Bill Wisotsky, Principal Quantum Systems Architect at SAS, discusses SAS's vendor-agnostic, hybrid approach to quantum and analytics with Yuval. He highlights D-Wave warm-starts proving optimal kidney-exchange solutions in seconds and QML pilots for fraud and bankruptcy modeling and disaster response. He defines 'quantum advantage' pragmatically, treating QPUs as another PU alongside CPUs/GPUs, and emphasizes rapid progress in error correction and ideas like Penrose's. He shares his journey from biophysics to quantum computing, emphasizing persistence and education. He discusses exciting projects, including the Kidney Exchange Project, and the importance of customer collaboration and understanding. He explains the concept of quantum advantage, focusing on speed and expressivity, and the hybrid approach to prove optimality. He clarifies the role of quantum in SAS's toolset, emphasizing its versatility and customer-centric approach. He discusses the importance of vendor selection, considering hardware, software, and team dynamics. He reflects on his learning journey, emphasizing the rapid evolution of quantum computing and the importance of continuous learning. He concludes with a hypothetical dinner with Roger Penrose, intrigued by his ideas on consciousness and quantum theory in neurons.
