Inside Phasecraft’s Product Development: Bridging Technical Innovation and Market Needs

Building products for a technology that most people don’t believe is real requires a unique approach. In a recent episode of Category Visionaries, Phasecraft co-founder Ashley Montanaro shared how they’re turning quantum computing’s theoretical potential into practical solutions.

From Skepticism to Solutions

The journey begins with understanding the challenge. As Ashley recalls his own introduction to quantum computing: “I didn’t really believe that it was true. I thought, okay, this must be wrong. I can’t believe that you could do all these amazing things with quantum mechanics.” This initial skepticism shaped Phasecraft’s approach to product development – they know they need to bridge not just technical gaps, but also belief gaps.

Finding the Right Problems to Solve

For Phasecraft, product development starts with identifying problems where quantum computing can deliver unique value. “If you want to model or simulate a battery or a solar cell accurately, you really need to understand the quantum mechanics within that battery or solar cell,” Ashley explains. This insight guides their focus on problems where quantum solutions offer clear advantages over classical computing approaches.

Building for Real-World Impact

Their collaboration with Johnson Matthey exemplifies their approach to product development. Rather than developing theoretical solutions, they focus on “very intense R&D partnership” where they’re “actually working directly with the scientists and the engineers.” This hands-on approach ensures their products address real industry challenges.

Managing Development Timelines

Quantum computing development requires balancing long-term potential with near-term deliverables. “We as a company really think we’ll be able to do exciting things with quantum computers on a shorter timescale than perhaps others do,” Ashley notes. “We are thinking about doing commercially relevant things in the next few years rather than the next ten years, 20 years or so.”

The Path to Quantum Advantage

A critical milestone in their product development strategy is achieving what Ashley calls “quantum advantage, where quantum computing is outperforming classical computing for a problem of genuine practical interest.” This focus on practical applications shapes every aspect of their development process.

Maintaining Credibility

In an industry prone to hype, maintaining credibility is crucial. Ashley emphasizes that “it’s critically important that you don’t over promise and only say things which you believe you actually can deliver.” This principle guides not just their communications, but their entire product development approach.

Technical Talent as a Product Driver

Product development in quantum computing requires unique expertise. With only “numbers in the hundreds, let’s say, have been like worldwide who have the right expertise,” building the right team becomes a crucial part of the product development process.

Looking Ahead: The Product Roadmap

Phasecraft’s product vision extends to “three to five years time,” when they expect to be “using quantum computers to have solved genuinely important problems from elsewhere in science and engineering.” This timeline reflects their commitment to delivering practical value while acknowledging the complex nature of quantum computing development.

The Product Development Playbook

For deep tech founders, Phasecraft’s approach offers valuable lessons:

1. Focus on problems where your technology offers unique advantages
2. Work directly with end-users to understand real-world challenges
3. Balance long-term potential with near-term deliverables
4. Maintain credibility through realistic promises
5. Build products that solve “genuine practical interest” problems

This approach has helped Phasecraft translate quantum computing’s theoretical potential into solutions that address real industry challenges. For founders working to commercialize complex technologies, it offers a blueprint for product development that bridges the gap between cutting-edge innovation and practical market needs.