Impact Quantum: A Podcast for the Quantum Curious

In this episode, hosts Frank La Vigne and Candace Gillhoolley sit down with Adhisha Gammanpila, founder and CEO of Feynman—an innovative company making quantum computing accessible for everyone, no PhD required. Together, they dive into the rapidly evolving quantum landscape, discussing how AI-driven copilots are transforming protein simulation, climate modeling, and drug discovery—tasks that used to take months and now can be accomplished in minutes.
Adhisha Gammanpila shares his journey from university research to launching a platform that abstracts away the complexities of quantum gates, letting scientists focus on their real-world problems instead of getting caught up in the technical details. The conversation explores the intersection of quantum and climate innovation, how AI and quantum are powering new solutions, and what it really takes to build meaningful climate tech in today’s world. They also examine misconceptions about quantum's role in climate change, advice for students and entrepreneurs, and look ahead to the breakthroughs that lie just around the corner.
Whether you’re deeply invested in quantum or just curious about its impact, this episode is full of insights into how quantum and AI, working together, are poised to solve some of our biggest challenges.
Links
Adhisha Gammanpila on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adhisha-gammanpila/

Time Stamps
00:00 "Quantum Computing for Everyone"
04:40 "Building a Quantum Ecosystem"
08:24 "AI-Driven Quantum Computing Copilot"
11:51 "Quantum Chemistry Driving Innovation"
15:10 "Versatile Quantum Coding Platform"
18:17 "Quantum Algorithms for Optimization"
22:49 Emulating Nature for Energy Efficiency
26:03 "Quantum Energy Teleportation Vision"
29:56 "Quantum Computers Misconceptions Explained"
32:01 "Climate Action Starts Locally"
38:06 Sri Lanka's Growing Innovation Ecosystem
39:15 Global Expansion and Collaboration Opportunities
44:15 "Hype, Skepticism, and Innovation"
46:14 "Moving the World Forward"
51:12 "Think Big, Start Small"
52:44 "Gratitude for Today's Discussion"

Today, host Frank La Vigne and guest Candice Gillhoolley dive deep into IonQ’s headline-making billion-dollar acquisitions that are reshaping the quantum landscape. From hardware with Skywater, to quantum networking through Skyloom Global, and even AI-driven software via Seed Innovations, IonQ is assembling a complete quantum ecosystem—building the supply chain of the future, right here and now.
The conversation unpacks the big money flowing into quantum tech, why in-house chip fabrication matters in a world grappling with supply chain vulnerabilities, and what these moves mean for the industry’s evolution. With insights on stock market reactions, defense tech hires, and the urgent quest for quantum-safe security, Frank La Vigne and Candice Gillhoolley explain why the next decade will be defined by quantum preparedness.
Plus, they tease the launch of an inspiring new podcast, Women in Quantum, highlighting diverse journeys into the field and the culture-shaping opportunities ahead. Whether you’re quantum curious or watching markets closely, this episode frames why the quantum age is truly dawning—and why it’s time to start thinking quantum safe!
Links
IonQ to buy SkyWater for $1.8 billion to expand hardware capabilities - https://www.reuters.com/technology/ionq-buy-skywater-18-billion-expand-hardware-capabilities-2026-01-26/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
IonQ Finalizes Acquisition of Skyloom Global - https://thequantuminsider.com/2026/01/28/ionq-completes-skyloom-acquisition/
From Visibility to Advantage – Building a Quantum-Safe Intelligence Enterprise https://intelligencecommunitynews.com/ic-insiders-from-visibility-to-advantage-building-a-quantum-safe-intelligence-enterprise/

Time Stamps
00:00 "Reflections on Tech Advancements"
03:35 "Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains"
07:49 "Quantum Industry Supply Chain Ambitions"
11:34 Quantum Tech and Security Trends
15:43 "Funny Daycare Story at NIST"
16:55 "Data Protection & Future Predictions"
22:16 "Winter Boots and School Sneakers"
24:03 "Culture Shapes Opportunities"

In this enlightening episode, hosts Frank La Vigne and Candace Gillhoolley are joined by Benita Zazueta, a leader in quantum-safe initiatives at IBM and a doctoral candidate exploring the intersection of quantum risk and supply chain resilience.
Together, the team tackles the looming threat posed by fault tolerant quantum computers—those machines capable of cracking today's encryption and altering the balance of cybersecurity. Benita Zazueta breaks down complex concepts like “harvest now, decrypt later,” and explains how business leaders, not just researchers and engineers, must prepare for a quantum future. The conversation covers practical strategies for organizations to assess vulnerabilities, foster quantum talent, and transform their security posture without causing panic.
Whether you’re a seasoned technologist, a curious executive, or just starting your quantum journey, this episode delivers actionable insights, fascinating anecdotes, and critical leadership lessons from the front lines of quantum innovation. Tune in and discover how to build resilience, not just protection, in the age of quantum breakthroughs!
Links
IBM Quantum – https://www.ibm.com/quantum
IBM Quantum Safe – https://www.ibm.com/quantum/quantum-safe
Qiskit – https://qiskit.org

