While quantum computers show great promise for the future, today’s processors are small and noisy – and this makes it very difficult to do meaningful quantum calculations right now. To address this problem, researchers are developing clever quantum algorithms that make the most out of the hardware that is available today.

Some of those algorithms are being developed by UK-based Phasecraft and the firm’s co-founder and chief technology officer is our guest in this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast. Toby Cubitt explains why the company is focusing on the development of quantum algorithms for calculating the properties of materials and how these algorithms can be run on today’s noisy hardware.

Cubitt also talks about career opportunities in quantum computing and explains why he believes that quantum computers could soon be solving scientifically relevant problems.