Who should I follow to learn about Quantum computing?

If your goal is to actually learn quantum computing, rather than just follow quantum-news hype, I’d build your feed around a mix of educators, researchers, and practical programming resources.

People I’d follow

• John Preskill - Excellent for understanding the deeper ideas behind quantum information and quantum computing. Best once you’re comfortable with some math.
• Scott Aaronson - Great for quantum algorithms, complexity theory, and the question of what quantum computers can actually do. He also has a strong BS-detector for exaggerated claims.
• Michael Nielsen - One of the best people to learn the conceptual foundations from. His Quantum Computation and Quantum Information work is foundational.
• Peter Shor - Follow his work if you're interested in quantum algorithms and the theoretical foundations of the field.
• Umesh Vazirani - Particularly good if you're interested in the intersection of theoretical computer science and quantum computing.
• Jens Eisert - Worth following if you're interested in the more mathematical/research side of quantum information.
• Seth Lloyd - A major figure in quantum computing and quantum simulation.

For actually programming quantum computers

I'd put Qiskit/IBM Quantum near the top of your list. Their current learning platform has beginner courses as well as much deeper material from John Watrous, including quantum information, algorithms, and error correction. IBM Quantum Learning

IBM Quantum Learning

Also follow:

• Qiskit - tutorials, lectures, community news and practical programming.
• PennyLane - particularly good if you're interested in quantum machine learning and hybrid quantum/classical algorithms.
• Google Quantum AI - useful for keeping up with cutting-edge hardware and research.
• Microsoft Quantum - useful for quantum algorithms, software and the longer-term fault-tolerant-computing picture.

IBM's current Qiskit stack is particularly useful for hands-on learning because you can progress from circuits and simulators to executing workloads on actual quantum hardware. Getting started with Qiskit | IBM Quantum Learning

For YouTube / visual explanations

I'd especially recommend:

• 3Blue1Brown - not a quantum-computing channel per se, but his linear algebra explanations are extremely useful preparation.
• MIT OpenCourseWare - university-level lectures.
• Qiskit - practical quantum-computing lectures and tutorials.
• Stanford Online - excellent for more rigorous material.

There are also recent community-curated recommendations that include 3Blue1Brown, MIT OpenCourseWare, Stanford, Qiskit-related material and several quantum educators. YouTube can teach you Quantum Computing, but only if you watch the right channels. I've tried covering various types of channels, from big tech to startups to universities to creators etc. Here’s… | Kiran Kaur Raina | 28 comments

If I were starting today

I'd follow this small core set rather than 50 accounts:

3Blue1Brown → John Preskill → Scott Aaronson → Qiskit → IBM Quantum → Google Quantum AI

And I'd learn alongside the feed. IBM currently has a roughly 29-hour "Understanding Quantum Information and Computation" path, covering fundamentals, circuits, algorithms and hands-on exercises. Understanding quantum information and computation | IBM Quantum Learning

If you tell me your background - (1) complete beginner, (2) programmer, (3) math/physics student, or (4) experienced software engineer - I can give you a 10-person follow list + a 3-month learning roadmap tailored to you.

To learn about quantum computing effectively, it helps to follow top researchers, educators, platforms, and industry communicators who break down everything from the foundational math to hands-on programming.

Here are the best people, organizations, and channels to follow:

1. Leading Researchers and Educators

• John Preskill (Caltech): A theoretical physicist famous for coining the term "Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum" (NISQ). Following his work or lectures gives you a deep, rigorous look into the theoretical boundaries of quantum information.

• Scott Aaronson (UT Austin / OpenAI): A leading voice in quantum complexity theory. His blog (Shtetl-Optimized) and writings are fantastic for understanding what quantum computers can and cannot do.

• Michael Nielsen (Co-author of the definitive textbook Quantum Computation and Quantum Information): Co-creator of Quantum Country , an innovative, highly intuitive interactive platform for learning quantum computing.

• Olivia Lanes (IBM Quantum): Excellent for beginners and developers looking to learn practical quantum programming via Qiskit and cloud-based quantum hardware. IBM Quantum Learning

2. Industry Leaders & Research Groups to Follow

• IBM Quantum & Qiskit Team: The gold standard for practical learning. Following their updates, open-source challenges, and the IBM Quantum Learning platform is essential if you want to write actual quantum code.

• Google Quantum AI: Known for milestones like quantum supremacy experiments. Following their researchers and channels gives you a front-row seat to hardware advancements and error-correction updates.

• Xanadu (PennyLane): If you are interested in Quantum Machine Learning (QML) , follow Xanadu and their open-source PennyLane framework. Quantum Learning FAQ: How to Start and What to Study

3. Curated Newsletters, Blogs, and Communities

• The Quantum Insider (TQI): A leading publication tracking industry developments, startups, investments, and breakthroughs.

• Quantum Computing Report: Great for market analysis, hardware roadmaps, and industry trends.

