NC Feb-Mar 2023

OPINION: QUANTUM
accuracy of existing systems. To take
quantum computing from its current state
and make it fit for purpose in the
mainstream, there is a need to reduce
errors and add the ability to scale.
If such improvements can be made,
quantum will be able to push beyond the
boundaries of classical physics and offer
solutions to calculations that have
previously been deemed impossible.
With this in mind, and as quantum
continues its development, here, I have
put together my top trends:
1: Quantum poised to accelerate
complex design processes
In the airline industry, it is not
uncommon for companies to spend 25
years designing a new polymer that will
make aircraft more fuel efficient and
resistant to extreme temperatures.
Quantum will significantly accelerate
this and other material science design
timelines. Rather than spending their
entire career on one design cycle,
employees will be able to complete the
process in a matter of years.
2: Taking a quantum leap in the
climate change battle
Once quantum demonstrates advantage,
it will increasingly be channeled to help
fight climate change. For example,
improving decision-making through
complex modeling and predictions and
helping ensure compliance with
emission standards.
3: Reducing the impact of hurricanes
and weather events
Before the end of the next decade,
quantum will enable meteorologists to
better predict the trajectory of
hurricanes, winter storms, and other
weather events. This will allow
communities to better plan and remove
any element of guesstimates in
determining whether to mandate
evacuations or shelter in place. As a
result, the loss of life associated with
hurricanes and other natural weatherdriven
disasters will be reduced.
4: Quantum navigation will
illuminate remote areas
Quantum technology can facilitate
navigation in remote areas with minimal
satellite coverage, but cost is currently a
barrier to adoption. This will begin to
change as quantum becomes more
prevalent and affordable. I believe that
we will see emergency vehicles equipped
with quantum sensors within the next
decade, with consumer vehicles
eventually following suit.
5: Europe is hot on US' heels with
quantum adoption
The US is currently leading the quantum
computing industry, but by the end of the
decade, Europe will reach parity.
Increasing privacy regulations is one
major driver behind Europe's growth, as
having quantum computing capabilities
in the region will make it significantly
easier to comply with these mandates.
In addition, European quantum
companies have seen the largest venture
rounds and a plethora of universities
throughout the continent provide a talent
pipeline that can be tapped to fuel new
quantum opportunities and use cases. As
a result, the US quantum industry will
feel increasing pressure to maintain its
competitive advantage.
6: Building the foundation for
quantum
After decades-long hype around
quantum computing and quantum
systems, the industry will start to realise
its potential for creating new
opportunities in fields spanning
cybersecurity, materials creation,
financial analysis, and military receivers.
Proactive companies will start investing
in quantum, fostering quantum talent
within the next generation of workers
through university partnerships,
hackathons, and other projects. This will
create an ancillary boost to DEI
initiatives resulting in much-needed
diversity in the tech workforce.
Recent research revealed 74% of
companies believe they will fall behind if
they fail to adopt quantum. As a result,
organisations will begin to shift their
thinking from that of quantum being a
futuristic technology and begin
addressing key challenges, including
financial resources and operations, and
developing real enterprise applications
of quantum by 2026, if not sooner.?
WHEN WILL QUANTUM ENTER THE
MAINSTREAM?
There is still much to be learned about
quantum mechanics and the power it
harnesses. However, it's clear the
opportunities it presents in fields such as
research and industry. It's not
unreasonable to think that quantum
computing could be in mainstream use
within the next ten years, though for this
to happen there needs to be significant
innovation in hardware and software
development.
What is certain is the multitude of
possibilities quantum mechanics offers,
and it goes beyond the trends we've
discussed in this article. The power of
quantum has the potential to transform
everything from how pharmaceutical
companies develop drugs for serious
illness to how businesses protect
themselves from cybersecurity threats. It
may be in its early years now, but
quantum is coming sooner than we
think. NC
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