10 Quantum AI Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs
Curated by Alberto Di Meglio, Head of Innovation at CERN, and Kirk Borne, Principal Data Scientist at Booz Allen, these Quantum AI books offer unparalleled insights into the field.

What if the quantum leap in artificial intelligence isn’t a distant dream but unfolding right now? Quantum AI merges two frontiers—quantum computing and machine learning—promising to reshape how we solve complex problems. As industries race to harness this potential, understanding the foundational and practical aspects becomes critical. The surge in Quantum AI interest demands resources that cut through hype and deliver actionable knowledge.
Leading voices like Alberto Di Meglio, Head of Innovation at CERN's Quantum Technology Initiative, and Kirk Borne, Principal Data Scientist at Booz Allen, have spotlighted key texts bridging theory and real-world application. Alberto praises guides offering hands-on implementation on actual quantum hardware, while Kirk highlights works connecting quantum machine learning to finance and data science, illustrating the field’s growing impact.
While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific experience level, profession, or learning goals might consider creating a personalized Quantum AI book that builds on these insights, offering a custom roadmap through this evolving landscape.
Recommended by Alberto Di Meglio
Head of Innovation, CERN Quantum Technology
“The authors of this book not only provide clear formal explanations at every step, but also practical instructions and examples on how to implement and execute algorithms and methods on freely accessible actual quantum computers. Exercises with detailed answers check your progress and gently push beyond your comfort zone, keeping interest alive. Whether beginning your quantum computing journey or exploring its potential in research, this book serves as a trustworthy guide on an exciting path.”
by Elias F. Combarro, Samuel Gonzalez-Castillo··You?
by Elias F. Combarro, Samuel Gonzalez-Castillo··You?
When Elías F. Combarro and Samuel Gonzalez-Castillo set out to write this guide, they focused on making modern quantum algorithms accessible with minimal advanced math. You gain hands-on experience implementing algorithms like quantum annealing and QAOA on real quantum hardware and simulators. The book walks you through optimization problems using QUBO and Ising models, and dives into quantum machine learning techniques such as quantum neural networks and generative adversarial networks, supported by practical code examples using Qiskit and PennyLane. If you're comfortable with basic linear algebra and Python, this book equips you with both foundational theory and applied skills to explore quantum AI's current capabilities and tooling.
Recommended by Kirk Borne
Principal Data Scientist at Booz Allen
“Another great new book I just received from Packt Publishing >> "Quantum Machine Learning and Optimization in Finance" (391 pages): Big Data, Data Science, Neural Networks, AI, Quantum Computing, Computational Science” (from X)
by Antoine Jacquier, Oleksiy Kondratyev··You?
by Antoine Jacquier, Oleksiy Kondratyev··You?
Unlike most quantum AI books that focus heavily on theory, this one bridges quantum machine learning with tangible financial applications. Antoine Jacquier, a seasoned mathematician and quantitative finance expert, teams up with Oleksiy Kondratyev to guide you through harnessing NISQ-era quantum computers for optimisation and predictive modeling in finance. You learn how to implement parameterised quantum circuits, quantum boosting, and quantum neural networks specifically tailored for financial challenges like credit approvals and high-frequency trading. This book suits quants, data scientists, and developers eager to apply emerging quantum techniques beyond abstract theory, offering practical insights grounded in real-world finance scenarios.
by TailoredRead AI·
This personalized framework on fundamental quantum AI algorithms addresses the foundational principles essential for newcomers entering the field. It provides a tailored approach that adjusts to your prior knowledge and learning objectives, cutting through extraneous details to focus on core quantum computing concepts, quantum machine learning models, and algorithmic strategies. The book offers clear explanations of quantum states, superposition, entanglement, and their roles in AI algorithms, alongside introductory methodologies for leveraging quantum circuits and variational algorithms. By situating these principles within your specific experience level and goals, it creates an efficient learning pathway that bridges theoretical understanding with practical algorithmic applications in quantum AI.
by Santanu Pattanayak··You?
by Santanu Pattanayak··You?
