Quantum Computing Lecture: Robin Kaarsgaard “Free Quantum Computing”

In this QUBITS Seminar, Associate Professor Robin Kaarsgaard presents a “free” model of quantum computing that rethinks the foundations of the field. Instead of relying on continuous postulates and linear algebra as the primary framework, the approach replaces them with discrete equations and category theory. This perspective isolates the source of quantum advantage and provides new tools for combinatorial optimisation, automated verification, and formal reasoning about quantum programs. The model can be interpreted as a programming language for quantum computers with the same expressive power as the standard circuit model, while offering stronger guarantees for correctness and reasoning. Hosted by Quantum Campus Aarhus (QCA) and shared as part of DIREC’s Quantum Computing Lecture series.