On 14 July 2026, Rajiv Shah presented at “Physics in the Pub,” organised by Phil Dooley and sponsored by the Australian Institute of Physics. Given only 8 minutes to explain what the audience needed to know about quantum computing, it was time to go quickly – 8 myths in 8 minutes.

The even shorter version: quantum computers won’t revolutionise AI, are likely still several years away, and won’t “melt the internet” – but they will pose a threat to some of the encryption underpinning today’s cybersecurity. That means the priority now is working out what’s at risk and what needs upgrading to quantum-resistant alternatives. Rather than getting distracted by quantum random number generators or quantum key distribution, organisations should be looking at Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) – different mathematics that can run today, on today’s computers.

Thanks to everyone who came along, listened politely, laughed at the jokes, and even complimented the pictures in the presentation.