Drawing from his extensive experience in machine learning at Qualcomm and earlier roles at IBM and GE, Santanu Pattanayak offers a thorough exploration of quantum computing fundamentals and their intersection with machine learning. You’ll gain a solid understanding of quantum concepts like Dirac notation and qubits before moving into complex algorithms such as Quantum Fourier transform and HHL. The book’s hands-on Python examples using Cirq and Qiskit let you engage directly with quantum machine learning techniques. This approach benefits machine learning engineers eager to bridge classical AI with quantum advancements, though a comfort with advanced math and programming is necessary to fully appreciate the content.
by Dr. Frank Zickert··You?
by Dr. Frank Zickert··You?
What if everything you knew about quantum machine learning's accessibility was wrong? Dr. Frank Zickert challenges the notion that you must be a physicist or mathematician to engage with combinatorial optimization on quantum computers. Through practical Python tutorials and detailed walkthroughs of the Variational Quantum Eigensolver, you’ll learn to tackle complex problems like the Traveling Salesman Problem without heavy theoretical prerequisites. This book suits developers, data scientists, and students eager to apply quantum algorithms to real-world optimization challenges today, offering a bridge between fundamental concepts and hands-on implementation.
by Anshul Saxena, Javier Mancilla, Iraitz Montalban··You?
by Anshul Saxena, Javier Mancilla, Iraitz Montalban··You?
Drawing from his extensive background in finance and quantum computing, Professor Anshul Saxena presents a focused exploration of applying quantum machine learning to financial modeling. You’ll learn how to harness quantum algorithms within Python environments like Qiskit and Pennylane to tackle complex challenges such as portfolio optimization, derivatives valuation, and credit risk analytics. The book walks you through from basic quantum principles to advanced algorithm implementations, offering concrete examples and contrasting classical and quantum approaches. If you’re a financial practitioner or quantitative analyst comfortable with Python and foundational math, this text provides a clear pathway to integrating quantum computing into your financial analysis toolkit.
by TailoredRead AI·
by TailoredRead AI·
This personalized framework explores quantum AI techniques specifically designed for financial modeling and optimization. It provides tailored methodologies that integrate quantum algorithms with financial data analytics, focusing on improving portfolio management, risk assessment, and market prediction. The book addresses practical quantum machine learning models and optimization strategies adapted to your unique financial context and expertise level. By cutting through irrelevant advice, it fits your specific industry challenges and investment goals, offering a comprehensive approach to harness quantum computing’s potential for solving complex market problems. This tailored approach ensures a focused learning path that aligns quantum technology with your financial decision-making processes.
by Tristan Jeaux··You?
by Tristan Jeaux··You?
Drawing from his background in artificial intelligence, Tristan Jeaux imagines a near future transformed by a quantum AI that governs human life and longevity in "The Quantum A.I. Cajun: Age of Indefinence." You explore a society divided between those granted indefinite life extensions and those who are not, witnessing how this divide reshapes values, relationships, and identity. The narrative offers a detailed look at the ethical and psychological implications of AI-controlled life extension, especially through the eyes of David, a member of the elite PSIpress corporation. This book suits anyone intrigued by the intersection of technology, society, and the meaning of existence in an AI-driven future.
by Maria Schuld, Francesco Petruccione··You?
by Maria Schuld, Francesco Petruccione··You?
Unlike most technical texts that dwell solely on theory, this book bridges the gap between quantum computing and machine learning by delving into both cutting-edge algorithms and practical techniques. Maria Schuld, drawing from her research at Xanadu and her pioneering work on quantum machine learning since 2013, presents detailed explorations of parameterized quantum circuits, hybrid optimization methods, and quantum feature maps that equip you to understand how quantum systems process data differently. The second edition expands into near-term quantum machine learning, offering insights that benefit graduate-level computer scientists and physicists looking to grasp the evolving landscape of quantum AI. If you seek a solid foundation that combines theory with emerging applications, this book meets that need without overwhelming you with abstract mathematics alone.
by Santanu Ganguly··You?
