Quantum Everything Explained - EP 81 Prineha Narang

Quantum computing is transitioning from theoretical research to practical utility, with fault-tolerant systems expected to emerge between 2028 and 2030. Prineha Narang, a UCLA professor and scientist, notes that recent algorithmic breakthroughs and hardware improvements have significantly lowered the resource requirements to break traditional encryption, such as RSA and ECC. Consequently, the focus is shifting toward migrating to post-quantum cryptography. Beyond computing, quantum sensing is evolving from large-scale laboratory equipment to portable, chip-sized devices capable of high-sensitivity measurements in navigation and molecular detection. While AI and quantum computing were previously framed as competitors, they are now increasingly integrated as complementary components of a next-generation computational infrastructure. This shift highlights a broader trend where quantum technologies are becoming essential tools for solving complex problems in materials science, drug discovery, and national security.