IARPA: Disbelief to Doubt

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Quantum Leaps: Part 2 Apr 02, 2025

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The demand to solve increasingly complex problems is accelerating beyond the capabilities of traditional computing approaches. Quantum computing promises to revolutionize a host of industries by enabling rapid solutions to complex problems that are currently intractable for more traditional – or classical – computers.

As a primary funder of quantum research since 2009, IARPA-sponsored efforts have resulted in multiple world-record demonstrations of quantum computing capabilities, including achieving a “Quantum Advantage” – when a quantum computer can solve a problem more efficiently than a classical one. IARPA-funded quantum efforts have also led to over a thousand publications, dozens of patents, and the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physics.

If you haven't already, head over to our website, at https://www.iarpa.gov/podcast, where you will find resources and citations for this, and all of our episodes, including examples of quantum computing systems.

In part two of this two-part episode, we discuss with Michael why quantum is such an IARPA hard problem, unpack IARPA’s history of quantum breakthroughs over the last decade, explore what applications might come from quantum computing in the future, and much more – including how Michael’s first foray into engineering and maybe even the world of quantum might of have had its roots in the mechanics of bowling alley pin setters.

Quantum Leaps: Part 1 Mar 10, 2025

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In part one of this two-part episode, we sit down with former IARPA Program Manager, and resident quantum expert, Dr. Michael Di Rosa to talk about his journey to IARPA, what quantum computing is exactly, how it differs from more traditional computing, and much more.

Quantum Leaps (Teaser) Feb 24, 2025

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Enjoy this sneak peak of IARPA: Disbelief to Doubt Episode 4! In this upcoming episode of Disbelief to Doubt we speak with former Program Manager Michael DiRosa and explore how quantum computing differs from classical computing approaches, how this technology may eventually change the world, and how IARPA has been at the forefront of quantum research for nearly two decades.

High-Risk/High-Payoff Part 2 Jan 27, 2025

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IARPA invests in high-risk, high-payoff research with the goal of providing our nation with an overwhelming intelligence advantage. Developing scientific breakthroughs that challenge the state of the art requires IARPA Program Managers (PMs) to take ideas from a place of “disbelief to doubt” before successfully launching an IARPA program. As part of that development process, PMs must address a series of rigorous questions known as the “Heilmeier Questions” named after George Heilmeier, a pioneer in the research and development field.

In Part 2 of this 2 part episode we continue our conversation with former Office of Analysis Director, Mr. Rob Rahmer and discuss how Rob defines success in the Office of Analysis, what makes a problem "IARPA Hard" and much more.

High-Risk/High-Payoff Part 1 Jan 13, 2025

Show notes

In Part 1 of this 2 part episode we sit down with former Office of Analysis Director Rob Rahmer to discuss his journey to IARPA, unpack the Heilmeier Questions and the role the play in IARPA research, and much more.

High-Risk/High-Reward Teaser Dec 16, 2024

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Join us for a sneak peek of IARPA: Disbelief to Doubt Episode 3! In this episode, we sit down with Former Office Director Rob Rahmer to discuss his journey from self-professed math Geek to leading the Office of Analysis to a prolific number of new programs during his tenure.

Part 1 drops on January 13th, 2025 followed by Part 2 on January 27th. Learn more and listen in at IARPA.gov/podcast!

IARPA Retrospective: Lessons Learned from 10 Years of "IARPA Hard Problems" with Former Director Dr. Jason Matheny Part 2 Nov 18, 2024

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In this episode of Disbelief to Doubt we continue our conversation previously recorded with former IARPA Director Dr. Jason Matheny, who served as IARPA director from 2015 through 2018. In part two of this two-part interview we discuss the impact of IARPA's mission on national security and science, overcoming the challenges of technology adoption, Jason's parting wisdom on future trends and challenges in national security research, and much more.

IARPA Retrospective: Lessons Learned from 10 Years of "IARPA Hard Problems" with Former Director Dr. Jason Matheny Part 1 Nov 04, 2024

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In this episode of Disbelief to Doubt we turn back the clock to 2018 and sit down with former IARPA Director Dr. Jason Matheny who served as IARPA director from 2015 through 2018. In part one of this two-part interview we discuss a wide range of topics, including Jason's early career in science, how being a "force multiplier" drew him to IARPA, lessons learned from IARPA's first 10 years of tackling "IARPA hard" problems, the role of the U.S. as a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) research and development and much more.

IARPA Retrospective Teaser Oct 24, 2024

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Enjoy this preview of IARPA: Disbelief to Doubt Episode 2! In this retrospective episode, you'll hear former IARPA Director Dr. Jason Matheny talk about what it means to be a Force Multiplier as an IARPA Program Manager and discuss lessons learned over a decade of IARPA research breakthroughs.

Part 1 drops on November 4th followed by Part 2 on November 18th. Learn more and listen in at IARPA.gov/podcast!

Episode 1: Part 2: Force Multipliers Sep 23, 2024

Show notes

In Part 2 of our premiere episode of the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity's (IARPA) new podcast series, we continue our conversation with former Director Catherine Marsh to discuss IARPA's process for funding high-risk/high reward research, what differentiates IARPA's mission from that of DARPA's, how Program Managers are empowered to make a dent in the universe, and much more.

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