The IQT Podcast

The Intersection Podcast: Exploring the Nexus of AI & Quantum

Welcome to the IQT Podcast! In this episode, IQT’s Steve Bowsher hosts SandBoxAQ CEO, Jack Hidary, to explore interdisciplinary collaboration, GPU-driven drug breakthroughs, and SandboxAQ's unique navigation capabilities. Join Steve and Jack as they discuss the power of combining AI and quantum to produce dual-use technology that allows us to safely navigate the globe. Jack also introduces us to SandboxAQ’s education initiative which provides strategic frameworks for C-suite leaders, in-depth curricula for engineers, and meaningful collaborations with academic institutions, ensuring holistic comprehension of emerging technologies. Discover limitless potential at the intersection of AI and quantum. Let's dive in!

Key Takeaways:

- Transformative Impact in Diverse Fields

- GPUs Revolutionizing Drug Development

- Free Tools for Upskilling with SandboxAQ EDU

- Fusion of Disciplines for Positive Impact

- Advancing Chemistries and Quantum Techniques

- Quantum-Safe Encryption and Cybersecurity

- Frontier Technology in National Security

- GPUs' Influence in Driving Innovation

- Technology's Role in the Conflict in Ukraine

- The Dangers of GPS Jamming

- Using Magnetic Fields to Navigate the Globe

- The Importance of Dual-Use Technology

 

Featured in this Episode:

- Jack Hidary, SandboxAQ CEO: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackhidary/

- Company Website: https://www.sandboxaq.com

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sandboxaq 

The Intersection: Memoirs of a Life in Intelligence, Special Ops, & Strategy

In this episode of The Intersection, IQT's Steve Bowsher is joined by Dr. Michael Vickers, a former special forces and CIA operations officer, shares experiences his 40+ year career in intelligence and special operations. From his time as a Green Beret to his vision for victory in Afghanistan, Dr. Vickers provides first hand insights into the highest levels of government.

Discover the vital relationship between defense and intelligence as Dr. Vickers stresses the importance of collaboration between the CIA and the Department of Defense in safeguarding our national security. Gain a deeper understanding of the intriguing competition between the United States and China in pivotal areas such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Prepare to be captivated by the experiences detailed in Dr. Vickers' new book, "By All Means Available: Memoirs of a Life in Intelligence, Special Operations, and Strategy." Join us as Dr. Michael Vickers offers invaluable insights into the world of national security amidst today's rapidly evolving technological landscape.

IQT Explains: The Art of Investing for National Security

In 1999, a global technology revolution was underway and the U.S. government saw an opportunity to harness the power of startup technology to enhance national security. The outcome? IQT was founded to identify and match emerging technology developed by startups to address gaps in national security technological capabilities. Almost 25 years later, IQT continues to serve the national interest, connecting a diverse ecosystem comprising national security, venture capital, and startup communities.

How does IQT accomplish this? Listen in as host Vishal Sandesara is joined by IQT’s A.J. Bertone and Matt Kemph to provide insight into how IQT makes investments and the impact they have on national security.

Key Takeaways:

• Why IQT is a not-for-profit dedicated to mission impact

• How IQT sources and makes investments

• How IQT adapts startup tech for national security

 

Related Links

• IQT’s website: www.iqt.org

• IQT Explainer Video: www.short.iqt.org/expainer-video 

• Harvard Business School Case Study: https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=30860 

The Intersection: Exploring a Path Forward for America’s Technological Future

The United States is facing a significant challenge in competing with China on technological innovation, cybersecurity, and national security issues. With China's rapid rise as a global technological superpower, the U.S. must take steps to ensure its own competitiveness and security. This includes addressing concerns such as intellectual property theft, cyber attacks, and the development of emerging technologies. The U.S. government must prioritize these issues in order to protect its economic and national interests.

In this episode of The Intersection on the IQT Podcast, Steve Bowsher is joined by Will Hurd, author of “American Reboot” and managing director at Allen & Company. Will has a lot of experience with national security issues, having worked as a CIA officer, member of Congress, and cybersecurity executive. Tune in to learn about the challenges and solutions that can help shape America's technological future.

