JustB2B Leaders - Ep40 - Brian Paquelet "Quantum Computing B2B"

What should a B2B company do about quantum computing today? Oscar Torres speaks with Brian Paquelet, an engineer whose doctoral work included developing quantum computing solutions with Intel. An ESADE Executive MBA graduate, Brian previously worked in a client-facing role selling quantum solutions at Microsoft. Brian distinguishes between two areas of potential business value: optimization, where efficiency gains can matter greatly at scale, and scientific discovery, where chemistry simulation could expand R&D possibilities. He also explains why protecting critical information deserves attention before companies adopt quantum computing. Topics covered include: 🔷 Why quantum computers address specialized computational problems. 🔷 Optimization opportunities in logistics, energy, telecommunications and financial services. 🔷 Chemistry simulation and its potential implications for research and development. 🔷 Shor’s algorithm and the risk of future decryption of stored information. 🔷 Assigning someone to monitor developments and assess whether a pilot makes sense. 🔷 The difference between scaling a scientific laboratory and building a customer-focused business. 🔷 Customer discovery, internal development priorities and data curation. For CEOs and B2B executives, the episode connects an emerging technology with organizational choices: understanding customer problems, choosing where to experiment, and deciding what needs protection now. . . . . . . ¿Qué debería hacer hoy una empresa B2B ante la computación cuántica? Oscar Torres conversa con Brian Paquelet, ingeniero que durante su doctorado participó en el desarrollo de soluciones de computación cuántica con Intel. Graduado del Executive MBA de ESADE, Brian trabajó anteriormente en la venta de soluciones cuánticas en Microsoft. Brian distingue dos ámbitos de posible valor empresarial: la optimización, donde pequeñas mejoras de eficiencia pueden tener un impacto importante a gran escala, y el descubrimiento científico, donde la simulación química podría ampliar las posibilidades de I+D. También explica por qué proteger la información crítica requiere atención antes de adoptar esta tecnología. 00:00 - Introduction of Bryant Paquelet Wuetz 02:15 - The current state of quantum technology and the development of qubits in laboratories 04:37 - Common misconceptions 06:45 - B2B business opportunities 10:19 - Cybersecurity risks: the impact of Shor's algorithm 14:21 - Organizational culture and recommendations for leaders