• Quantum Computing Stack Exchange: An active community forum where you can follow specific questions and answers ranging from novice inquiries to advanced mathematical proofs.

4. Interactive Learning Resources & Guides

• Quantum Country (by Michael Nielsen & Andy Matuschak): Uses a novel memory-reinforcement format to teach quantum concepts with minimal upfront math. A guide to online resources for learning quantum computing - NQCC

• Black Opal (by Q-CTRL): Highly visual, gamified, and interactive platform great for absolute beginners.

What aspect of quantum computing are you most curious about - the software/programming side, the physics/hardware side, or its applications in AI?

To learn quantum computing effectively, it helps to follow a mix of world-class academic researchers, industry pioneers, and science communicators who break down heavy physics into digestible insights.

Academic Heavyweights & Theorists

** Scott Aaronson** (UT Austin / formerly MIT) – Famous for his blog Shtetl-Optimized. He writes brilliantly and humorously about the limits of quantum computers, complexity theory, and cutting through industry hype.

John Preskill (Caltech) – The theoretical physicist who famously coined the term "quantum supremacy." His updates and papers offer a gold standard for understanding noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) systems and error correction.

Shohini Ghose (Wilfrid Laurier University) – An incredible physicist and communicator who makes quantum mechanics and quantum information science accessible to broader audiences through public talks and media. Influencers of Quantum Tech: 11 Influential People You Should Probably be Following38 Experts In "quantum computing" • Expertise Finder NetworkTop 10 Influential Quantum Computing Pioneers to Follow on LinkedIn | Quantum Computing Jobs

Industry Leaders & Hardware/Software Pioneers

** Dario Gil** (IBM Research) – Excellent for tracking high-level industry roadmaps, open-source quantum software like Qiskit, and how enterprise hardware is scaling.

Krysta Svore (Microsoft) – Leads Microsoft's quantum software efforts (Azure Quantum and Q#) and is great to follow for insights into scalable quantum algorithms and fault tolerance.

Michael J. Biercuk (Q-CTRL) – Founder and CEO of Q-CTRL, specializing in quantum control infrastructure and error suppression. He frequently posts sharp breakdowns of technical progress vs. marketing hype.

Zlatko Minev (Google Quantum AI) – Renowned for his work on superconducting quantum circuits and chip design, often sharing neat visual and technical insights from inside Google's labs. 13 Experts to Follow for Quantum Technology Insights - LinkedIn

Communicators, Educators & Rising Voices

** Anastasia Marchenkova** – A quantum physicist who actively creates content breaking down quantum mechanics, hardware development, and career paths in the industry.

Araceli Venegas-Gomez – Founder of Physics World/Quantum Exponential , she focuses heavily on talent development, bridging the gap between academia and industry, and educating professionals entering the field.

Olivier Ezratty – Known for his exhaustive, highly technical, and free annual reports on the global quantum computing ecosystem, breaking down hardware, software, and geopolitics. In a top 10 of Quantum Top Voices on LinkedIn. | Bob Coecke

Would you prefer to focus on the math/programming side (like learning Qiskit or Q#) or the high-level business and physics concepts? I can recommend specific newsletters, subreddits, or textbooks based on your focus.

Follow Scott Aaronson for rigorous explanations and myth-busting; John Preskill for foundational perspectives; and IBM Quantum’s Qiskit team for practical, beginner-friendly tutorials.(qolour.com)(quantumledger.report)

If you want to learn about quantum computing, follow a mix of researchers, industry leaders, and educators who share insights across theory, hardware, and applications. Some of the most influential voices include Hartmut Neven (Google Quantum AI), John Preskill (Caltech), Krysta Svore (Microsoft), Jack Hidary (SandboxAQ), and Shohini Ghose (Wilfrid Laurier University).Top Quantum Computing Experts, Researchers & Leaders (2026)Top 10 Influential Quantum Computing Pioneers to Follow on LinkedIn | Quantum Computing Jobs

🌟 Key Figures to Follow

📌 How to Engage

• LinkedIn & Twitter/X: Most of these experts actively share updates, talks, and papers. Preskill and Ghose are especially good at breaking down theory for broader audiences.

• Books & Talks: Jack Hidary’s Quantum Computing: An Applied Approach is a practical entry point. Bob Sutor’s Dancing with Qubits is another accessible resource.20 Influential Individuals Driving The Quantum Technology

• Conferences : Events like Q2B, APS March Meetings, and IEEE Quantum Week often feature these leaders. Following them helps you track when they’re speaking.

⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind

• Rapidly evolving field : Quantum computing breakthroughs (like error correction milestones) happen yearly. Following multiple voices ensures you don’t get a skewed view.

• Balance theory and practice : Preskill and Ghose provide theoretical grounding, while Neven, Svore, and Hidary focus on applied and commercial aspects.

• Beware hype : Some influencers emphasize potential applications without acknowledging current limitations. Always cross-check claims with peer-reviewed research.

Would you like me to curate a starter list of social media handles and books from these experts so you can begin following them right away?