Episode 120: Engineering Advantage: Quantum Accessibility with Daniel Volz

In Episode 120 of Entangled Things, Patrick and Ciprian are joined by Daniel Volz, Co-Founder and CEO of Kipu Quantum. Together, they explore how Kipu is tackling one of quantum computing’s biggest challenges: mapping real-world problems efficiently to the quantum realm. 

The conversation dives into making quantum advantage more accessible, the role of hardware-specific algorithms, and why cultivating a diverse talent pool is key to accelerating the field. 

Daniel Volz is co-founder and CEO of Kipu Quantum GmbH, a quantum computing startup with the mission to shorten the waiting time for industrial quantum advantage for end users by leveraging application- and hardware-specific algorithms.
 
Before, he gathered one-of-kind insights into the industrial user’s perspective on and needs for quantum computing solutions. Daniel served as a project lead with BASF SE, the world's largest chemical producer & chemical research company, working on the strategic impact of quantum computing and other corporate development related topics. Beyond chemicals, during his time as a senior consultant in McKinsey's Frankfurt office, he built up McKinsey's quantum computing capabilities and consulted clients in verticals such as chemicals, pharma, oil & gas, banking, automotive and electronics.
 
In his twenties, he spent more than eight years co-building a specialty chemicals start-up company as the first non-founder employee (hightech and electronic chemicals). During this journey, he mastered areas from R&D to managing projects and teams of various sizes. As team lead, he build up a chemistry lab and lead a diverse team of more than 20. He also tapped into product development and strategic marketing to reach market readiness for deep-blue TADF technology, which is commercialized in OLED displays to drastically decrease the power consumption of hand-held devices and enable better displays.
 
Daniel holds a PhD in chemistry from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology & the Karlsruhe School of Optics and photonics. He started his professional career as a freelance journalist on the mission to break down science into something reader's could enjoy with their morning coffee.