QUICK SUMMARY
Leslie Shannon, Nokia’s Head of Trend and Innovation Scouting, provides an overview of quantum computing fundamentals, its current state, and potential business implications. She explains how quantum differs from AI by performing complex calculations rather than approximating results, highlighting that while quantum computing is still 8-30 years from widespread use, its security implications require immediate attention. The session emphasizes that organizations should begin exploring quantum applications in their industries now, particularly focusing on quantum security to prepare for “Q-Day” when quantum computers will be able to break current encryption standards.
KEY QUOTES
- “The key thing about AI is it’s an approximator. It’s approximating the output of complex calculations. What quantum is doing is performing the complex calculations that cannot be done that go beyond what classical computing is capable of.”
- “Google’s Willow computer with only 105 qubits solved in five minutes a problem that classical computing would’ve taken septillion years to solve – that’s the kind of orders of magnitude difference between classical computing and quantum computing and why so many people are pursuing this when it looks so hard.”
- “The problem is that when RSA is breakable, and that’s called Q day, there are bad actors now who are playing a ‘harvest now decrypt later’ game. This is actually the main thing that I want to convey to you all – why it’s important to be aware of Quantum now.”
FULL SESSION SUMMARY
Introduction to Nokia and Bell Labs
Leslie Shannon introduced herself as Nokia’s Head of Trend and Innovation Scouting, clarifying that while Nokia sold its phone business, it remains one of the top network equipment vendors globally with $24 billion in revenue and 85,000 employees. She explained that Nokia acquired Alcatel-Lucent in 2017, which included Bell Labs (celebrating its 100th anniversary), positioning Nokia at the forefront of both quantum computing and AI research.
Nokia’s Approach to AI
Before diving into quantum computing, Shannon shared Nokia’s unique approach to AI implementation:
- A policy never to use AI-generated code in patent filings or products sold to customers (to avoid litigation risks)
- A promise to employees that no one will be fired and replaced by AI, encouraging them to experiment with AI tools to enhance their work
- Development of Nokia GPT, an internal tool that allows employees to toggle between external internet data and Nokia’s intranet, with the ability to select from multiple AI models based on specific needs
Understanding Quantum vs. AI
Shannon explained the fundamental difference between AI and quantum computing: AI approximates outputs of complex calculations, while quantum computing performs complex calculations beyond classical computing capabilities. She described quantum computing as “starting with a bunch of pixels and ending up with the shape of a cat” versus “the hard math that it takes to model a protein.”
Quantum Fundamentals
The presentation covered three key characteristics of quantum computing:
- Qubits: Unlike classical bits (0 or 1), qubits have three dimensions and can represent a vast range of values
- Entanglement: Quantum particles can be connected regardless of distance, allowing large numbers of qubits to work together
- Superposition: Quantum particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously until measured (like Schrödinger’s cat)
Shannon explained that Bell Labs is focusing on four main quantum areas: computing, security, networking, and sensing.
Current State of Quantum Computing
Shannon provided a reality check on quantum computing’s current limitations:
- High error rates (qubits only hold values for milliseconds)
- Limited entanglement capabilities
- Scaling challenges (many quantum computers require temperatures near absolute zero)
She referenced Google’s Willow computer with 105 qubits, which recently solved a problem in minutes that would take classical computers septillion years, demonstrating quantum’s potential despite being far from broadly useful applications.
Quantum Applications and Timeline
Shannon shared that quantum computing could revolutionize:
- Fertilizer production (modeling complex molecules)
- Pharmaceuticals
- Logistics
- Finance
- Material science
- Telecommunications
However, she emphasized that widespread quantum computing applications are likely 8-30 years away, with scientists’ estimates ranging from 2028 to 2053.
Quantum Security Concerns
The most urgent aspect Shannon highlighted was quantum security. Current asymmetric encryption (RSA) used for authentication will be easily broken by quantum computers. While the timeline for this “Q-Day” varies widely (5-30 years), she warned that malicious actors are already harvesting encrypted data to decrypt later when quantum capabilities mature.
