Wootton, formerly focused on error correction and quantum research at IBM, will now help Moth advance its mission to integrate quantum computing into the creative industries.

In his new position, Wootton will guide Moth's scientific vision, concentrating on the development of algorithms designed to resolve key challenges in generative AI. His work will address optimisation hurdles, aiming to elevate the quality of AI-driven content creation and push the boundaries of innovation. Moth is also exploring how current NISQ (Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum) computers can be harnessed to deliver cutting-edge creative tools and experiences. With Wootton's expertise, the company is set to lead the way in combining quantum computing with the creative world, shaping the future of generative technology.

James Wootton, Chief Scientific Officer of Moth, said: “I'm excited to begin this effort to boost creativity with quantum computing. Fault-tolerant quantum computers will provide a novel perspective and transformational new tools for the creative industries, and there's also still a lot of fun to be had with the quantum hardware of today. Moth’s dedication to this mission made it impossible for me not to join, and I look forward to seeing who joins us on this journey.”

Ferdinand Tomassini, Co-Founder and CEO of Moth, said: "James Wootton is unparalleled in his knowledge and creative ambition within the field of quantum computing and gaming applications. At Moth, our vision of a creative revolution always includes a strong emphasis on gaming, and having James lead these initiatives as part of our C-suite is truly transformative. His expertise and innovative spirit will be a catalyst for our continued success and groundbreaking advancements."

James Wootton's academic path began with a PhD at the University of Leeds, followed by a postdoctoral role at the University of Basel, where he later became a lecturer. His research has spanned diverse areas of quantum computing, with a primary focus on quantum error correction. He has also delved into fields like topological quantum computation and entanglement theory. Over the past 15 years, Wootton has authored influential papers, particularly on topological quantum error correcting codes and their decoders.

An inventive thinker, Wootton gained attention in 2017 by creating the first-ever quantum computer game, Cat/Box/Scissors. During his time at IBM, he was instrumental in developing Qiskit (Quantum Information Science Kit) and played a key role in the company’s outreach efforts. His innovative fusion of gaming and quantum education not only demystified quantum computing but also helped build a dynamic global community. Wootton spearheaded quantum game jams, led public hackathons, and fostered an ecosystem that began as a personal project and blossomed into a thriving, collaborative community.