Will Hurley "whurley" is founder and CEO of Strangeworks, a quantum computing
startup based in Austin, Texas. whurley’s career has spanned over 25 years, founding
startups such as Honest Dollar and Chaotic Moon Studios, as well as working in
technical leadership roles for companies including Apple, IBM, and Goldman Sachs.
Prior to founding Strangeworks, whurley was managing director at Goldman Sachs
which he came to through the acquisition of Honest Dollar; a fintech startup that offers a
retirement savings platform that simplifies the potential tax benefits and brings
transparency to the investment products available for a range of consumers.

Whurley is dedicated to fostering collaboration and establishing unified metrics and
standards across the quantum computing community. He partnered with StackOverflow
to create the world’s largest community of quantum computing developers, and
currently serves as the Chair of the Quantum Standards Working Group at the Institute
of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). He is leading the development of the first
quantum commuting standards, PAR7130 “Standard for Quantum Computing
Definitions” and PAR 7131 “Standard for Quantum Computing Performance Metrics for
Performance Benchmarking”.

Whurley is committed to making quantum computing more accessible and improving
quantum literacy. His latest book, "Quantum Computing For Babies" offers simple
explanations of quantum computing for the youngest audiences, and is one of the best
selling books on quantum computing. His upcoming book Endless Impossibilities
continues his mission of improving quantum computing literacy, and helps readers
understand the potential and prepare for the coming age of quantum computing.
Whurley is a regular contributor to TechCrunch on quantum computing and regularly
speaks around the world on the potential power and impact of quantum computing and
what quantum needs to succeed.

He has received numerous awards and recognitions including being named a 2018
Eisenhower Fellow, the 2012 International Genius Grant recipient, and an IBM Master
Inventor. Whurley is an advocate and works on a range of issues he cares about,
including diversity and equality. Whurley is a founding partner of UN Women;
‘EQUALS’: The Global Partnership for Gender Equality in the Digital Age bringing
together partners across sectors to bridge the gender gap in technology by championing
equality of access, skills development, and career opportunities.