Top 10 Influential Quantum Computing Pioneers to Follow on LinkedIn
Quantum computing now stands at the confluence of scientific curiosity, commercial innovation, and societal impact. What once seemed confined to abstract physics lectures has emerged as a tangible, revolutionary technology attracting multi-billion-pound investments worldwide. Whether it’s accelerating drug discovery, transforming financial modelling, or bolstering secure communications, quantum computing has the potential to redefine numerous industries.
Amid this growth, LinkedIn has evolved into a crucial hub for connecting with the individuals driving quantum developments. These pioneers share insights on cutting-edge research, emerging trends, and career opportunities, making it easier than ever to keep up with the field’s rapid evolution. Below, you’ll find 10 influential figures whose LinkedIn activity provides a front-row seat to the quantum revolution. Follow them to stay informed about breakthroughs, funding announcements, and best practices in quantum research and commercialisation.
1. John Preskill – The Theoretical Visionary
Why He’s InfluentialJohn Preskill, a professor at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), is celebrated for coining the term “quantum supremacy” and for his groundbreaking work in quantum information and quantum error correction. His research has laid much of the theoretical foundation upon which today’s quantum hardware and algorithms are built.
Current Role and Activities
Professor of Theoretical Physics at Caltech
Director of the Institute for Quantum Information and Matter
Frequent speaker at major conferences such as Q2B and APS March Meetings
What to Expect on His LinkedInPreskill distils complex research into accessible updates, often highlighting the implications of new findings. Whether you’re deep in quantum R&D or just learning the ropes, his posts will keep you grounded in well-vetted science.
LinkedInJohn Preskill on LinkedIn(If this URL changes or becomes unavailable, search “John Preskill Caltech” on LinkedIn.)
2. Shohini Ghose – Champion of Quantum Education & Diversity
Why She’s InfluentialShohini Ghose is a professor at Wilfrid Laurier University, known for her research in quantum chaos and quantum communication. Beyond her scientific contributions, she is a leading advocate for diversity in STEM, emphasising how broader participation can fuel innovative thinking in quantum technology.
Current Role and Activities
Professor of Physics and Computer Science at Wilfrid Laurier University
Director of the Laurier Centre for Women in Science (WinS)
TED Senior Fellow, promoting accessible science education
What to Expect on Her LinkedInExpect posts highlighting new research papers, inclusivity initiatives, and educational resources. Ghose provides an uplifting blend of advanced quantum topics and social commentary.
LinkedInShohini Ghose on LinkedIn(If this URL changes or becomes unavailable, search “Shohini Ghose Wilfrid Laurier” on LinkedIn.)
3. Jeremy O’Brien – Champion of Photonic Quantum Computing
Why He’s InfluentialJeremy O’Brien is the co-founder and CEO of PsiQuantum, a startup aiming to build the world’s first million-qubit quantum computer using photonics. He previously served as Director of the Centre for Quantum Photonics at the University of Bristol, leading pioneering research on integrated photonic circuits for quantum computing. O’Brien’s vision centres on harnessing light as a scalable and robust medium for quantum information processing—a stark contrast to the more common superconducting or ion-trap architectures.
Current Role and Activities
CEO of PsiQuantum, leading major fundraising rounds and global R&D teams
Collaborates with semiconductor manufacturers to refine photonic chip fabrication at scale
Advocates for near-term quantum advantage in key verticals such as drug discovery and materials science
What to Expect on His LinkedInO’Brien shares PsiQuantum’s hardware milestones, discusses partnership announcements, and provides insights into why photonics could overcome many scalability challenges. You’ll also find commentary on venture capital flows in quantum tech, and updates on the evolving global quantum ecosystem.
LinkedInJeremy O’Brien on LinkedIn(If this URL changes or becomes unavailable, search “Jeremy O’Brien PsiQuantum” on LinkedIn.)
4. Michelle Simmons – Leading the Silicon Quantum Charge
Why She’s InfluentialMichelle Simmons leads pioneering efforts in silicon-based quantum computing. Founder of Silicon Quantum Computing (SQC) in Australia, she has pioneered atomic-precision manufacturing of spin qubits in silicon. Her mission: leverage existing semiconductor infrastructure to accelerate the path to commercial quantum systems.
Current Role and Activities
CEO and Founder of Silicon Quantum Computing (SQC)
Professor at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney
Renowned for bridging academic breakthroughs with industry-scale product roadmaps
What to Expect on Her LinkedInSimmons posts updates on silicon qubit breakthroughs, new collaborations, and insights on scaling quantum hardware. She also occasionally shares educational tidbits, helping demystify the engineering challenges behind quantum chips.
