Quantum computing's has the world's attention, as investors turn a curious eye toward one of the semiconductor industry's most difficult-to-understand new trends.

This is a completely different approach to computing that is built upon quantum physics principles like superposition and entanglement. Because of its different architecture and design, quantum computers can solve incredibly complex problems in a fraction of the time it would take for classical computers.

Companies have been fascinated by this concept for decades. Large enterprises like IBM (NYSE: IBM) and Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) have pledged tens of millions of dollars and several years of fundamental in their attempt to build a useful quantum computer.

But we're now also seeing smaller companies join the race as well. IonQ is crashing into the public markets via a SPAC merger, and Honeywell (Nasdaq: HON) is spinning off its quantum group into a SPAC of its own. There's now a publicly-traded Quantum Computing ETF, and venture capitalists continue to pour money into entirely new approaches.

The advantages of quantum could be incredible. A commercially-available, useful quantum computer would disrupt many industries. Materials companies could perfect their design of new superconductors. Logistics or travel companies could optimize their global fleets. Drug makers could use simulations to create new synthetic molecules.

But there are concerns about quantum that are raising a few eyebrows as well. Several of the soon-to-be-public quantum companies have hardly any revenue, yet their multi-billion-dollar valuations have led some to believe there are too many expectations already baked in. There are geopolitical concerns as well, as an international arms race to reach Quantum Supremacy could challenge the internet's existing cryptography measures or even sovereign security.

There's a lot going on right now. And there's a lot more at stake than just bragging rights that awaits those who claim and who use the world's fastest computers.

So what should investors make of this new quantum race? Is quantum indeed about to disrupt everything? Or are some investing expectations still out of touch with reality?

To answer those questions, we've brought in a quantum expert. Whurley is an international legend in the software development world.

After working in R&D at Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) and then as a Master Inventor at IBM, whurley went on to found and run several startups that innovated the fields of security, open source software, and even FinTech. He has 11 patents, has co-authored two books, and even personally hosted former President Barack Obama at Austin's SXSW conference. Now as the founder & CEO of Strangeworks, he is developing a software development tools that will help companies define their business problems and then harness the power of quantum computing to solve them.

In this exclusive interview, 7investing CEO Simon Erickson chats with whurley about where the quantum computing industry currently stands. They describe what will drive its future adoption and in what applications it will serve most useful. They also discuss the recent popularity of quantum SPACs and where there could be opportunities for investors.

The two then shift gears a bit, and whurley describes why open-source will continue to be the key for future software development. He also shares his thoughts about what's in store for cybersecurity and his expectations for virtual reality.

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