Quantum computing (QC), a frontier technology with the potential to revolutionize many industries, has made significant strides in recent years. While still in its infancy compared to classical computing, advancements in quantum hardware, software and theoretical frameworks are paving the way for a future where quantum computers may tackle complex problems that are currently unsolvable.

Unlike classical computers, which use bits to represent zero (off) or one (on), quantum computers use qubits, which can represent both 0 and 1 (off and on) simultaneously. This 0 and 1 state is called superposition. Entangling multiple qubits in superposition allows quantum computers to process vast amounts of data and solve complex calculations that classical supercomputers effectively cannot.

The unique ability of quantum computers to process complex and vast data sets makes them ideal for certain types of computations. Some key areas where QC is expected to have a transformative impact include:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): Since quantum computers operate with multidimensional processing, they can calculate solutions simultaneously instead of sequentially. AI is currently limited by classical computers’ ability to process complex data, but QC could eliminate this issue. Additionally, AI and ML models consume vast amounts of energy during training, but QC could significantly reduce the energy required, making the process more efficient and reducing environmental impact.
  • Cybersecurity: While there have been concerns about privacy breaches due to QC, the inverse is also true. Quantum computers could create extremely complex encryption to ensure data remains secure.
  • Banking and finance: QC could give organizations the ability to better risk model, trade, detect market instabilities and optimize portfolios.
  • Healthcare and Drug Discovery: Quantum sensors could be used in medical diagnostics to detect the early onset of diseases, monitor blood and handle large-scale genetic datasets. Its ability to process vast datasets could also speed the drug discovery process.
  • Supply Chain Management: As global supply chain management becomes increasingly complex, QC could allow for more comprehensive analytic models and forecasts.

Challenges and Advancements in Scaling Quantum Computing

Building quantum computers with enough qubits to solve these meaningful problems remains a daunting task. Particularly because the more qubits are added, the harder it becomes to maintain coherence and minimize error rates. In addition, while error correction techniques have advanced, achieving fault-tolerant QC is still a long-term goal, and scaling quantum systems to practical sizes remains challenging.

Nonetheless, IBM is consistently developing quantum systems with increasing qubit counts. The company’s recent release, the IBM Quantum System Two, introduced new architecture focused on scalability and error correction. IBM’s roadmap aims to reach a system with over 1,000 qubits by 2025, and eventually, millions of qubits for practical applications.

IonQ, a leader in QC, has created the first software-configurable quantum computer.  Forte represents a major advancement over previous trapped ion systems due to its full software configurability. The system is designed with a capacity of up to 36 qubits and 35 algorithmic qubits (#AQ), its benchmark for determining system effectiveness. In 2025, the company expect to release IonQ Tempo, a quantum computer capable of commercial advantage for certain applications. With a target of 64 #AQ will have faster gate speeds, mid-circuit measurement, and 99.9% fidelity.

Additionally, Google researchers successfully demonstrated that quantum computers can surpass classical supercomputers with its Sycamore quantum processor. The team found that when Sycamore ran in a mode with a lot of noise interference while performing random circuit sampling (RCS), it could be beaten, by classical supercomputers. However, when the noise was lowered, its computation became complex enough that it would take the fastest classical supercomputer in the world ten trillion years to achieve the same computation.

Another important area of progress is quantum software. Classical computers have benefited from decades of algorithmic development, while quantum computers are still in the early stages. However, the field has seen rapid growth in the design of quantum algorithms. Grover’s search algorithm, Shor’s algorithm for factoring large numbers, and quantum machine learning techniques are just the beginning. Companies like Xanadu and Microsoft are developing platforms such as PennyLane and Azure Quantum that provide easier access to quantum hardware and software development environments.

IBM, Google, Amazon and IonQ have also launched quantum computing platforms, enabling developers, researchers and businesses to run quantum algorithms on real quantum hardware. This cloud-based access accelerates research and democratizes the technology by allowing institutions without quantum hardware to still benefit from its potential.

Industry Outlook

While it may take several more decades for QC to reach its full potential, the current pace of innovation is staggering. The ecosystem is rapidly expanding with the involvement of tech giants, universities, startups and governments. It may soon reach a point where quantum computers are used to solve real-world problems that classical computers could never hope to tackle.

In the future, QC could redefine entire industries. The ongoing research into making quantum computers more stable, accessible and practical promises an exciting era of innovation that could bring quantum technology into everyday use. We are still in the early days, but with every breakthrough, the dream of a quantum-powered world moves closer to reality.