Las Vegas, NV — A special episode of the Washington AI Network Podcast, recorded at CES 2026, explores how quantum computing and artificial intelligence are rapidly moving from theoretical concepts into practical tools shaping national security, finance, media, and data-center infrastructure.
Hosted by Tammy Haddad, the episode features an in-depth conversation with Pouya Dianat, chief revenue officer of Quantum Computing Inc., who breaks down what quantum computing is—and what it is not—at a moment of growing public fascination and anxiety around the technology.
“Quantum is not necessarily a replacement for a classical computer,” Dianat said. “It can solve certain kinds of problems better—the kinds that are going to take a classical computer many years and maybe even thousands of years to solve.”
Dianat addressed concerns around encryption and national security, explaining that quantum computing could theoretically break today’s encryption standards, creating new vulnerabilities for governments and businesses alike. At the same time, he emphasized that quantum technologies also offer the solution. “Funny enough, the solution to that problem is also quantum,” he noted, describing quantum-secured communication systems that can detect tampering in real time.
The discussion also examined the global race for quantum leadership, with Dianat noting intensified competition among major powers and increasing attention from the U.S. government. Looking ahead, he outlined how quantum processing units, or QPUs, will integrate alongside CPUs and GPUs, creating hybrid computing environments inside modern data centers.
“Quantum has to be absolutely part of the data center,” Dianat said. “You will have a QPU that can coexist with a CPU and a GPU and have a hybrid computing platform.”
The episode also features a conversation with Graham Stephan and Jack Selby, co-hosts of the popular Iced Coffee Hour podcast. Speaking from the CES Creator Space, the duo discussed how AI tools are reshaping content creation, research, and productivity in creator-led media. The duo interviewed Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo from the Creator Stage on the showroom floor.
“Be contentious,” Selby said of his interview style. “Argue with them a little bit. Try to get a viral clip.”
From quantum security to the creator economy, the episode highlights how emerging technologies are converging—and what that means for industries preparing for what comes next.
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