BTC253: Quantum Computing and Bitcoin w/ Charles Edwards (Bitcoin Podcast)

Preston and Charles dive into the fundamentals of quantum computing, its transformative applications, and the looming threat it poses to Bitcoin encryption. They break down the distinction between physical and logical qubits, real-world use cases, and the exponential progress in the field. With timelines tightening, they call for urgent collaboration across the Bitcoin and cryptography communities to prepare for a post-quantum world. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:30 - How quantum computing works, including superposition and entanglement 00:08:54 - The difference between physical and logical qubits—and why it matters 00:04:21 - Key industries already benefiting from quantum applications 00:13:07 - Why quantum computing could break Bitcoin’s encryption within 5 years 00:28:04 - The significance of BIP360 and post-quantum migration strategies 00:20:47 - How China's investment and U.S. executive actions shape the race 00:15:41 - Preston’s skepticism of inflate...