The Superposition Guy's Podcast Bert de Jong, Director of the Quantum Systems Accelerator (QSA) at Berkeley Lab
Sep 1, 2025
Bert de Jong, Director of the Quantum Systems Accelerator at Berkeley Lab, shares insights on cutting-edge quantum technologies. He discusses the integration of superconducting and trapped-ion systems, and the importance of error correction in quantum computing. Bert highlights unique strategies for overcoming cost and scaling challenges, and emphasizes the need for industry collaboration and workforce training starting in high schools. He believes significant scientific impacts from quantum computing are on the horizon, potentially within five years.
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Plan Quantum Integration With HPC Roadmaps
- NERSC plans to add a quantum component after the next Doudna-class supercomputer cycle.
- Engage early with vendor and research teams to define when, how, and what quantum integration is needed for HPC centers.
Parallel Development To Avoid Single-Path Risk
- The QSA develops superconducting, trapped-ion, and neutral-atom technologies in parallel to avoid locking into one path early.
- The center couples hardware development with applications and benchmarking to find realistic scientific use-cases.
Scientific Needs Lower Cost And Fidelity Thresholds
- Billion-dollar quantum systems become likely when ancillary infrastructure scales with qubits (lasers, electronics, photonics).
- DOE science problems often need far lower fidelity than crypto, reducing required system scale and cost.