Quantum Networking and Sensing
Shannon briefly covered quantum networking, noting that quantum-enhanced photons could carry up to 14.5 bits of information versus just one in current fiber optics. She also described quantum sensing applications, including portable quantum clocks that could enable GPS without satellites and nitrogen vacancies in diamond (NVD) that create ultra-sensitive magnets capable of determining location from Earth’s magnetic field.
Q&A Session
The Q&A addressed questions about cryptocurrency security, the difference between probabilistic AI and deterministic quantum computing, and verification of quantum computing results. Shannon also addressed the timeline for reaching the 2,000+ qubits needed for transformative applications.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Quantum computing fundamentally differs from AI by performing complex calculations rather than approximating results, enabling solutions to problems classical computing cannot solve.
- While widespread quantum computing applications are 8-30 years away, organizations should begin exploring potential applications now, particularly in chemistry, physics, pharmaceuticals, logistics, finance, and material science.
- Quantum security threats are imminent – organizations should immediately assess their encryption vulnerabilities and begin implementing quantum-resistant security measures to protect against “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks.
- Quantum sensing offers revolutionary applications like portable quantum clocks and ultra-sensitive magnetic sensors that could transform navigation, medical imaging, and other fields requiring precise measurements.
- Organizations should adopt a dual approach: prepare for quantum security threats in the near term while exploring longer-term quantum computing applications relevant to their industry.
DELIVERY ON EVENT FOCUS: Aligning Innovation with Business Strategy
The session aligned innovation with business strategy by emphasizing practical quantum applications and timelines rather than theoretical possibilities. Shannon provided clear guidance on which quantum technologies will impact businesses first (security) and which will take longer to mature (computing applications). This approach helps innovation leaders prioritize quantum initiatives based on business risk and opportunity timelines, ensuring resources are allocated strategically rather than chasing quantum for its novelty alone.
DELIVERY ON EVENT THEME: Harvesting Innovation and Sowing the Seeds of Future Growth
Shannon’s presentation balanced immediate concerns (quantum security) with long-term opportunities (quantum computing applications), perfectly embodying the “harvesting and sowing” theme. By highlighting Nokia’s approach to AI implementation alongside quantum’s future potential, she demonstrated how organizations can harvest current technologies while preparing for future quantum breakthroughs. The session provided both tactical security considerations for immediate action and strategic quantum application areas for future growth.
ACTION ITEMS FOR INNOVATION EXPERTS & CORPORATE CHANGEMAKERS
- Assess Quantum Security Vulnerabilities
- Audit your organization’s encryption protocols, particularly asymmetric encryption used for authentication
- Identify critical data that could be vulnerable to “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks
- Begin researching and implementing quantum-resistant encryption standards
- Develop Quantum Awareness Programs
- Create educational initiatives to help technical and business leaders understand quantum fundamentals
- Monitor quantum computing milestones (like Google’s Willow achievement) to track progress toward Q-Day
- Establish a quantum advisory team to interpret developments for your organization
- Identify Industry-Specific Quantum Opportunities
- Map complex computational problems in your industry that quantum could potentially solve
- For chemistry/pharmaceutical companies: identify molecules that could benefit from quantum modeling
- For logistics/finance: identify optimization problems beyond classical computing capabilities
- Explore Quantum Sensing Applications
- Investigate how ultra-sensitive quantum sensors could enhance your products or operations
- Consider partnerships with research institutions working on quantum sensing technologies
- Prototype early applications that could benefit from improved magnetic or gravitational sensing
- Establish Quantum Readiness Roadmap
- Create a tiered approach to quantum adoption based on technology maturity
- Prioritize quantum security measures in the near term (1-3 years)
- Develop medium-term plans for quantum sensing applications (3-8 years)
- Position for quantum computing advantages in the long term (8-30 years)