Scaling by Connection: Ben McElfresh on Quantum Networking and Building Computers Like Data Centres

In this episode, I am joined by Ben McElfresh, Product Manager at Nu Quantum, the company building the infrastructure that links quantum computers together into a single, more powerful machine. Ben has one of the more unusual routes into the field I have come across: a degree in mechanical engineering rather than physics, an early career building scientific instruments including SQUID magnetometers, the same superconducting technology quantum computers are built on, then photonic quantum computing at Orca, and now product at Nu Quantum. This episode explores why building a bigger quantum processor is only half the story, how connecting many processors into a single distributed machine could unlock the millions of qubits that real commercial value demands, and why Ben believes a large share of the people this industry needs next will come from outside quantum entirely. We discuss: 🔗 Quantum networking in plain terms, connecting separate processors so they behave as one machine, much like a classical data centre 🧩 The two building blocks, the Qubit-Photon Interface and the Quantum Networking Unit, and what each one does 🌍 Why Nu Quantum is expanding into Spain and the US, and how the talent map shaped those decisions 📈 Why quantum roadmaps are firming up, with companies now actually hitting their qubit targets 🤝 The translatable skills coming from high-frequency trading and manufacturing, and why you do not need to be a physicist to contribute Guest: [Ben McElfresh](LinkedIn URL to confirm) Product Manager, [Nu Quantum](LinkedIn URL to confirm)