Quantum Computing Recommended Reads & Videos for 2020

Season holidays are coming! This is the perfect moment to learn more about the wonderful world of quantum computing.

 For curious generalists

• Understanding Quantum Computers from Keio University is among the best free online courses. The videos are clear and pedagogic, with a step-by-step learning approach that consolidates learnings as you progress. All key aspects are covered from physics to use cases to algorithms to technologies.
• Dancing with Qubits from Bob Sutor (IBM) is a comprehensive book that just came out end of November. Definitively the best way to get started if you prefer or require the book format!
• Seth Lloyd's keynote at Quantum.Tech packs history and perspectives for quantum computing in just 30 minutes, with humor! Seth's significant role at the inception of quantum makes his viewpoint extremely insightful.
• Genius: The Life and Science of Richard Feynman from James Gleick describes the life of Richard Feynman, a personal hero and one of the fathers of quantum computing. Richard Feynman’s story mirrors the development of quantum theory in the 20th century - he was the youngest group leader developing the atom bomb in Los Alamos. Feynman introduced quantum computers to better understand nature in 1981. Only later in 1994, Shor’s algorithm demonstrated they also could be used in broader algebraic problems. If we have to thank Shor for greatly accelerating interest & funding in quantum computers (notably from the spy agencies), Feynman’s original intuition still offers the most potential for humanity – from climate change to curing diseases.

For advanced readers

• Programming Quantum Computers from O’Reilly is a practical step-by-step book about quantum computers software, introducing the concepts of qubits, gates, reversibility and complex algebra with many simple yet powerful program snippets.
• Quantum computing for Computer Scientists from Microsoft Research introduces the same concepts in a comprehensive video of less than 2 hours. Highly recommended for a quick content-packed introduction, beware at mid-point the presenter switches gears you need to be ready!
• Six Impossible Things from MIT Press explores the 6 differents meanings and interpretations of the quantum equations. While metaphysical is essence, it helps understand the weird properties of quantum physics that power quantum computers. I love the double slit experiment because it's so powerful.
• Why we need a computer computer for chemistry? is a short video explaining how quantum computer model molecules naturally.

For business-minded readers

We can’t recommend enough our selected own reports.

• The Next Decade in Quantum Computing is still after one year the most authoritative read to understand the quantum computing industry and key trends shaping the next decade.
• Where Will Quantum Computers Create Value—and When? predicts the most valuable business use cases and impacted industries.
• Will Quantum Computing Transform Biopharma R&D? explores Feynman’s quantum chemistry applications to biopharma drug discovery.
• We have Quantum Supremacy - now what? WebSummit keynote from Philipp Gerbert examines the implications of Google's quantum supremacy milestone.
• A Quantum Advantage in Fighting Climate Change identifies the most promising use cases to reduce CO2 emissions with quantum computers and what governments and companies should do to accelerate their introduction.

We would like to extend our very best wishes to you and your family for a happy holiday season and hope that 2020 brings you peace, health, prosperity and exciting developments in quantum technologies!