When Frank La Vigne and I started Impact Quantum, we wanted to go beyond the buzzwords and explore how quantum technology is shaping the world. Few people embody that mission better than Dr. Bert de Jong from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
On Episode 14; Dr. de Jong isn’t interested in quantum computing for quantum’s sake. His work is about applying quantum tools to real-world scientific problems—from chemical reactions to material discovery. In our conversation, one thing became abundantly clear: purpose-driven quantum research isn’t optional—it’s essential.
One of the most powerful takeaways? Quantum success isn’t just about the number of qubits. Bert emphasized that we need a trustworthy and scalable “stack”—from hardware to software to application frameworks. And trust is a big word here. In quantum, where results can be hard to reproduce, verification and validation are everything. Without confidence in our outcomes, we can’t build anything meaningful on top.
Another insight that stuck with me was Bert’s emphasis on collaboration over competition. He spoke to the importance of open science and global cooperation—especially as different countries pour funding into quantum initiatives. Whether it’s sharing data, benchmarking tools, or standardizing APIs, progress will depend on how willing we are to build together.
For learners, researchers, and quantum-curious folks, Bert had a clear message: Don’t skip the fundamentals. Develop a deep understanding of classical computational science. Learn chemistry, physics, and computer science in equal parts. This isn’t about jumping into the latest quantum library—it’s about having the foundation to make those tools meaningful.
And finally, there was a refreshing realism in Bert’s approach. He doesn’t promise quantum will change everything tomorrow. But he’s also not here for the hype. What matters most to him—and now to me—is that quantum research stays aligned with impact. Real science. Real people. Real needs.
If we’re going to build a future with quantum, we have to ask: What is it for?
Dr. de Jong answered that clearly—to solve the problems that matter.
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