Skip to content
The Austin Forum on Technology & Society

Go straight to

Austin Forum Presents

Beyond Binary: The Quantum Computing Revolution | Presentation

Event Agenda

  • 5:15 PM | Doors Open & Pre-Event Networking
  • 6:15 PM – 7:45 PM | Presentation begins (audience Q&A at the end of the presentation)
  • 7:45 PM onward | Continued Conversation & Networking at Remedy

Event Summary

In this presentation, we will explain what quantum computing is, how it works, and why it is of such great interest globally for its potential to transform science, industry, and society. We demystify quantum computing, exploring the fundamental science of qubits and superposition, and how these principles allow for computational power far beyond traditional systems. We will also examine why quantum computing won't replace classical computers but will be integrated with them, enabling us to tackle problems impossible with today's technology alone. Additionally, we will discuss the current state of the quantum industry, including hardware, software, various modalities, the challenges of scaling, and the prospects for production-ready systems.

What We'll Cover

  • Fundamentals & Mechanics of Quantum Computing: What quantum computing is, how it works, and an accessible breakdown of the core physics, such as qubits and superposition, that enable computational power far beyond classical architectures.
  • Transformational Applications & Workloads: Key practical applications across science and industry, why quantum technology will redefine problem-solving for complex workloads, and how hybrid classical-quantum systems will tackle previously unsolvable challenges.
  • The Global Quantum Ecosystem: A comprehensive look at the current industry landscape, including the major hardware and software players, key modalities, and the nations and corporations investing heavily in quantum innovation.
  • Current State & Mainstream Adoption: Where quantum technology stands today, the critical engineering and scaling hurdles ahead, and what key milestones are required for quantum computing to achieve production-ready, mainstream adoption.

Attendance Instructions

Format: In-Person Only

Parking Options

Free parking in the 4000 Garage (entrance on 12th). Free street parking after 6pm.

Campus Map

When You Arrive

Check-in is at the front. Then head upstairs for the pre-event networking, snacks, beverages, and the presentation.

Post-Event Networking

The discussion doesn't end when the presentation wraps up. Join us immediately following the presentation for post-event networking and continued conversation at Remedy, located at 3rd & Nueces. Connect with fellow attendees, swap insights from the event, and enjoy a complimentary drink on us, thanks to our amazing Austin Forum Annual Partners, Champions, and Friends.

Speakers

  • Sebastian Hassinger

    Sebastian Hassinger

    Sebastian has spent four decades working at the leading edge of technology, from the earliest days of the commercial internet through leadership roles at Apple, IBM, Oracle, and AWS.

    He discovered quantum technology in 2016 and never looked back, spending nearly a decade building communities, advising companies, and helping the quantum industry find its footing. In 2021, he co-founded The New Quantum Era podcast.

    Now fully independent, he is a Fellow at the Unitary Foundation and is focused on media, open-source advocacy, and building infrastructure to help quantum hardware move from the lab to the world.

  • William "whurley" Hurley

    William "whurley" Hurley

    whurley is the founder and CEO of Strangeworks, the Austin company building software for quantum computing. A serial entrepreneur with exits to Accenture and Goldman Sachs, he previously worked at Apple and as a Master Inventor at IBM, founded the IEEE Quantum Computing Standards Working Group, and co-authored Quantum Computing for Babies and Quantum Computing for Dummies. He is an Eisenhower Fellow and one of Austin’s most recognizable voices on where computing is headed next.

  • Scott Aaronson

    Scott Aaronson

    Scott Aaronson is the Schlumberger Chair of Computer Science at UT Austin and founding director of its Quantum Information Center. His research focuses on the capabilities and limits of quantum computing. A member of the National Academy of Sciences and ACM Prize in Computing recipient, he is the author of Quantum Computing Since Democritus and blogs at Shtetl-Optimized.

Free and open to everyone, because of people like you

Thanks to the generosity of our Austin Forum Partners, Sponsors, Champions, and Friends, the Austin Forum keeps high-impact tech programming free and accessible to thousands annually, from our local Austin community to audiences worldwide.