University of Kwazulu-Natal

Quantum Future Experts Debate Progress Potential

Bonisiwe Shabane
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quantum future experts debate progress potential

SOURCE: QUANTUMZEITGEIST.COM DEC 24, 2025 SOURCE: QUANTUMZEITGEIST.COM DEC 24, 2025 SOURCE: QUANTUMZEITGEIST.COM DEC 05, 2025 SOURCE: QUANTUMZEITGEIST.COM DEC 05, 2025 In 2025, governments and technology companies continue to invest heavily in quantum computing, motivated by the vision of building machines capable of processing problems far beyond the reach of classical computers. From drug development to clean energy optimization, the promise of quantum computing lies in solving complex, multi-dimensional problems at unprecedented speeds.

Tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and IBM, as well as governmental initiatives, are channeling significant resources into quantum hardware and algorithm research. Yet, while the progress is impressive, practical, everyday applications for the general public remain elusive. The challenge lies in the inherent complexity of quantum mechanics. Unlike traditional computers operating in binary states, quantum computers leverage qubits, which exist in superposition—a combination of multiple states simultaneously. This ability to represent a range of possibilities enables quantum computers to simulate complex natural processes more effectively than classical machines. To understand the power of quantum computing, one must grasp the principle of superposition.

Classical computers process information in a binary fashion—zeroes and ones, on and off. In contrast, qubits can represent zero and one simultaneously, existing in a probabilistic state until measured. This characteristic allows quantum computers to evaluate multiple solutions concurrently, simulating complex molecular interactions and probabilistic systems found in nature. Educators like Dominic Walliman have used simplified analogies to illustrate this concept: envisioning a particle spinning in both directions at once, creating a cloud of probabilities rather than a fixed state. This visualization underscores why quantum systems have the theoretical potential to outperform classical systems in certain computations, especially those involving intricate variables, such as chemical reactions or material simulations. One of the landmark milestones in quantum computing is quantum supremacy, a term describing when a quantum computer performs a calculation that a classical computer cannot complete in a feasible time frame.

Google achieved this in 2019 with its Sycamore processor, which solved a complex random circuit sampling benchmark in minutes—a task that would take the world’s fastest classical supercomputer thousands of years. At the Q2B Silicon Valley conference, scientific and business leaders of the quantum computing industry hailed "spectacular" progress being made towards practical devices – but said that challenges remain Practical quantum computers are moving closer to reality Fully practical quantum computers haven’t arrived yet, but the quantum computing industry is ending the year on an optimistic note. At the Q2B Silicon Valley conference in December, which brings together quantum business and science experts, the consensus seemed to be that the future of quantum computing is only getting brighter. “On balance, we think it is more likely than not that someone, or maybe multiple someones, are going to be able to make a really industrially useful quantum computer, which is not something I...

The goal of QBI is to determine which of the several currently competing approaches for building quantum computers can produce a useful device, which would also have to correct its own errors, or be... The programme will run for several years and involve hundreds of expert evaluators. Taking stock of the programme after its first six months, Altepeter said the team identified “huge obstacles” in the way of each of the approaches, but he also expressed surprise that this didn’t disqualify... What does the future look like for quantum computing? Harmut Neven (Google Quantum AI), Dr Jeremy O’Brien (PsiQuantum), Dr Théau Peronnin (Alice & Bob) and more tech leaders discussed quantum applications at FF Global 2025. The development roadmap for quantum computing is well underway.

