Quantum Computing - How Does It Work, How Will it Affect Us and When?

Quantum Computing is rapidly moving from theoretical possibility to reality, and is likely to soon majorly affect software development and society. Ignoring it is no longer a sensible option. In this talk, we’ll explain the basics of quantum mechanics, and how its core principles - superposition, entanglement, and quantum gates - are leveraged by quantum computers. We’ll see which complex problems (like simulation, optimization, and potentially disrupting cybersecurity) they are uniquely suited to solve, because they aren't a magic bullet for every task. How are big tech players and startups investing in the space? What real-world applications already exist, when will it hit the mainstream, and does China really do quantum encryption in space? Lastly, how can we prepare for a quantum-enabled future?