Moth Adds Quantum Pioneer James Wootton as New Chief Scientific Officer

Insider Brief

• James Wootton joins Moth as Chief Scientific Officer, leaving IBM to advance quantum computing in the gaming and creative industries.
• Wootton will focus on developing algorithms to tackle optimization and AI challenges, leveraging NISQ computers for innovative gaming solutions.
• Moth’s CEO praises Wootton’s expertise, highlighting his potential to drive groundbreaking advancements in the intersection of quantum computing and creativity.

PRESS RELEASE — – Moth, a pioneering company bringing the power of quantum computing to the fingertips of musicians, gamers, and digital artists, announces the appointment of James Wootton as Chief Scientific Officer. Wootton is leaving his post in error correction and quantum research at IBM, and joins Moth in the mission to bring quantum computing technology into the creative industries.

In his new role, Wootton will directly oversee the company’s scientific roadmap, focusing on developing algorithms to address critical bottlenecks in the gaming industry. His efforts will extend to tackling optimization issues, aiming to produce superior artificial intelligence and advanced techniques to generate content. Additionally, Moth is committed to creating products that leverage today’s NISQ (Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum) computers for innovative and creative experiences. Pioneering developments are on the horizon as Moth continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in quantum computing and gaming.

James Wootton, Chief Scientific Officer of Moth, said, “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.”

Ferdinand Tomassini, Co-founder and CEO of Moth, said: “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.”

Wootton’s academic journey includes a PhD at the University of Leeds and a postdoctoral position at the University of Basel, where he later became a lecturer. His research has primarily focused on quantum error correction, but also included topics such as topological quantum computation and entanglement theory. Over the past 15 years, he has consistently published influential papers on quantum research, particularly on topological quantum error correcting codes and their decoders.

A true innovator, Wootton made headlines in 2017 by creating the first game for a quantum computer, titled Cat/Box/Scissors. At IBM, he played a crucial role in developing Qiskit (Quantum Information Science Kit) and was actively involved in the outreach team. His unique approach of integrating gaming with quantum education has not only made quantum principles more accessible but also fostered a vibrant global community. He has spearheaded numerous quantum game jams, public hackathons, and nurtured an ecosystem that has grown from a solo initiative into a thriving community.