Quantum Impact: Navigating the Startup Landscape

In this episode, host Dr. Celia Merzbacher, executive director of QED-C, sits down with Matthew Kinsella, CEO of Infleqtion, for a conversation on the realities of building and scaling a quantum technology company. Kinsella shares his path from the investment world into quantum, tracing how early exposure to the UK Quantum Initiative, time at Y Combinator, and a meeting with Infleqtion founder Dana Anderson ultimately led him to help launch commercialization efforts around neutral-atom technology in 2018 before stepping into the CEO role in 2024. The discussion explores the difference between evaluating companies as an investor and leading one as an operator, with Kinsella reflecting on the constant demands of culture, strategy, fundraising, hiring, and storytelling. He also explains what makes quantum distinct from other deep tech sectors, emphasizing the importance of balancing long-term computing ambitions with near-term commercial applications. Along the way, Kinsella offers practical advice for founders navigating emerging markets, including how to communicate value beyond technical detail, why startups should carefully evaluate potential investors, and the risks around commercialization and sustained fundraising that are often underestimated in deep tech. Been There, Done That is produced by Association Briefings.   Show notes Matthew Kinsella is the Chief Executive Officer of Infleqtion. Before joining Infleqtion, Kinsella was Managing Director at Maverick Ventures, a venture capital fund focused on early and growth-stage investments. During his tenure, which spanned nearly two decades, he partnered with many world-class entrepreneurs and had several successful exits. Matt loves helping scale high growth companies. He was the first investor in Infleqtion in 2018 and has been on the board ever since. He joined the company full time as CEO in April, 2024.

In this episode, host Dr. Celia Merzbacher, Executive Director of QED-C, sits down with Alex Shih, head of product at Q-CTRL, to talk about what it takes to build products in an emerging field like quantum technology. At the center of the conversation is a key tension: balancing breakthrough innovation with real customer needs. Alex shares how successful product strategy in deep tech requires meeting users where they are, reducing friction, and co-creating solutions alongside partners rather than building in isolation. They also explore how product teams operate in uncertain, fast-moving environments—continuously iterating as markets evolve and defining success in real time. Alex breaks down the role of a product manager, from evaluating what’s worth building to ensuring it delivers value, and highlights leadership practices that keep teams aligned and adaptable.   Been There, Done That is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Dr. Celia Merzbacher, Executive Director of QED-C, sits down with Niels Bultink, co-founder and CEO of Qblox, to explore the path from academic research to entrepreneurship in the quantum technology sector. Niels shares how Qblox was founded to address a critical need in the quantum stack: scalable, high-performance control electronics for quantum computers. The conversation walks through the realities of building a deep-tech startup, including navigating intellectual property, moving from concept to product, and securing early customers. Niels also discusses Qblox’s approach to growth, from international expansion to balancing long-term technological vision with near-term business demands. Niels offers practical advice for researchers considering entrepreneurship and provides perspective on the evolving timeline for practical, real-world quantum computing applications.   Been There, Done That is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Dr. Celia Merzbacher, Executive Director of QED-C, sits down with Yuval Boger, Chief Commercial Officer of QuEra Computing, to talk about what it takes to turn quantum computing from a groundbreaking scientific achievement into a viable commercial product. Yuval reflects on his career across multiple frontier technologies—including virtual reality and wireless power—and how those experiences inform his work in quantum today. They discuss the challenges of building quantum hardware and software, the delicate balance between scientific discovery and engineering discipline, and the importance of educating prospective customers and investors in a still-emerging market. Yuval also underscores the value of strong academic collaborations. He closes with practical guidance for deep-tech entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of getting out into the field, listening to customers, and engaging directly with the market. Been There, Done That is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Dr. Celia Merzbacher, Executive Director of QED-C, sits down with Marc Smith, General Manager of Amphenol XMA, for an inside look at how a legacy company has evolved to meet the needs of the quantum era. Marc traces XMA’s origins, their transition into the quantum market, and the lessons learned as they scaled production to support rapidly growing demand. He also reflects on the advantages and challenges that came with joining Amphenol—from access to new technologies and global markets to the realities of integrating into a larger organization. The conversation delves into the fast-moving quantum ecosystem, how XMA stays responsive to customer needs, and the importance of strong partnerships between industry and government. Marc also shares candid thoughts on balancing leadership, innovation, and personal well-being while staying energized by the work ahead.   Been There, Done That is produced by Association Briefings.

