At the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2012 held in Tianjin, China, Professor Jeremy O’Brien, Director of the Centre for Quantum Photonics at the University of Bristol, discussed about the future of information and communications technology (ICT) and how quantum technologies revolution will impact the future economics and society.
Professor Jeremy O'Brien addresses the WEF Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Tianjin, China (image by WEF)
Professor O’Brien was one among the three young scientists chosen by the European Research Council (ERC) to deliver an invited talk at the event. The capability to design and develop novel pharmaceuticals and materials at a cost much lower than present times, and information security on the basis of the laws of physics are some of the possibilities discussed by him in front of a global audience of key business and political leaders.
Professor O’Brien stated that quantum technologies facilitate more robust computers, sensors that deliver unprecedented precision, and ultra-secure communications. They can completely transform people’s lives. The first devices will be available in the marketplace within a few years.
Professor O’Brien holds the venerated Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Quantum Engineering and has a decade-old vision to design innovative quantum technologies to transform present ICT models and create valuable new businesses and markets.
The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the New Champions is a platform to the emerging generation of business and community leaders to share their ideas to broader policy discussions and team up with key international business executives. The Forum’s expanding global growth companies community together with the communities of young scientists, global shapers, young global leaders, and technology pioneers directs the New Champions.