LinkedInMichelle Simmons on LinkedIn(If this URL changes or becomes unavailable, search “Michelle Simmons Silicon Quantum Computing” on LinkedIn.)
5. Dario Gil – IBM’s Vision for Quantum
Why He’s InfluentialAs Senior Vice President and Director of IBM Research, Dr Dario Gil steers one of the world’s oldest and most comprehensive corporate quantum programmes. IBM has been at the forefront of mainstreaming quantum access via IBM Quantum Experience and open-source tooling (Qiskit).
Current Role and Activities
Global oversight of IBM Research, encompassing quantum, AI, hybrid cloud, and exploratory science
Leads the annual IBM Quantum Roadmap announcement
Engages in policymaking forums, guiding governments on quantum readiness
What to Expect on His LinkedInGil highlights new processor milestones, collaborations with academic and commercial partners, and broader reflections on how quantum intersects with other emerging fields like AI and cloud computing.
LinkedInDario Gil on LinkedIn(If this URL changes or becomes unavailable, search “Dario Gil IBM Research” on LinkedIn.)
6. Andrew Dzurak – Silicon Qubit Innovator Turned Startup Founder
Why He’s InfluentialAndrew Dzurak is pivotal to Australia’s rise as a quantum powerhouse. Formerly Director of the Australian National Fabrication Facility at UNSW, he co-developed high-fidelity quantum logic gates in silicon. He has since founded Diraq, a startup dedicated to commercialising this technology.
Current Role and Activities
Founder & CEO of Diraq, focusing on scalable, spin-based quantum processors
Collaborates with UNSW research teams on advanced fabrication methods
Actively engages with Australian government and venture capital to drive the quantum ecosystem
What to Expect on His LinkedInDzurak’s feed includes Diraq’s technical updates, job postings, and commentary on emerging hardware breakthroughs. It’s a direct look at how academic research transitions into fully fledged commercial products.
LinkedInAndrew Dzurak on LinkedIn(If this URL changes or becomes unavailable, search “Andrew Dzurak Diraq” on LinkedIn.)
7. Tony Uttley – Driving Quantum Innovation at Quantinuum
Why He’s InfluentialTony Uttley served as President of Honeywell Quantum Solutions, leading the company’s major investments in trapped-ion quantum computing, before overseeing its merger with Cambridge Quantum to form Quantinuum—one of the largest integrated quantum computing enterprises globally. His strategic leadership has bridged cutting-edge R&D with real-world applications in areas like advanced materials, finance, and cyber-security.
Current Role and Activities
President & COO of Quantinuum, guiding technology roadmaps and commercial partnerships
Works closely with research teams to integrate hardware and software solutions for maximum scalability
Engages with both enterprise clients and policymakers, shaping the global narrative around quantum’s commercial readiness
What to Expect on His LinkedInUttley’s posts highlight milestone achievements in quantum hardware performance, collaborative projects with Fortune 500 companies, and insights into how enterprise adoption of quantum technologies is evolving. He also shares thought leadership pieces on the future of industrial quantum computing and the importance of building an ecosystem of partners and innovators.
LinkedInTony Uttley on LinkedIn(If this URL changes or becomes unavailable, search “Tony Uttley Quantinuum” on LinkedIn.)
8. Ilyas Khan – The Quantum Entrepreneurship Advocate
Why He’s InfluentialIlyas Khan is the founder of Cambridge Quantum, which merged with Honeywell Quantum Solutions to form Quantinuum, one of the world’s largest integrated quantum computing companies. A seasoned entrepreneur and thought leader, Khan has been pivotal in bridging cutting-edge quantum software research with commercial viability. His early focus on quantum cryptography and operating-system-level software for quantum computers helped shape the industry’s understanding of how to bring quantum technologies to market.
Current Role and Activities
Served as the Founding CEO of Quantinuum, driving the merger’s vision and strategy.
Continues to mentor and advise startups in the broader quantum ecosystem.
Actively engages with policymakers and academic institutions to promote quantum education and ethical adoption.
What to Expect on His LinkedInKhan’s LinkedIn posts offer an inside look into the entrepreneurial side of quantum computing, covering investment trends, software breakthroughs, and strategic industry partnerships. He also provides commentary on how quantum technologies intersect with sectors such as finance, healthcare, and cybersecurity.
LinkedInIlyas Khan on LinkedIn(If this link changes or becomes unavailable, search “Ilyas Khan Quantinuum” on LinkedIn.)
