Quantum computing often seems like something reserved for physicists and researchers. But what does it actually mean for software developers, architects, and IT professionals?

In this session, we'll take a practical introduction to quantum computing from a Microsoft perspective. We'll explore fundamental concepts such as qubits, superposition, entanglement, and quantum gates without diving too deeply into the underlying physics. Using Q#, we'll build simple quantum programs, run them on simulators, and see how Azure Quantum provides access to real quantum hardware.

We'll also examine the impact of quantum computing on cybersecurity. Which cryptographic algorithms are at risk? What does "harvest now, decrypt later" mean? And why are organizations already preparing for the post-quantum era today?

By the end of this session, you'll understand what quantum computing can and cannot do, why companies like Microsoft are investing heavily in it, how you can start experimenting with Q# today, and why quantum technologies are becoming increasingly relevant for the future of both software development and security.