Time Stamps
00:00 Quantum Threats and Business Decisions
05:34 "Harvest Now, Decrypt Later"
09:53 "Impending Data Decryption Risks"
12:34 Cyber Resilience Against Future Threats
14:48 Preparing for Quantum Encryption Shift
17:59 Quantum-Safe Supply Chain Security
22:42 Quantum Computing Misconceptions Debunked
26:48 "Internet-Dependent Smart Bed Issues"
27:58 "Driving Innovation Through Core Values"
31:23 "Explore Free Quantum Learning Resources"
36:42 "Application Risk Assessment Process"
39:51 "Securing Supply Chain Software"
41:47 "Quantum Computing's Impact and Race"
48:02 "Ethical Hacking in Perspective"
52:10 "Aerospace Engineer's Flight Story"
55:49 "Quantum Podcasts: Breaking the Mold"

In this episode, hosts Frank La Vigne and Candace Gillhoolley sit down with James Davies, founder of Embedded Electronics Recruitment Solutions, a specialist in quantum technology recruitment. Together, they explore how quantum is making its way out of the lab and into the real world, and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing companies as they race to hire quantum specialists and consultants.
From quantum’s role in defense and communications, to the innovations happening in sensing and computing, James Davies shares his insights on current hiring trends and how the talent landscape is shifting as quantum startups accelerate. The conversation also takes a deep dive into the sociological changes happening within the industry, the growing influence of government and national security concerns, and the bigger picture: how quantum could help solve some of society’s most complex challenges—from resilient supply chains to fusion energy and beyond.
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a recruiter, or just curious about the future, this episode will give you a front-row seat to the quantum revolution—and show why you don't need a PhD, just a sense of curiosity, to be part of it.
Sponsors
Free Audio book from Audible - https://qrcodes.at/freeaudiobook
Opus Video Clips - https://www.opus.pro/?via=f419e6
Quantum Sales Playbook (affiliate) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FR5YGFDR?tag=datadrivenm0e-20

Books Mentioned
All links below are Amazon affiliate links and help us keep the show awesome.
Antifragile - https://amzn.to/3ZlELg0
Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr. - https://amzn.to/4qpTe6F

Links
Embedded & Electronics Recruitment Solutions -https://eerec.com/
Embedded & Electronics Recruitment Solutions (LinkedIn) -https://www.linkedin.com/company/embedded-electronics-recruitment-solutions/
James' LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/quantum-recruitment-specialist/

Time Stamps
00:00 Quantum Consulting: The Next Frontier
06:19 Consultants Bridging Quantum Tech Gap
08:10 Quantum Defense and Communication Trends
14:07 Collaborative Competition in Quantum Technology
15:22 "Semiconductor Secrecy and Hiring Pacts"
19:54 Startup Success: Exit vs Growth
24:30 "Quantum Technology Revolution Insights"
26:54 "Quantum Computing, Paranoia, and Privacy"
30:01 "Uncertainty, Influence, and Money Talks"
31:42 Quantum Tech Integration Insights
35:59 "Fragility of Key Industries"
39:24...

In this episode, Frank La Vigne and Candice Gillhoolley are joined by Geoff Anders, CEO of Leverage and co-founder of the Quantum Biology DAO, to explore how quantum physics is rewriting what we know about everything from photosynthesis to animal migration, and even human health.
From the way birds might sense the Earth’s magnetic field, to the evolving research around how weak magnetic effects could impact growth and development, we’ll unpack real-world experiments and the fascinating theories behind them.
But it’s not just about the science—the conversation also tackles how scientific funding is being disrupted through decentralized organizations like DAOs, empowering new voices and opening up fresh possibilities for investigative research.
Whether you’re a curious mind or a science enthusiast, this episode promises eye-opening insights into how quantum effects could be hidden in plain sight in everyday biology—and what that could mean for the future of medicine, technology, and our understanding of life itself.
So get ready to challenge your perceptions and join us as we explore quantum biology’s promise, puzzles, and potential breakthroughs on this episode of Impact Quantum!
Time Stamps
00:00 Decentralized Science and DAOs
05:16 "QBIO Governance Tokens Explained"
09:35 "Quantum Biology and Photosynthesis"
12:55 "Magnetism's Biological Puzzle"
16:05 "Quantum's Role in Biology"
17:47 "Quantum Effects in Biology"
20:35 Exploring Unseen Connections
25:34 "Exploring Unconventional Hypotheses"
28:32 "Mesmerism and Franklin's Investigation"
33:16 "Science, Tradition, and Healing"
34:44 "Ball Lightning: Unverified Encounter"
38:42 "Bird Navigation: Magnetic Field vs. Memory"
43:13 "Electromagnetic Fields and Biology"
45:01 "Magnetic Fields and Evolution"
48:18 "Challenges in Quantum Biology"
52:00 "Quantum Biology and Radiation Reduction"
57:52 "Advancing Science with Leverage"
58:52 "Quantum Podcast: Bold & Gold"