Curiosity Unbounded

Quantum Computing: Promise, Hype and Reality — William D. Oliver

October 28, 2026·33 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Quantum computers promise to tackle problems that are beyond the reach of today’s most powerful computers—but how close are we to making that promise a reality? MIT quantum engineer Will Oliver joins President Sally Kornbluth to explain what makes quantum computing different, why scaling quantum computers is so difficult, and what these machines could eventually mean for fields from drug discovery to materials science. They also explore the role of AI, MIT’s growing quantum ecosystem, and why Oliver believes we’ve already had our “Wright brothers moment” in quantum computing.

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