Quantum scientist James Wootton joins Moth as CSO

James Wootton, a renowned quantum scientist, has been appointed Chief Scientific Officer at London-based startup Moth.

Wootton, previously engaged in quantum research and error correction at IBM, joins Moth in a strategic move to integrate quantum computing technology into the creative industries, particularly gaming. This marks a significant step for Moth, a company that focuses on developing quantum algorithms to enhance generative artificial intelligence.

In his new role, Wootton will steer Moth's scientific endeavours, concentrating on the development of algorithms to solve key challenges in generative technologies. His remit includes addressing optimisation issues to create advanced artificial intelligence and content generation techniques. The company's ambition includes leveraging today's NISQ (Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum) computers to foster innovative and creative experiences.

"I'm excited to begin this effort to boost creativity with quantum computing. Fault-tolerant quantum computers will provide a novel perspective and transformational new tools for the creative industries, and there's also still a lot of fun to be had with the quantum hardware of today. Moth's dedication to this mission made it impossible for me not to join, and I look forward to seeing who joins us on this journey," said James Wootton.

Ferdinand Tomassini, Co-founder and CEO of Moth, also expressed optimism about Wootton's appointment. "James Wootton is unparalleled in his knowledge and creative ambition within the field of quantum computing and gaming applications. At Moth, our vision of a creative revolution always includes a strong emphasis on gaming, and having James lead these initiatives as part of our C-suite is truly transformative. His expertise and innovative spirit will be a catalyst for our continued success and groundbreaking advancements," Tomassini stated.

Wootton's academic background includes a PhD from the University of Leeds and a postdoctoral position at the University of Basel, where he subsequently held a lectureship. His research has spanned quantum error correction, topological quantum computation, and entanglement theory. Over the past 15 years, he has published influential papers, particularly on topological quantum error correcting codes and their decoders.

In 2017, Wootton garnered attention by creating the first game for a quantum computer, titled Cat/Box/Scissors. At IBM, he was instrumental in the development of Qiskit (Quantum Information Science Kit) and played a significant role in the outreach team. His unique approach to integrating gaming with quantum education has made quantum principles more accessible and fostered a global community. Wootton has also been a prominent figure in organising numerous quantum game jams and public hackathons.

The appointment comes shortly after Moth raised GBP £3 million in a seed round of fundraising. The financial backing underscores investor confidence in Moth's vision and its potential to revolutionise the creative industries using quantum technology.

Moth continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in quantum computing and the creative industries. The company's initiatives are set to explore new avenues in music, gaming, and the arts by leveraging the advanced capabilities of quantum computing. Wootton's expertise is anticipated to accelerate these developments, opening new horizons for creative professionals worldwide.