Industry partners are often rivals, but not in the current coronavirus vaccine endeavour. Every member of the Consortium is united by a common goal: to accelerate our search for a new treatment or vaccine against COVID-19. The benefits of collaboration are greater speed and accuracy; a freer exchange of ideas and data; and full access to cutting-edge technology. In sum, it supercharges innovation and hopefully means the pandemic will be halted faster than otherwise.

Quantum computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) both have one thing in common: they inspire us humans to dream of a new computing paradigm that entirely replaces the status quo. Something that brings computing to a whole new level where quantum supplies unlimited compute speed and capacity while AI takes care of automating all operational tasks and prepares optimal (human) decision making. Fancy case studies about "quantum supremacy" and AI learning how to open a door, drive a car, or play chess from scratch seem to confirm our excitement around these technologies. In times where most individuals and enterprises are still struggling with accessing, integrating, and managing data to optimize our daily decision making, we are fascinated by what could be if we only could get our hands on "true" AI and quantum. We want AI today to inform complex strategic decisions, to observe our own actions and their outcomes so that it can learn what works and what does not, and obviously, to point out where its own knowledge gaps are that we can help it fill. Ironically, the last point typically comes as an afterthought, as we are fascinated of all the incredible AI demos we see at the conferences we attend, during vendor sales pitches, and of course on YouTube.