9. Michael J. Biercuk – Quantum Control & CEO of Q-CTRL
Why He’s InfluentialMichael J. Biercuk is a quantum physicist at the University of Sydney and the founder of Q-CTRL. His startup focuses on “quantum control,” providing software and services that reduce errors in quantum hardware—an essential step in making quantum computers commercially viable.
Current Role and Activities
CEO and Founder of Q-CTRL, with offices in Australia and the United States
Continues academic collaborations on quantum error suppression and advanced control techniques
Advises on building quantum-focused deep-tech ecosystems
What to Expect on His LinkedInBiercuk frequently posts about Q-CTRL’s milestones, funding rounds, and product releases. He also comments on industry news, bridging the gap between academic breakthroughs and real-world hardware challenges.
LinkedInMichael J. Biercuk on LinkedIn(If this URL changes or becomes unavailable, search “Michael Biercuk Q-CTRL” on LinkedIn.)
10. Krysta Svore – Driving Microsoft’s Quantum Software Future
Why She’s InfluentialDr Krysta Svore leads Microsoft’s quantum software platforms, including the Azure Quantum service and Q# programming language. With Microsoft pursuing topological qubits for more stable hardware, Svore’s work ensures developers can experiment with quantum solutions today—even as fully fault-tolerant machines are still in the pipeline.
Current Role and Activities
Distinguished Engineer and Vice President of Quantum Software at Microsoft
Oversees product integration between quantum hardware research and Azure cloud services
Publishes on quantum algorithm design and developer-facing toolkits
What to Expect on Her LinkedInSvore posts about new capabilities in Azure Quantum, success stories of users building quantum-inspired solutions, and upcoming hackathons or training programmes. If you’re eager to code in Q# or explore cloud-based quantum experiments, her feed offers a direct line to the latest developments at Microsoft.
LinkedInKrysta Svore on LinkedIn(If this URL changes or becomes unavailable, search “Krysta Svore Microsoft Quantum” on LinkedIn.)
Why These Thought Leaders Can Power Your Quantum Journey
Latest Research & TrendsEach expert disseminates cutting-edge research, upcoming conferences, and impactful collaborations. By following them, you remain in sync with quantum’s rapidly shifting landscape.
Networking & CollaborationLinkedIn thrives on interaction. A thoughtful comment or share can introduce you to like-minded professionals, potential collaborators, and even future employers.
Diverse PerspectivesFrom quantum hardware in silicon or ion traps, to error correction software and quantum internet protocols, these pioneers represent the spectrum of innovation shaping tomorrow’s technology.
Real-Time OpportunitiesMany share details on job openings, calls for proposals, or funding announcements. Spotting these posts early can give you a competitive edge in the bustling quantum job market.
Long-Term VisionThese leaders think beyond immediate prototypes. Their roadmaps and forward-looking commentary can help you anticipate how quantum might integrate into broader tech landscapes like AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.
Tips for Making the Most of LinkedIn in Quantum
1. Engage in Quantum Groups
Join dedicated LinkedIn groups such as “Quantum Computing Network” or “Quantum AI” to access daily discussions, meet experts, and find additional resources.
2. Post Questions & Thoughts
Actively comment on these pioneers’ posts. Thoughtful engagement can spark valuable back-and-forth and strengthen your professional profile in the quantum community.
3. Filter Hype from Reality
Quantum breakthroughs often generate flashy headlines. Always cross-reference claims with reputable papers, lab announcements, or direct confirmations from these established voices.
4. Keep an Eye Out for Events
Most of these thought leaders speak at webinars, conferences, and executive briefings. Tracking their LinkedIn updates is a great way to discover upcoming (often free) talks or networking sessions.
Final Thoughts: Seize the Quantum Moment
By following the 10 pioneers above on LinkedIn, you gain direct access to the current pulse of quantum computing. Their posts offer in-depth perspectives on the science, engineering, and business strategies guiding one of this century’s most consequential technological shifts. Beyond simply reading their updates, engage with their content—pose questions, share insights, and make connections that could shape your future.
If you’re looking to take the next step—be it finding a quantum job or diving deeper into quantum training—visit QuantumComputingJobs.co.uk. This specialised platform complements the knowledge gleaned from LinkedIn by offering dedicated job listings, industry insights, and a community of professionals tackling quantum’s toughest challenges.
In short, the quantum revolution is well underway. Don’t just watch from the sidelines—reach out, follow, and join the conversation. Whether you’re a curious newcomer or a seasoned researcher, staying connected with these thought leaders ensures you remain poised to ride the next wave of innovation in quantum computing.
