Super Seven #9 Philip Sibson
In the ninth of our Super Seven Series we profile our CTO, Philip Sibson. Philip is a KETS founder and his work on the first chip-to-chip QKD demonstration is where it all started.
1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I was born and raised in Chester, UK and went to Oxford University for a degree in Engineering Science. Before, during, and after I worked at several engineering companies before joining the University of Bristol for a PhD where I developed the world’s first chip-based quantum key distribution system.
2. What’s your role in KETS?
My role at KETS is founder, board member, and CTO. It is a varied role where I get to look at high-level strategy, overlap with commercial and operational functions, and engage in day to day problem solving with the larger tech team.
3. What’s the most enjoyable part of your job?
KETS is a great opportunity to see a technology from the very conception towards commercial adoption. I believe we have a great technology that can solve real world problems in secure communications.
4. What inspires you?
I’m inspired by the enthusiasm my colleagues bring to delivering on this promise.
5. What advice would you give someone wanting to get into your role.
CTO in a small start-up requires a number of disciplines and skills to be balanced. Not only will you need intimate knowledge of your core technology and problem solving techniques, but you might have to complete day to day technology tasks, be project and people managing, and planning from an executive level on the same day. So look at building out your capabilities and how to effectively lead a team.
6. What do you do when you’re not at work?
Outside of work, my limited time is mostly spent with family and friends. Any spare moments over the years has been spent on a range of hobbies, from playing and producing music, tennis, basketball, football, snowboarding, and making bits of tech (including a jet engine, autonomous toy helicopter, miniature petrol engine).
7. What’s the best thing about Bristol?
Bristol is a topological anomaly. No matter where you need to go, it’s uphill.
To get in touch with Philip, drop us an email at enquiry@kets-quantum.com