The Rise of Open Source Technology

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Open source technology, particularly in the case of Linux, has been historically integral to the functioning of the web despite early demonization by corporations. While AI groups have experienced waves of being open and closed, the field of quantum computing remains relatively open due to early adoption and the recognition of the importance of accessibility in programming toolkits. Hardware vendors in the quantum realm are focused on making their toolkits accessible while keeping core IP proprietary. The open source community is crucial in advancing quantum technology even as stakeholders aim to monopolize parts of the value chain in anticipation of the evolution of quantum computers.

Dr. William Zeng is founder and President of the Unitary Fund, a non-profit dedicated to developing the quantum ecosystem to benefit the most people. He previously led initial development of Rigetti Computing’s quantum cloud platform, and is co-inventor of the Quil quantum instruction language. He was named to Forbes’ 30 under 30 in the Science category for his work on quantum computing. Dr. William was one of the first recipients of an O’Shaughnessy Fellowship, which is a one-year program for ambitious people who want to build something great. Fellows receive a $100,000 grant and access to OSV’s network of founders, investors and experts to support them in bringing their projects to life. Dr. William is using his fellowship grant to study how emerging quantum technologies can explore foundational questions in quantum mechanics. Important Links:

Show Notes:

An introduction to quantum computing
Regular computers vs quantum computers
The impact of simulating quantum systems
How quantum computing can transform risk analysis
What does a quantum world look like?
Encryption & risk
The benefits of an open-source ecosystem
Wigner’s Friend experiments, agency & objective reality
"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”
“Technology is an integration of body and mind”
The laws of physics
What’s next?
MORE!

Books Mentioned:

How the Hippies Saved Physics: Science, Counterculture, and the Quantum Revival
The science fiction of Greg Egan
The Beginning of Infinity: Explanations That Transform the World; by David Deutsch
Historical Ontology; by Ian Hacking