Inside the quantum revolution with Oxford Ionics CEO Dr. Chris Ballance

The Brands Transforming Our World podcast

Quantum computing has often been described as a technology of tomorrow, but for Dr. Chris Ballance, that tomorrow is already unfolding. As CEO and co-founder of Oxford Ionics, Chris has helped transform pioneering research into a billion-dollar business now delivering some of the most powerful quantum computers in the world.

In this episode of our podcast series, “Brands Transforming Our World“, Chris shares his journey beginning with childhood fascination with coding, leading record-setting academic research at Oxford, and building a company that is redefining what’s possible in computing. He reflects on the excitement of commercialising deep tech, the unique edge Oxford Ionics has developed and how the recent $1bn acquisition by IonQ will accelerate progress even further.

We explore:

How his love for science led to a (brief) expulsion from school and the launch of an amazing career
How Oxford Ionics is building the world’s most powerful quantum computers
His “restaurant, haircut and tattoo” approach to decision-making
The importance of brand and storytelling in deep tech
What quantum will mean for business and society in the next decade

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Each month, Giles Fraser and Rory will quiz a different tech industry leader. We’ll be hearing their personal stories, what it takes to run the world’s most innovative companies, and how these brands are transforming our world.