Why Quantum Computing and Why Now?

Sometimes in life we must boldly go where no man has gone before. Fortunately, when it comes to the world of quantum computing, we know that the benefits of tapping into this technology outweigh the risks.

With its promise of unprecedented computational power, quantum computing is set to revolutionize industries, from pharmaceuticals to finance. Because of quantum computers’ massive computational power, many large companies getting on board with quantum computing see how quickly they can solve problems, an improvement in efficiency, and higher quality decision making.

In order to stay competitive, enterprise business leaders must begin considering and preparing for the inevitable wave of quantum computing now.

The Basics of Quantum Computing

Classical computing – what the average person is familiar with in their personal and work lives – uses bits, 0s and 1s, to analyze individual data units one combination of variables at a time, resulting in a more time-intensive process. Quantum computing, however, uses qubits, which can be in a state of 0 and 1 at the same time and correlate with each other from far away.

This capability allows quantum computers’ algorithms to process information at speeds unimaginable compared to classical computers’ algorithms.

And what powers quantum computers? Superposition and entanglement are the magical properties at play. Superposition allows quantum particles to be in multiple states at once, allowing quantum computers to process several inputs at once. Entanglement happens when a group of particles are dependent on each other, so they are linked even when they are very far apart. This allows qubits to error-correct.

Why Large Businesses Benefit From Quantum Computing

The powerful capabilities from quantum computing mean companies could get faster and more precise results, resulting in increased efficiency, cost savings, and better decision-making. Here are just a few specific ways quantum computing could revolutionize enterprise functions:

Supply chain optimization: Quantum computing could help with fleet and routing optimization, determining the best allocation of a company’s resources.
Drug development: Quantum computing could help facilitate the incredibly iterative process involved in creating new drugs, testing out the chemical and biological properties across thousands of experimental cells.
Product design: Quantum computing could help simulate different product versions, limiting the amount of prototype creation and testing humans would need to do.

These Enterprises are Leading the Way in Quantum Computing

Although quantum computing is not widely adopted yet, there are many large companies that are already harnessing the power of quantum computers.

The research and development engineering team at Goldman Sachs has created quantum algorithms that will help rapidly assess the markets and, at times, alter the way Goldman Sachs prices some financial instruments.

Kuano, a UK-based company, uses novel AI and quantum solutions to create enzymes while ensuring they are sufficiently potent, specific, and resistant.

ExxonMobil’s corporate strategy research team used quantum devices to model maritime inventory routing to look at the upsides and downsides of different strategies for vehicle and inventory routing.

Things to Consider Before Using Quantum Computers

Before jumping on the train to join these innovative companies, it’s important that IT leaders understand the main challenges in adopting this new technology.

Because quantum computing software is in the very early stages, finding the right and cost-effective technology may be tricky at the moment. McKinsey has put together a good guide for finding the right technology.

Getting the right talent prepared to help your company embrace this technology is also key. Consider investing in quantum computing programs at universities or sponsoring students who are pursuing the subject. By proactively creating this pipeline, you will ensure you have the right employees to help you fully take advantage of quantum computing once it has fully matured.

Here’s how you can implement quantum computing into your business:

Educate your organization on the benefits and risks of the technology.
Get buy-in from your executives.
Build a skilled workforce. This is where your talent pipeline comes in.
Start small with experiments and pilots that are low risk, so you can learn from the technology.
Secure your data and make sure you have governance policies in place.
Develop a digital infrastructure that can meet the demands of quantum computing.
Consider partnering with quantum computing experts and joining a consortium to keep up with the technology and make the most use of it.

Embracing the Quantum Future

Quantum computing represents the next frontier of technological innovation, offering the potential to revolutionize industries with unmatched speed and efficiency.

As companies have already begun to leverage its power, it’s clear that early adoption can provide a competitive edge. However, businesses must start preparing now — by educating leadership, building a skilled workforce, and piloting small-scale projects — to fully capitalize on the transformative potential of quantum computing. The future is quantum. Are you prepared to leap?