When Santanu Ganguly first discovered the intersection of quantum mechanics and machine learning, he saw an opportunity to reshape how algorithms handle complex data. This book guides you through practical quantum machine learning techniques, covering algorithms like quantum k-means and quantum neural networks, alongside hands-on exercises with real-world libraries like Qiskit and TensorFlow Quantum. You’ll gain concrete skills in preparing qubit states, implementing optimization strategies, and exploring advanced research topics such as quantum walks and Tensor Networks. Ideal if you’re a data scientist or machine learning professional eager to apply quantum computing without needing a deep dive into quantum mechanics theory.
What if everything you knew about machine learning was challenged by quantum mechanics? Maria Schuld and Francesco Petruccione, both deeply rooted in quantum physics and information processing, explore how quantum computers can revolutionize supervised learning. You’ll learn to translate classical data into quantum states, navigate quantum algorithms for inference and optimization, and grasp how near-term quantum devices might handle real-world prediction tasks. The book balances foundational theory with practical examples, like a toy quantum algorithm demonstration, making it ideal for computer scientists and physicists aiming to expand into quantum AI. While complex, it’s a focused dive into the intersection of quantum computation and supervised learning that doesn’t shy away from the nuances.
by Andreas Miroslaus Wichert··You?
by Andreas Miroslaus Wichert··You?
This book challenged previous assumptions about quantum AI by grounding the discussion firmly in information theory and computation principles. Andreas Wichert draws on his deep expertise in neural information processing and machine learning to introduce key quantum algorithms like Quantum Fourier transform and Grover search, explaining their application to problem solving and knowledge representation. You'll find a clear framework for understanding how quantum computation can enhance AI systems, particularly through a novel quantum computer model based on production systems detailed in chapter five. This book suits those with a solid technical foundation interested in the intersection of quantum computing and AI, rather than casual readers.
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Conclusion
The collection of Quantum AI books here reveals clear themes: the necessity of balancing rigorous theory with hands-on practice, the importance of domain-specific applications—especially in finance—and the ethical questions emerging alongside technological advances. If you’re stepping into Quantum AI, start with practical guides like "A Practical Guide to Quantum Machine Learning and Quantum Optimization" to ground your skills. For those aiming to apply quantum AI in finance, pairing it with "Quantum Machine Learning and Optimisation in Finance" and "Financial Modeling Using Quantum Computing" sharpens your expertise.
Researchers and developers will find "Machine Learning with Quantum Computers" and "Supervised Learning with Quantum Computers" rich with advanced methods, while readers curious about the societal impact should explore "The Quantum A.I. Cajun". Once you’ve absorbed these expert insights, create a personalized Quantum AI book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation, accelerating your mastery and application.
Quantum AI stands at a thrilling intersection—armed with the right knowledge, you’re poised to navigate and contribute to its unfolding future with confidence and clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?
Start with "A Practical Guide to Quantum Machine Learning and Quantum Optimization". It balances theory and hands-on examples, making it accessible yet thorough for newcomers.
Are these books too advanced for someone new to Quantum AI?
Not at all. Several books like Dr. Frank Zickert's volume focus on bridging gaps for non-experts, providing practical tutorials without heavy math prerequisites.
What's the best order to read these books?
Begin with foundational guides, then move to application-focused texts like those on finance, and finally explore specialized topics or ethical considerations.
Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?
You can pick based on your goals. For programming, try Santanu Pattanayak’s Python-focused book; for finance, Jacquier and Kondratyev’s work is ideal.
Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?
"PRINCIPLES OF QUANTUM ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE" and "Machine Learning with Quantum Computers" emphasize theory, while "Hands-On Quantum Machine Learning With Python" offers practical coding guidance.
How can I tailor these insights to my specific Quantum AI interests or skill level?
Great question! While these books cover broad expertise, you can create a personalized Quantum AI book tailored to your background, goals, and preferred topics—complementing expert knowledge with a custom learning path.
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