Quantum Computing: Why Now Is the Time to Prepare

(Fujitsu is an IYQ sponsor.)

Quantum computing is set to be the next major disruptive force across industries, and businesses that act early will gain a competitive edge. Now is the time for individuals and organizations to educate and prepare themselves for the opportunities this technology will bring. 

Think about how long it takes an organization to adopt new technology: hiring, training, proof of concept, and rollout. Now consider how soon quantum applications could reshape industries. Where do those timelines intersect?

To understand how those timelines coincide and where they will intersect requires an assessment of how quantum computing will impact businesses.

Why don’t quantum computers exist yet? Building a quantum computer is hard

Creating a useful quantum computer is one of the most challenging technological feats of our time. The process involves overcoming a series of interconnected hurdles. Quantum systems rely on qubits, which must be extremely well isolated and controlled to maintain their fragile quantum states. Even with this isolation, quantum systems are highly sensitive to environmental noise, making error correction essential to preserve computational integrity.

Beyond hardware, classical software plays a critical role in managing and controlling qubits. At the algorithmic level, quantum programs must be expressed in terms of quantum gates, which then need to be mapped to real-world problems. This entire stack, from hardware and error correction to compilers and algorithms, must work seamlessly to unlock the full potential of quantum computing.

Many nations, research institutes, and companies worldwide are developing this technology, and the challenges discussed above are being addressed with roadmaps leading to useful quantum computing in the next 5-10 years. 

Why Early Commitment Matters and How to Go About It

Current algorithmic research shows that quantum computing will transform industries ranging from finance and logistics to pharmaceuticals and manufacturing. Beyond business, quantum computing has the potential to accelerate breakthroughs in medicine, climate modelling, and sustainable technologies. Organisations that begin preparing now will be better positioned to identify high-value use cases, develop internal expertise, and avoid the risks associated with late adoption. Waiting until quantum computing becomes mainstream means playing catch-up in a highly competitive environment. Organizations that start exploring quantum now will be better prepared to identify opportunities and avoid the challenges of late adoption.

The path forward involves continuous innovation across hardware, error correction, and algorithm development. Researchers are exploring multiple approaches, including superconducting qubits, spin-based systems, and efficient error-correction architectures. At the same time, advances in quantum software and algorithms are critical to ensure that these systems can solve meaningful business and scientific problems.

For example, our researchers are exploring hybrid quantum-classical algorithms to optimise performance on today’s noisy devices, developing quantum neural networks for financial forecasting, and designing hardware-efficient methods for molecular simulation. These efforts aim to make quantum computing practical and impactful across industries.

To cite one example, our researchers recently produced a paper on using quantum computing in robotics, where quantum computing enabled faster and more accurate solutions for complex motion planning and optimization problems. For instance, determining the most efficient path for a robot in a dynamic environment involves solving large-scale combinatorial problems, which is a task that quantum computers are well-suited for. This capability could accelerate automation in manufacturing, logistics, and even autonomous vehicles, where real-time decision-making is critical.

Ellen Devereux

Quantum computing consultant, Fujitsu