In the season two premiere of Been There, Done That, host Dr. Celia Merzbacher, Executive Director of QED-C, welcomes Dr. Nicholas Harrigan of NVIDIA for a conversation on the fast-changing world of quantum computing. Dr. Harrigan reflects on his academic path and career journey, while also sharing NVIDIA’s vision for the field, including efforts to integrate quantum processors into supercomputing environments and to foster collaboration across hardware, software, and control system partners. The episode also highlights the critical role of workforce development in sustaining innovation in this rapidly evolving industry.   Show Notes Dr. Nicholas Harrigan communicates NVIDIA’s pivotal role in advancing quantum computation. Formerly, he was Director of Marketing and a Senior Quantum Scientist at PsiQuantum. Dr. Harrigan has created science communication programs at various academic institutions, served as a teacher and lecturer, and co-authored the O’Reilly book “Programming Quantum Computers.” He holds a PhD from Imperial College London, where his research focused on quantum foundations and quantum information.    Been There, Done That is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Dr. Jonathan Felbinger, deputy director of QED-C, sits down with Murray Thom, vice president of quantum technology evangelism for D-Wave - a leader in the development and delivery of quantum computing systems, software, and services. Explore Murray's extensive journey spanning two decades in the quantum computing realm, from his initial inspiration to joining a startup to navigating the intricacies of scaling a business and fostering innovation. Gain valuable insights into customer collaboration, solution prioritization, and team building, along with practical advice for newcomers venturing into the dynamic field of quantum technology.   Been There, Done That is produced by Association Briefings.

Join host Dr. Celia Merzbacher, Executive Director of QED-C, in an insightful conversation with Gregoire Ribordy, CEO of ID Quantique, a pioneering force in quantum-safe security and quantum sensing based in Geneva, Switzerland. In this episode, Gregoire shares his journey in the quantum industry, the growth trajectory of ID Quantique and the evolution of its business strategies. Delve into the phases of growth within a quantum enterprise, the crucial role of market identification, and navigating standards and regulations. Gain valuable insights into building a formidable team and receive expert advice on launching your own venture.

In this episode, host Dr. Jonathan Felbinger, deputy director of QED-C, sits down with Scott Davis, president and CEO of Vescent Photonics - the leading designer and manufacturer of lasers, electro-optic tools, and control electronics used in precision optical measurements based on the quantum nature of physical systems. The discussion delves into the company's origins, pivotal milestones navigating the transition from startup to a sustainable business, Scott Davis's personal evolution from scientist to entrepreneur, insights into identifying emerging market needs, building a dedicated team in the realm of photonics, cultivating a culture of innovation, and navigating through significant challenges along the entrepreneurial journey.    Show notes Dr. Scott Davis is a physics-trained entrepreneur. He co-founded Vescent Photonics to develop photonic-based non-mechanical laser beamsteerers. This technology was sold off to Analog Devices for the automotive market. He has extensive business and technical experience including growing a technology manufacturing line, IP development, liquid crystal (LC) device physics, molecular and laser spectroscopy, precision metrology, and laser stabilization. While working at NIST in Gaithersburg, MD and JILA in Colorado he acquired skills in laser stabilization, optical frequency metrology, and molecular spectroscopy. He has over 50 papers, two book chapters, and more than 25 patents pending or issued. Prior to starting Vescent Photonics, Dr. Davis worked in industry as an optical engineer, served as an NRC postdoc in the laboratories of David Plusquellic at NIST, and obtained his Ph.D. from JILA under the tutelage of Prof. David Nesbitt.   Been There, Done That is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Dr. Celia Merzbacher, executive director of QED-C, sits down with Jen Sovada, president of the global public sector at SandboxAQ  - an enterprise SaaS company combining AI + Quantum tech to solve hard problems impacting society. The two talk about Jen's career journey in the quantum industry and the growth of SandboxAQ, the characteristics of a successful startup, common risks of startups, her inspiration to join a quantum company, providing input to the ongoing regulatory process, the due diligence that a founder should do before partnering with an investor, and balancing the two sides of the talent and team management.