Three technologies – quantum computing, reusable space rockets and nuclear fusion – could change the trajectory of human progress. Investment manager Luke Ward explains how a trio of private companies are bringing them closer to fruition.

Background:

Luke Ward is an investment manager in Baillie Gifford’s Private Companies Team and recently became co-manager of the Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trust.

In this episode of Short Briefings…, he discusses three companies developing groundbreaking technologies and building innovative businesses as they do so:

PsiQuantum, which aims to create the world’s first useful quantum computers
SpaceX, which is well on its way to developing the first fully reusable space rocket, with a view to ultimately transporting people to Mars
SHINE Technologies, which is commercialising applications of nuclear fusion on the path to delivering a clean and safe energy source for the future

Among the topics Ward covers are how photon-based quantum computers could drive progress in agriculture and batteries, among other industries. He also discusses how the Starlink satellite broadband provides a stepping stone to SpaceX’s larger ambitions. And he explains how SHINE’s work on detecting flaws in mission-critical aerospace components and making a new cancer treatment possible bring it closer to harnessing the reaction that powers the sun.