classical computing, what kinds of problems it may be useful for, and what kinds of problems it won’t be useful for - be able to judge the real-world impact of quantum computing today and in the coming years, as well as the challenges and opportunities it poses with respect to data security, simulation of complex systems, optimization problems, and AI/ML, to name a few examples - be able to name and explain on a high level other quantum technologies (besides quantum computing) that may have a significant impact on the market, now or in the future - be able to explain examples of business models in the area of quantum technology - have had hands-on experience from working at challenges in developing business models in the quantum technology sector - have had the chance to network and facilitate contacts with companies and experts at local research institutions and players in the local quantum technologies network | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | Quantum computing is a type of computing that uses quantum mechanics principles, such as superposition and entanglement, to process information. Unlike classical computers, which store information in bits (either 0 or 1), quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously. However, quantum computing is still in its early stages of development and faces significant challenges, such as maintaining the stability of qubits and minimizing errors due to environmental noise. On day 1 of the 2-day course there will be introductory lectures to quantum computing and related quantum technologies such as quantum communication, quantum sensing, and quantum simulation by experts from academia. You will get an overview of Quantum mechanics, quantum computing algorithms as well as quantum hardware. In addition, we will offer lab tours where state-of-the-art quantum computing equipment can be seen in action, presented by scientists doing cutting-edge research at ETH Zurich. Guest lectures from Swiss businesses in the field of quantum technologies will share their view on the current and future market and present their companies’ histories, strategies, and goals. Together we will discuss some of the current challenges facing quantum computing as well as potential future directions for research and development in this field. On day 2, further guest lectures will present challenges on which the students can work in teams, followed by a final round of presentations and feedback. The students will benefit from first-hand insights by experts in the field with diverse backgrounds (academic, startup, business, industrial). Grading (ungraded semester performance) is based on active participation on both days. | |||||||||||||||||||||
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