From Theory To Practice The Real Impact Of Quantum Computing

Bonisiwe Shabane

-Jan 2, 2026, 2:13 PM

from theory to practice the real impact of quantum computing

In this article, we will explore how quantum computing is transitioning from a complex theory to a reality with practical applications for an increasing number of companies. Unlike classical computing, which uses bits to represent binary values of 0 or 1, quantum computing relies on qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously thanks to superposition. This principle, combined with quantum entanglement, allows calculations to be performed at a speed and scale unattainable by traditional computers. Interest in quantum computing has grown exponentially in recent years. The awarding of the 2022 Nobel Prize in Physics to Alain Aspect, John F. Clauser, and Anton Zeilinger for their research in quantum information highlights its transformative and revolutionary role.

This emerging technology, which we already use at VASS, has the potential to transform entire sectors, from logistics to finance, optimizing complex processes and solving problems that were previously unapproachable. Quantum will likely become part of a mosaic, working with classical computing to solve big problems. By Gabe Dunn, Velu Sinha, Laurent-Pierre Baculard, Syed Ali, and Willy Chang This article is part of Bain’s Technology Report 2025 Over the past two years, quantum computing has moved closer to practical, real-world applications. Breakthroughs in fidelity, error correction, and scaling qubits (the basic units of quantum computing, like the 0’s and 1’s bits in classical computing) across platforms signal that it’s not a question of if but...

Investment is following suit. Tech giants like Alphabet, IBM, and Microsoft are doubling down, while governments are scaling national quantum strategies. And it’s not just computing: Quantum sensing, communication, and annealing (a technique for solving optimization problems) are already at work. Quantum computing has transitioned from theoretical exploration to practical implementation in 2025, driven by breakthroughs in hardware stability, error correction, and scalable architectures. This article synthesizes the current state of quantum applications across industries, highlighting how enterprises and research institutions are leveraging quantum systems to solve previously intractable problems. Microsoft’s Majorana 1 processor, unveiled in February 2025, represents a paradigm shift with its topological qubits engineered from novel “topoconductor” materials.

These qubits leverage Majorana Zero Modes (MZMs), quasiparticles that inherently protect quantum information from environmental noise, reducing error correction overhead by 90% compared to superconducting qubits. This advancement aligns with DARPA’s US2QC program, which prioritizes fault-tolerant prototypes for defense and industrial applications. This month, Google announced a landmark milestone: its Quantum Echoes algorithm, running on the Willow chip, has demonstrated a verifiable quantum advantage for the first time. The algorithm revealed molecular structures that classical supercomputers could not solve efficiently, marking a shift from theoretical promise to practical application. By leveraging quantum probability, the algorithm can explore all possible molecular configurations and energies simultaneously, a feat that is simply not possible with classical methods. This achievement is not just a technical milestone but a bridge to solving real-world problems in chemistry, materials science, and pharmaceutical research.

Simultaneously, researchers at Florida State University have discovered a new state of matter known as a generalized Wigner crystal. Moiré Pattern Created by Overlapping Concentric Circles By simulating electrons in 2D moiré systems, the team has identified stable configurations that could enable advances in quantum computing and spintronics. These findings underscore the potential for quantum simulations to unlock new materials and technologies, paving the way for more efficient and powerful quantum devices. A new study from the University of Michigan revealed quantum oscillations inside an insulating material, challenging established physics principles. This discovery suggests a duality in material behavior—where the same material can behave as both a conductor and an insulator—offering new possibilities for quantum device design and performance.

These breakthroughs are laying the foundation for a new class of quantum materials and devices that could outperform current technologies. A not-for-profit organization, IEEE is the world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity.© Copyright 2026 IEEE - All rights reserved. Use of this web site signifies your agreement to the terms and conditions. Computing has long been considered one of the most groundbreaking innovations of our Quantum time. What was once a theoretical concept confined to research labs is now stepping into real-world industries. In 2025, quantum technology is reaching a pivotal moment where scientific theory meets practical applications, transforming fields like healthcare, finance, logistics, and cybersecurity.

This article explores what quantum computing is, why 2025 is a turning point, how it is being applied in real-world scenarios, and what the future may look like. Quantum computing is a next-generation technology that leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to process information. Traditional computers operate on bits, which can be either a 0 or 1. Quantum computers, however, use qubits, which can represent 0 and 1 simultaneously through superposition. Combined with entanglement, where qubits are linked and influence each other’s states, quantum computers can handle complex calculations at speeds impossible for classical systems. Think of it this way: while a traditional computer reads one book at a time, a quantum computer can analyze millions of books simultaneously.

For years, I’ve sat in boardrooms across Asia, listening to executives grapple with quantum computing. The word itself conjures images of science fiction—unbreakable codes, miraculous drug discoveries, and market-shattering financial models. But for most leaders, it’s been a source of profound confusion, a persistent mirage on the technology horizon. The hype has been deafening, but the practical applications have felt perpetually “a decade away.” Frankly, it’s been hard to advise them with certainty. The field has been noisy, filled with conflicting claims and esoteric benchmarks.

That’s why the release of the MIT Quantum Index Report 2025 is so significant. For the first time, we have a data-driven, comprehensive baseline that cuts through the noise. It provides a clear-eyed assessment of where we truly are, and it signals a crucial turning point. Quantum computing is quietly, methodically, moving out of the lab and into the real world. It’s time to pay attention, not to the hype, but to the tangible progress. The central message from the MIT report is one of maturation.

The era of purely academic, blue-sky research is giving way to an industry focused on tangible engineering and commercial promise. While the report is quick to state that large-scale, world-changing applications are still “far off,” the underlying metrics point to a foundational shift. Consider this: there are now over 40 different Quantum Processing Units (QPUs) commercially available from two dozen manufacturers. Venture capital is pouring in, with firms securing $1.6 billion in 2024 alone. This isn’t speculative money anymore; it’s strategic investment betting on the emergence of a new computing paradigm. The conversation in corporate earnings calls and press releases has shifted from theoretical possibility to strategic planning.

The market is taking quantum seriously, and that alone is a major milestone. For a long time, the primary measure of quantum progress was the “qubit count.” It was a simple, if misleading, metric. I remember a client, a large logistics company, asking me, “When should we buy a quantum computer?” I told them it was the wrong question. The right question is, “How can we start preparing for quantum-driven solutions?” Quantum computing is on the brink of changing how we handle information and solve complex problems, and with the integration of quantum photonic technology, it has moved from theoretical physics to the real world. This change is huge.

We’ll dive into the amazing world of quantum mechanics. We’ll look at quantum superposition and entanglement. We’ll see how quantum algorithms can solve tough problems. We’ll check out the main technologies and methods in quantum computing. We’ll see how things like superconducting qubits and trapped ions are making progress. Quantum computing has many uses, like secure communication and complex simulations.

We’ll talk about these and the challenges, like errors and making it bigger. Looking at the big picture, we’ll see how quantum computing will change society. We’ll think about the good and bad sides of this new tech.

From Theory To Practice The Real Impact Of Quantum Computing

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