John Martinis is one of the most significant physicists in contemporary science. His contributions to the development of quantum computing and his role in a Nobel Prize-winning team have made him a key figure in modern physics.
Martinis was instrumental in leading Google’s groundbreaking ‘quantum supremacy’ experiment, which demonstrated that a quantum computer could perform complex calculations in seconds—tasks that would take classical computers thousands of years.
In an interview with Euronews’ Greek service, Martinis shared insights into his journey, current research developments, and the challenges faced by the next generation of scientists striving to translate theoretical concepts into practical applications.
A Journey Through Time
Reflecting on the history of quantum mechanics, Martinis mentioned that the experiments that led to the Nobel Prize were conducted in the mid-1980s. “It’s already forty years later,” he said, highlighting the remarkable progress made since then.
“Today, we can build quantum computers powerful enough to perform academic-style calculations, run simple algorithms, and understand how they work and how they are programmed,” he added.
The path of quantum technology has been anything but straightforward. From the theoretical foundations laid in the 1980s and 1990s to the first experimental prototypes in the 21st century, each step required a blend of physics, engineering, programming, and high-precision materials.
Challenges and Obstacles
Despite significant advancements, Martinis emphasized that there are still many hurdles to overcome. “I have been involved in many ventures, each with its own advantages and disadvantages,” he explained.
“One of the problems is that, as the technology is now developed mainly by private companies, people tend not to share what they learn—and this can slow down progress. Of course, there is enough academic research that knowledge is being shared, but the balance is not always easy.”
He also noted that scientists are often optimistic but sometimes naïve about the difficulty of building a system that integrates all the necessary engineering and technologies.
The Future of Quantum Computing
When asked about the future of the quantum industry, Martinis acknowledged that the field is now mature but more challenging than ever. “The field is now quite mature. Even for someone with my experience, it’s hard to start a start-up and be actively involved,” he said.
However, he sees great potential for young people. “It’s fantastic for young people, because there are a lot of career opportunities in quantum computing development.”
Martinis recalled that when he was a student, the idea of working in quantum computing seemed almost unimaginable. “Today, you can join a good research group, work on algorithms or materials, and make a substantial contribution,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of diverse skill sets. “We also have people without a PhD who contribute significantly to our company—each with their own skills. One of them, with a background in computer science, has taken over our entire network system and is doing an excellent job.”
Collaboration and Innovation
For Martinis, the new generation of researchers has the potential to accelerate the quantum revolution, provided there is collaboration, consistency, and an awareness of the complexity of the task.
“Young scientists bring energy, ideas, and boldness. What is needed now is patience and cooperation between universities, companies, and governments so that quantum technology is not confined to experimental laboratories, but finds application in areas such as medicine, data security, and energy.”
Personal Roots and Legacy
Towards the end of the interview, Martinis smiled when asked about his Greek roots. “I’m not sure how it all started—I guess someone published it somewhere,” he said with a laugh.
“I’m Croatian. My father was born in Kamiza, on the island of Isa, near Split, in the Adriatic, while my mother was born in the United States. I am very proud of this heritage and I love that I can have ties to more than one country. It’s great—I love that.”
With his characteristic calmness and scientific precision, John Martinis belongs to the generation of researchers who laid the foundations for the next great technological leap forward.
As he pointed out, “the quantum future is no longer a theory—it’s already in the hands of the young.”