Key Takeaways:

- The problems and difficulties that must be tackled in relation to competing with China

- US government’s approach and collaboration with the private sectors on innovation and competitiveness

- Explaining pragmatic idealism and the inspiration behind it 

The Intersection: Espionage Threats, Tech, and Algorithms

The history of the intelligence community is long and complex. As the world becomes increasingly digital, open communication is more important than ever. Today, intelligence agencies rely heavily on algorithms to analyze data and predict future events. But this approach has its drawbacks. For example, algorithms can be biased and easily manipulated by those in power. This history lesson is just the beginning of a much larger conversation about the future of American intelligence.

In this IQT Podcast episode we discuss this important topic with Dr. Amy Zegart, the Morris Arnold and Nona Jean Cox Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, senior fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, professor of Political Science by courtesy at Stanford University, and a contributing writer at The Atlantic. She joins Steve Bowsher to discuss how technology is changing the nature of intelligence and explores the issues of traitors, congressional oversight, and covert action. Listen in to hear about the challenges and opportunities facing the intelligence community as it adapts to a world where emerging technologies are rapidly changing. 

What Does the Future Hold for the U.S. Bioeconomy?

On September 12, 2022, President Biden signed an Executive Order (EO) on Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy. The EO aims to sustain and broaden U.S. competitiveness and leadership in biotechnology and extend the impact of biotechnology across industrial areas including health, agriculture, energy, and beyond. What does this mean for the future of the U.S. bioeconomy? In this episode, Dr. Kevin O'Connell, Dr. Tara O'Toole, and Eugene Chiu explore key takeaways from the EO, including the importance of biomanufacturing regarding climate change, bioeconomy international collaborations on supply chains and national security, and how the overall economy will be impacted by the development of biotechnology.

The Intersection: Nuclear power is en vogue?

Energy fuels so many things in our daily lives, including the device you are reading this on right now, but do you ever pause to wonder: where exactly does this energy come from? In this episode of The Intersection, Steve Bowsher is joined by Dr. Scott Hsu, Senior Advisor, and Lead Fusion Coordinator in the Office of the Undersecretary for Science and Innovation at the US DOE. Listen to learn more about nuclear fusion and its difference from the current fission technology, why it’s being pursued as an alternative energy source, and what the status of this technology around the world currently looks like.

Takeaways:

• Difference between nuclear fission and fusion energy

• The obstacles to making nuclear fusion a reality

• Definition of fusion breakeven and the Lawson Criterion

• Legislation regarding public safety and security on nuclear fusion energy

• The timetable for nuclear fusion energy in the coming years

 

Featured in this Episode:

• Scott Hsu, Senior Advisor and Lead Fusion Coordinator, DOE

• Profile: https://arpa-e.energy.gov/about/team-directory/dr-scott-hsu

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottchsu/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/scottchsu

The Intersection: Who Charges Your Batteries?

In this episode of The Intersection series, we are joined by battery and electric vehicles expert Steve LeVine, author and editor of The Electric, to explore how important batteries are and their supply chain. How does this affect the world in the future and who are the big players in the battery industry?

Key Takeaways:

- The current status of the battery supply chain and E-vehicle industry

- Top players in the battery supply chain around the world

- Lithium Ion and how will it shape the future

- Actions and laws to regulate the increasing demand for raw battery materials

The Intersection: Taking Calculated Venture Capital Risks and Navigating Market Downturns

In this episode of The Intersection, Steve Bowsher is joined by Bilal Zuberi, co-founder and partner at Lux Capital. Recorded at an event held in May, this discussion draws from Bilal's experience in the world of venture capital, sharing insights on taking calculated risks, predicting which industries will rise to prominence, and coping with business cycles on a personal and company level. Listen to learn more about investors’ biggest considerations and how you can make the best out of economic downturns.

Key Takeaways:

• Evaluating investment risk
• Why deep technology is a growing industry
• How to take advantage of contractions in the market
• Impact of cryptocurrency

The Intersection: Over the Horizon Technologies to Help Shape a Better World

This episode of The Intersection shares a discussion between In-Q-Tel's Dr. Megan Anderson and Dr. Sarah Sewall recorded at an event held back in May. Tune in to hear them explore innovative solutions to energy independence and over-the-horizon technologies to help shape a better world, including:

• A U.S.-based ecosystem for battery production
• Addressing vulnerabilities in critical minerals for energy production
• Public and private efforts to achieve fusion
• And more!

You can learn more about this topic and others on the IQT blog at www.iqt.org/blog.