Would we get a quantum computer sooner if everything was open source?In this episode, we speak with Austin Fowler, one of the architects of quantum error correction and a pioneer of the surface code used in today’s leading quantum computers. Fowler helped lay the groundwork for scalable, fault-tolerant computation at Google Quantum AI, before leaving to advocate for a more open and collaborative model of research.He explains why building a useful quantum computer will require millions of reliable qubits, why no known algorithm yet clearly outperforms classical computation, and why the field’s current competitive funding model may be slowing progress instead of accelerating it. From the engineering challenges of superconducting qubits to the economics of global research, Fowler offers a candid, inside look at the state of quantum technology.We explore the history and promise of quantum error correction, the software bottlenecks that still stand in the way, and how an open-source, international approach — modeled on CERN or the International Space Station — could transform the field. Along the way, Fowler reflects on his time at Google, the importance of collaboration, and what it will really take to make quantum computing practical.Whether you’re interested in quantum hardware, physics, computer science, or research policy, this conversation reveals the technical, ethical, and economic realities behind one of today’s most ambitious scientific pursuits.Follow us for more technical interviews with the world’s greatest scientists:Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/632nmpodcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/632nm/about/Substack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Follow our hosts!Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYinSubscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWebsite: [https://www.632nm.com](https://www.632nm.com/)Timestamps:00:00 - Intro01:40 - Austin’s Longevity in Quantum02:31 - What’s the Goal of Quantum Computing?05:01 - Creating Fault-Tolerant Qubits06:55 - Advantages of 2D Surface Code08:47 - Austin’s Journey into Quantum16:32 - Working at Google20:14 - Alternatives to Surface Codes22:18 - Should Quantum Computing Be Open Source?25:20 - Quantum Computing is Eating Itself30:52 - Open Source as a Mission35:46 - Advice for People Getting into TQEC39:03 - Bit Flips vs Phase Flips45:43 - History of Surface Codes49:05 - From Surface Code to Fault Tolerance57:19 - What Software do Quantum Computers Need?1:00:17 - Quantum vs Classical Error Correction1:05:57 - Manufacturing Superconducting Qubits1:12:02 - Noise Models in Software1:21:21 - How do NISQ Experiments help us Build Better Computers?1:24:01 - State of the Art Topological QEC1:31:38 - How did the TQEC Community Begin?1:34:46 - Future of TQEC1:36:03 - Quantum AI1:37:58 - Advice for Young Scientists1:41:35 - Underrated Quantum Research1:47:21 - What are the Most Important Upcoming Developments?