Future Here is a show that discusses cutting-edge science and technology that has the potential of changing humankind's future - for the better.

For this Future Here podcast episode, I had the opportunity to interview Mikael Johansson, the Manager of Quantum Technologies at CSC - IT Center for Science in Finland.

Quantum computers can in theory perform certain operations and complete tasks far faster than traditional computers, but they are still a long way from reaching their full potential.

While a traditional computer uses binary bits to perform all its calculations, quantum computers use qubits that can be a zero, a one, or both at the same time.

It’s definitely a lot to wrap your head around, but Mikael does a great job of describing how this actually works - both in theory and practice.

Mikael works at CSC on the research and development of a 5-qubit quantum computer called HELMI. If you happened to listen to the first Future Here podcast episode, you might already know that last winter HELMI was connected with Europe’s fastest traditional supercomputer called LUMI. Together these instruments create the world’s most powerful computational device.

In the interview, we discuss quantum computing - its future, current state and challenges - as well as Mikael’s motivations for choosing this career path involving quantum computers.

CSC - IT Center for Science's press release on the HELMI quantum computer