Open Source Summit + Embedded Linux Conference North America 2026

Quantum computing is often described as the next frontier of computation, but for most engineers, it remains abstract and disconnected from practical systems such as AI and distributed infrastructure.

This session introduces the fundamentals of quantum computing in clear, accessible terms. We will explain core concepts such as qubits, superposition, and entanglement without heavy mathematics, and compare them to classical computing models used in today’s AI workloads.

We will then explore realistic intersections between quantum computing and AI, including optimization problems, simulation, and potential long-term impacts on edge and cloud architectures. The session will also briefly review open source quantum development toolkits and how engineers can begin experimenting today.

Attendees will leave with a grounded understanding of what quantum computing can and cannot do, and how it may influence the future of AI systems.