At Canada’s largest AI conference, a panel of quantum leaders debated why quantum technology is unlikely to be built or sold the same way AI has been.
The session—moderated after the organizer asked the moderator to “mix it up”—brought together Nikki Bhatia of Xanadu, Marc-Antoine Lemonde of Nord Quantique, Lisa Lambert of IonQ, and Chris Juryn, head of AI at CGI. Lisa Lambert framed part of the discussion with a key line: “Transformative technology doesn’t become transformative when we invent it. It becomes transformative when we adopt it.”
Where quantum and AI intersect — similarities and differences
Panelists noted clear similarities: both fields pursue ambitious end goals (AGI in AI and fault-tolerant quantum computing in quantum), and both require substantial capital and R&D. But the conversation focused on how the two technologies differ in practice and in market dynamics.
Speakers argued that quantum will be built to solve specific problems for which AI can be a complementary tool, and that commercialization may proceed without a single consumer-facing “ChatGPT moment.” The panel also observed that, despite comparable funding needs, the quantum industry has not relied on a hype-driven FOMO or FUD strategy to attract investment in the way AI fundraising narratives have sometimes done.
Another distinction raised was control of the technology: unlike some parts of the AI sector, quantum leaders have not, according to the panel, lost control of the technology they are developing. Whether those differences will persist as the quantum ecosystem matures remains an open question; the participants offered thoughtful, nuanced perspectives rather than definitive predictions.
The conversation was presented as part of a podcast series called Most Ambitious, sponsored by Uber Canada, DMZ, and National Bank of Canada. Subscription options listed for the podcast include Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Overcast, Pocket Casts, and RSS. Feature image courtesy ALL IN.
