What would a gamer do with a quantum computer? Or a musician? Harry Kumar, co-founder of Moth Quantum, thinks quantum computing needs creativity to push quantum forwards, so we're going to find out.

Moth built Quantum Backrooms, a video game where a quantum computer builds the maze. Each tile on the map is a qubit. The correlation between two neighbouring qubits decides whether a wall stands between them.

However, the game shows no quantum advantage and runs no faster than a game on a classical computer. It certainly isn't GTA6. So why build it?

Early AI. Image generation no better than a child. But millions of people signed up. That's the step before commercial value. People are creative, they want creative tools. Using quantum for material science and protein synthesis is incredible, but it doesn't bring in the masses.

Which is why Harry is waiting for quantum computing's Dylan-goes-electric moment.

We also cover:

• How Atlas, Moth's platform, lets you run an image through a quantum computer without writing code
• Whether a musician could hear the difference between quantum and classical randomness
• Which kind of quantum computer makes the best beats, and why Harry won't say
• Why Feynman's idea of a computer that works like nature excites artists
• Why Harry won't let AI write his first draft

Please enjoy the show.

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LINKS

Try Atlas: platform.mothquantum.com

Moth Quantum: mothquantum.com

More quantum episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1kcpzYgKSZ4yVV-xqI1Zd8fAXMsm8g-2

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Thinking on Paper is a long-form interview podcast with Mark Fielding and Jeremy Gilbertson. It’s the human story of technology

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Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to the episode and guests

(01:32) Who is Harry Kumar and what is Moth Quantum?

(04:18) The concept behind Quantum Backrooms and its inspiration

(06:06) The end state in quantum game mechanics and creative mapping

(09:58) Quantum advantage and hardware considerations

(10:31) Using games to explore quantum mechanics

(12:52) Target audience for quantum creative platforms

(17:02) Comparison to Unreal Engine and platform versatility

(20:33) Quantum shaders and potential in music and visual effects

(28:27) Quantum as a new form of artistic expression

(36:04) Quantum computing and the nature of creativity

(44:52) Autonomous media and AI in creative processes

(45:48) How to access and experiment with Moth Quantum's platform

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