Here at Connected World, we have been covering quantum computing for several years—and it looks like we are going to get an infusion of new opportunities in the year ahead. Let’s take a look at what lies ahead in 2025 and beyond for quantum computing.
What Is Quantum?
At its core, quantum computing uses quantum mechanics to solve computer problems. Simply, it enables computers to do their work faster. With the rise of gen AI (artificial intelligence), Quantum systems can help us tackle real-world problems in multiple areas such as navigation, supply chain, industrial manufacturing, healthcare, and more.
Where Have We Been?
In the past several years, to get to the full power of quantum, we have seen a big focus on making more and better qubits, which is the unit of information in quantum computing that represents a 0 or 1, or any proportion of both.
The growth is impressive. In 2022, there were 4,763 quantum-related patents granted and in 2023, there were 42,155 quantum-related patents granted. As of December 2023, $6.7 billion was invested, with 261 start-ups, according to McKinsey & Co.
In 2024, we saw a growing ecosystem of players in the quantum realm, which is something we can expect will continue in the year ahead.
Last November, NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) released an initial public draft report on transitioning to post-quantum cryptography standards, which describes an approach to transitioning from quantum-vulnerable cryptographic algorithms to post-quantum digital signature algorithms and key-establishment schemes. The initial public draft was open for public comment through January 10.
Where Are We Now?
Much work is being done in both public and private organizations to spur quantum further. We see the National Quantum Initiative has ongoing activities to explore and promote quantum.
In December, the U.S. National Science Foundation announced six pilot projects to bridge scientific gaps between current quantum technological capabilities and those needed to fully harness quantum properties of energy and matter for practical uses. Each pilot project will receive $1 million for phase one of a process to design and eventually implement testbeds for quantum technologies in real-world environments. These projects join five others that were announced in August 2024.
Tech companies are also hard at work on quantum. Earlier this month, Microsoft launched its Quantum Ready program to help companies prepare for quantum computing. The program aims to give practical, high-impact hybrid applications, invest in strategic skilling and access to reliable quantum computers for experimentation, embrace quantum safety and focus on cryptographic agility, and prepare for scale.
Meanwhile, NVIDIA has announced its first Quantum Day at GTC (GPU Technology Conference) 2025 on Thursday, March 20, which will bring leaders together to learn what to expect from quantum computing in the coming decades.
Where Are We Headed?
With all this in mind, where then exactly are we headed? McKinsey & Co., suggests quantum technology could create significant value within the next decade. The organization estimates the potential economic value from quantum computing could be between $0.9-$2 trillion across four industries by 2035, including chemicals, life sciences, finance, and mobility.
The bottomline is we must be prepared for a new era of computing. While there is still much work to be done, progress is also being made every day.
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