Yes, but POET didn't need his fund, so I doubt they approached him, although it certainly is possible that they have met, on neutral turf.

I agree he would be a huge plus to POET, but it seems he has his hands full right now. He might, however, free up some time if he was interested in what POET has to offer. On the other hand, POET could be his biggest competitor.

I think it's important to remember that the main point here is that PET and POET are merely interm step before quantum computing takes off. There is a lot of talk about it now and that smoke usually precedes the fire.

That POET has all the tools at its' disposal (in theory, at least) is compelling.