Romi Lifshitz
Quantum Cryptography, Quantum Algorithms,
Quantum Machine Learning
About Me
I'm a quantum computing researcher and developer working on quantum cryptography, quantum algorithms, and quantum machine learning. Currently, I'm the co-founder of a stealth startup securing next-gen AI technologies.
I earned my MSc in Computer Science and Mathematics from the Weizmann Institute of Science, where I worked with one of the world's leading quantum cryptography experts (Thomas Vidick) to enhance the security of quantum communication networks. Before that, I developed Quantum Deep Dreaming (QDD), a system that uses AI to design quantum circuits. I also worked at PASQAL, a world-leading neutral-atom quantum computing company, where I built quantum machine learning systems for climate prediction.
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Beyond quantum, I've taught university courses on innovation and mentored 500+ students in entrepreneurship, lean startup, and design thinking. I've also published research in healthcare alongside Johns Hopkins Hospital and McMaster University on the topics of transplantation and Alzheimer's disease. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Canada (summa cum laude), where I completed the equivalent of two degrees in five years as part of an elite program trained in global systems thinking and analysis of complex technological and geopolitical challenges.
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My mission is to create solutions for the most challenging problems of our times, by harnessing deep technical expertise and converting that into practical, usable solutions.
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Quantum Computing
Quantum Cryptography &
Communication
@Weizmann Institute of Science
Entanglement is one of the most fundamental resources in quantum computing. We need it for the security of quantum cryptography and quantum networks, and for quantum algorithms. ​
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In this work, we introduce ways to measure the ability of entanglement detection protocols to detect perfect and noisy entanglement. More perfect entanglement = more security. So using our methods, you can now choose: near-perfect entanglement for more secure applications, or noisy entanglement to preserve resources when possible.
Speaker
@SXSW, 2023
Quantum Computing and AI are constantly in the news. But what can be achieved with these technologies, and how can they be combined?
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See my talk, "Simulating the World With Quantum Computing & AI", where I spoke about how the two technologies can be combined and lead to breakthroughs (i.e., to simulate global climate systems, discover new materials, and more).
Keynote Speaker
@IFA Berlin, 2022
Can quantum computing be used to design smarter cities and tackle global warming? This September, I spoke about this possibility at IFA Berlin, Europe's biggest consumer electronics trade-show conference.
See my talk, "A New World on the Horizon? Smart Cities Powered by Quantum Computers", to learn more about the applications of quantum computing, and my recent research on using quantum machine learning for climate prediction.
Quantum Algorithms Developer
@PASQAL
Are quantum computers useful in the real world? I worked at one of Europe's leading quantum computing companies to investigate this question and harness quantum computing to make a meaningful difference in the world. During my full-time 6-month internship, I worked directly with a corporate client to develop new quantum algorithms for real-world applications, and create novel quantum machine learning algorithms for climate prediction.
Quantum Machine Learning
& Algorithm Design​
@University of Toronto Aspuru-Guzik Lab
Created near-term quantum computing algorithms using Machine Learning under the supervision of Dr. Alán Aspuru-Guzik, with a focus on algorithms for chemistry applications. Lead a project for the creation of a new quantum compiling algorithm, and working alongside Ph.D. and post-doctoral students to develop Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum (NISQ) algorithms and software. Worked at the lab via a paid full-time summer internship in 2021, successfully completed my (second) undergraduate Physics Thesis at the lab from 2021-2022, and continued the research afterwards. My final undergraduate thesis can be found on arXiv here.
Intro to Quantum Computing Video Series
Collaboration with Waterloo IQC
What is the difference between classical and quantum computation? How can we build a quantum computer processor?
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I developed an educational video series teaching the public about the use of spin, silicon-based qubits in quantum processors, in collaboration with the University of Waterloo Institute for Quantum Computing. Check out the series, for audiences of all levels!
Medicine, Biology, and Quantum Physics
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Structural Biology
@McMaster University Melacini Lab
What is happening in Alzheimer's disease at the molecular level? What about in aortic aneurysms? Can we fix the molecular problems underlying these diseases?
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From 2018-2021, I worked alongside Ph.D. and postdoctoral students to identify protein structures and drug targets for Alzheimer's and related diseases using NMR spectroscopy. We recently published a paper characterizing mediators of toxic proteins involved in Alzheimer's and related diseases. I also used NMR data analytic techniques to identify the structure of normal and mutated proteins related to thoracic aortic aneurysms, and developed a new tool to help expedite NMR analysis.
Nephrology
@SickKids Hospital & McMaster Children's Hospital
Thousands of children suffer from nephrotic syndrome around the world. However, there is no known cause to the disease.
From 2017-2019, I worked in a study at SickKids Hospital aiming to identify the cause of childhood nephrotic syndrome, and led the expansion of the study to McMaster Children's Hospital as McMaster's Clinical Research Coordinator. It was a privilege to facilitate communication between students, doctors, hospitals, patients, and patient families for this essential cause. My role included training students to enroll patients & collect samples, safely transferring the patient data between hospitals, and developing a sustainable system at McMaster for the study to continue into the future.
Transplantation & Quality of Life
@Johns Hopkins Hospital
How do transplants influence the quality of life of organ donors and recipients?
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I investigated the role of caregivers in kidney transplantation and the quality of life of organ donors/recipients, under the supervision of Dr. Dorry Segev. Check out the two published papers!
Innovation
Winning the MGDII Healthcare Hackathon & Hospital Partnership
@McMaster University & St. Joseph's Hospital
Won 1st place in McMaster Medical School Hackathon (MGDII Innovation Sprint Competition), which led to a partnership with St. Joseph's Hospital. Designed solutions for St. Joseph's Hospital to help integrate caregivers of chronically ill patients into the hospital system.
Teaching Assistant for Innovation Courses
@McMaster University Dept. of Eng. & Mgmt.
Introduced students to multiple innovation strategies for four consecutive terms in the courses: Lean Startup Methods, Introduction to the World of Entrepreneurship, Design Sprint Methods. Mentored and guided over 500 students on how to ideate innovations that help their communities, and on how to turn their ideas into a sustainable business.