From Exascale to Quantum Advantage with Bert de Jong

In this episode, Sebastian Hassinger sits down with Bert de Jong, a leading computational chemist and Director of the Quantum Systems Accelerator at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. They explore Bert’s journey from high-performance classical computing to the front lines of quantum research, his vision for the future of the U.S. National Quantum Initiative (NQI) center he leads, and the scientific and engineering challenges that will define the next era of quantum computing.

Key Topics Covered

• Career Arc: Bert reflects on his 27-year career in the national lab system, moving from classical computational chemistry and HPC to becoming a leader in quantum computing research and center management.
• Genesis of Quantum Focus: He describes his pivot to quantum in 2014, prompted by the scaling limitations of classical simulations and the promise of quantum systems to tackle “bigger and bigger” problems.
• Role of National Labs and NQI: Discussion of the U.S. National Quantum Initiative and the unique positioning of national labs in driving foundational science and cross-sector collaboration through centers like QSA.
• QSA’s Multimodal Approach: Insight into QSA’s decision not to “choose a lane,” advancing superconducting qubits, trapped ions, and neutral atoms in parallel, and the unique innovations—like integrated photonics—enabled by this breadth.
• Neutral Atom Milestones: Highlights the rapid progress in neutral atom systems (including work with QuEra and Misha Lukin), and the looming advent of devices with dozens of logical qubits and error correction.
• Logical Qubits and Error Correction: Bert explains how all quantum modalities are advancing toward error-corrected logical qubits, and why 100-logical-qubit prototypes are a realistic five-year goal.
• Scientific Impact: A discussion of what constitutes “quantum (scientific) advantage,” and why Bert believes that chemistry, materials science, high-energy, and nuclear physics will be the first domains to benefit from quantum systems unavailable to classical computing.
• Balancing Science and Engineering: Exploration of the transition from fundamental scientific challenges to applied engineering problems as quantum hardware matures—touching on device manufacturing, integrated photonics, and the symbiosis between national labs and industry partners.
• Quantum Software Innovation: Bert’s perspective on bridging researcher expertise with usable tools, including his work on open-source quantum compilers (e.g., BQSKit/biscuit) and the importance of diverse, in- terdisciplinary teams.
• Looking Ahead: Bert’s vision for the next five years: transitioning quantum from promise to prototypes that deliver real scientific results, and solidifying a collaborative ecosystem across labs, universities, and industry.

Notable Quotes

• “HPC, quantum, and AI are all just tools—what matters is how we use them to solve real science problems.”
• “We’re at the point where error-corrected quantum prototypes with 100 logical qubits and high fidelity could deliver a true scientific advantage within five years.”
• “National labs bring together deep science, advanced engineering, and a culture of collaboration that’s essential at this stage of quantum’s development.”
• “Quantum advantage isn’t a buzzword for us—it’s about doing science that can’t be done any other way.”

Episode Highlights

• Bert’s transition from classical to quantum and the pivotal role of DOE research centers.
• How QSA’s cross-modality approach both accelerates hardware and fosters cross-institutional partnerships.
• A preview of upcoming neutral-atom milestones and why industry is watching closely.
• The importance of open standards and software that supports a rapidly diversifying hardware landscape.
• The public sector’s role in driving “over the horizon” technology, derisking pathways beyond what private startups can take on alone.
• Ambitious, concrete goals for the next five years: prototype quantum systems delivering early scientific wins, not just more research papers.

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