The Quantum CTO Toolbox

Sergio Gago Huerta’s “The CTO Toolbox” isn’t being promoted as a “quantum” resource, but it definitely is. The content is applicable to Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) whether they’re at companies with quantum programs or at quantum technology companies. In particular, this book would be a valuable resource for any CTO at a quantum software company.

The primary challenge to developing quantum software is that the hardware still needs time to mature. The hardware companies are seeing this, too; it’s hard to commercialize something that’s not quite useful yet, let alone advantageous. Many software companies realize that the hardware has to come first, so their products are more like proofs-of-concept than their marketing might suggest. That’s less of a CTO problem than a prioritization problem, where opportunities to commercialize the software will drive further development.

Multiple hardware roadmaps are now promising useful systems before the end of this decade. This commercial-grade hardware is going to require commercial-grade software. And in order to develop commercial-grade software, you’re going to want a well-read copy of “The CTO Toolbox” somewhere on a physical or digital bookshelf. It is a comprehensive guide with personal experiences, cautions, lists, examples, and recommended further reading. It goes beyond technology to meetings, personnel, teams, budgeting, and even the sale of your company. It addresses great challenges, such as attracting engineers to quantum, managing “hordes” of developers, transitioning from Academia to Industry, understanding how venture capitalists (VCs) work, and – and this is an important one – selling.

And it’s so much more. 

“The CTO Toolbox” is a remarkably easy read. It’s also a fun read, which you can’t say about every business book. There are references to Star Wars, Dungeons & Dragons, fables, US Navy SEALs, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, pagers, and more. There are AI-generated and other illustrations throughout. Recognizing it’ll be read by adults, there’s even a sprinkling of profanity. And arguably the best part of buying this book is that 100% of the proceeds will be split among two non-governmental organizations (NGOs): Barcelona-based Teaming.net, which “supports thousands of organizations through a democratized marketplace of projects,” and Migracode, which “helps refugees in Greece and Spain with free technology bootcamps, so they can move to the thriving tech industry and find a great paid job in coding.”

What’s your favorite Easter Egg?

With the non-exhaustive list of references in the immediately preceding paragraph, it sure is hard to pick a favorite. My vote has to go to the one that I don’t recall ever seeing before in any book anywhere. I don’t want to spoil it, but if you’re familiar with HTML, you’ll spot it.

Conclusion

Whether or not you’re interested in the light read or philanthropy, I’ll state again that “The CTO Toolbox” is comprehensive. Its Amazon.com page has a “Read sample” option that includes the Table of Contents, and it’ll cost you nothing to check it out. Rest assured that this book will give you all the information you’re looking for; I’m just saying it’ll also keep a smile on your face.

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