Quantum computing, meet edge computing (thanks to diamonds)

Quantum computers usually mean massive machines, cryogenic temperatures, and isolated data centers. But what if quantum computing could run at room temperature, fit inside a server rack — or even a satellite?

In this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier sits down with Marcus Doherty, Chief Science Officer of Quantum Brilliance, to explore how diamond-based quantum computers work — and why they could unlock scalable, edge-deployed quantum systems.

Marcus explains how nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond act like atomic-scale qubits, enabling long coherence times without extreme cooling. We dive into quantum sensing, quantum machine learning, and why diamond fabrication — including the world’s first commercial quantum diamond foundry — could be the key to manufacturing quantum hardware at scale.

You’ll also hear how diamond quantum systems are already being deployed in data centers, how they could operate in vehicles and satellites, and what the realistic roadmap looks like for logical qubits and real-world impact over the next decade.

Topics include:

• Why diamonds are uniquely suited for quantum computing

• How NV centers work at room temperature

• Quantum sensing vs. quantum computing

• Manufacturing challenges and timelines

• Quantum computing at the edge (satellites, vehicles, sensors)

• The future of hybrid classical-quantum systems

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🎙 Guest

Marcus Doherty

Chief Science Officer, Quantum Brilliance

Professor of Quantum Physics

Army Reserve Officer

🌐 https://quantumbrilliance.com

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00:00 Diamonds and the next wave of quantum computing

01:20 Why diamond qubits work at room temperature

03:20 NV centers explained: defects that behave like atoms

05:05 How diamonds replace massive quantum isolation systems

06:40 Building the world’s first quantum diamond foundry

08:30 Defect-free diamonds, isotopes, and qubit engineering

10:15 Quantum sensing vs. quantum computing with diamonds

12:40 From desktop quantum systems to millions of qubits

14:25 Roadmap: logical qubits, timelines, and scale

16:10 Quantum computers at the edge: vehicles and satellites

18:10 Quantum machine learning and real-world deployments

19:50 The long game: why diamond quantum computing scales