Error correction has significantly improved, quantum companies are maturing, acquisitions are up, and we’re anticipating a quantum-driven breakthrough in practical applications like fusion energy and medical treatments by 2040. Quantum experts at Founders Forum Global highlighted a particular advancement in quantum capabilities in the last 12 months, especially in Europe, as the sector enters the steep part of its growth phase. The rise of quantum computing will enable operations impossible for classical computers, creating the potential for huge tech breakthroughs in the next few decades. Quantum computers could generate physics-based training data for AI systems, creating a complementary relationship between AI and quantum, which could be revolutionary. Read on to uncover the key insights from Inside FF. HQ: Gilching, GermanyStage: Series CTotal Funding: €310mFFs Attended: 2

The recently released MIT Quantum Index Report 2025 explores the current state of quantum computing — including the technology’s opportunities and challenges. Though the United States has more quantum computing than anyone, when it comes to quantum communications, China leads. Investments in quantum computing are roaring back after a one-year dip. And a survey finds that thinking about quantum cryptography makes one in four Americans nervous. These are among the many findings of the MIT Quantum Index Report 2025. Hot off the press, the nearly 120-page report offers a comprehensive, data-driven assessment of the current state of quantum computing.

The report’s editorial team was led by Jonathan Ruane (pictured above)— a Research Scientist with the MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy (IDE) and a Lecturer at the MIT Sloan School — and includes... Ruane and company say we’re now in quantum computing’s second revolution. The first revolution gave us the rules of the quantum world, then applied those rules to create groundbreaking technologies. By contrast, the second revolution is all about controlling and engineering quantum systems directly. That includes using qubits for computing and entangled photons for communications. The MIT report explores different quantum computing paths being pursued by global leaders.

For example, it shows how China is focusing on using quantum computing for specific national priorities, including infrastructure. Indeed, China leads the world in both quantum communications — particularly satellite-based systems — and patents. When it comes to quantum technology (QT), investment is surging and breakthroughs are multiplying. The United Nations has designated 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, celebrating 100 years since the initial development of quantum mechanics. Our research confirms that QT is gaining widespread traction worldwide. McKinsey’s fourth annual Quantum Technology Monitor covers last year’s breakthroughs, investment trends, and emerging opportunities in this fast-evolving landscape.

In 2024, the QT industry saw a shift from growing quantum bits (qubits) to stabilizing qubits—and that marks a turning point. It signals to mission-critical industries that QT could soon become a safe and reliable component of their technology infrastructure. To that end, this year’s report provides a special deep dive into the fast-growing market of quantum communication, which could unlock the security needed for widespread QT uptake. Quantum technology encompasses three subfields: Our new research shows that the three core pillars of QT—quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing—could together generate up to $97 billion in revenue worldwide by 2035. Quantum computing will capture the bulk of that revenue, growing from $4 billion in revenue in 2024 to as much as $72 billion in 2035 (see sidebar “What is quantum technology?”).

While QT will affect many industries, the chemicals, life sciences, finance, and mobility industries will see the most growth. McKinsey initiated its annual quantum technology report in 2021 to track the rapidly evolving quantum technology landscape. We analyze three principal areas of the field: quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing. The analysis is based on input from various sources, including publicly available data, expert interviews, and proprietary McKinsey analyses. The conclusions and estimations have been cross-checked across market databases and validated through investor reports, press releases, and expert input. Because not all deal values are publicly disclosed and databases are updated continuously, our research does not provide a definitive or exhaustive list of start-ups, funding activities, investment splits, or patents and publications.

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SOURCE: QUANTUMZEITGEIST.COM DEC 24, 2025 SOURCE: QUANTUMZEITGEIST.COM DEC 24, 2025

SOURCE: QUANTUMZEITGEIST.COM DEC 24, 2025 SOURCE: QUANTUMZEITGEIST.COM DEC 24, 2025 SOURCE: QUANTUMZEITGEIST.COM DEC 05, 2025 SOURCE: QUANTUMZEITGEIST.COM DEC 05, 2025 In 2025, governments and technology companies continue to invest heavily in quantum computing, motivated by the vision of building machines capable of processing problems far beyond the reach of classical computers. From drug develo...

Tech Giants Like Google, Microsoft, And IBM, As Well As

Tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and IBM, as well as governmental initiatives, are channeling significant resources into quantum hardware and algorithm research. Yet, while the progress is impressive, practical, everyday applications for the general public remain elusive. The challenge lies in the inherent complexity of quantum mechanics. Unlike traditional computers operating in binary states,...

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Google Achieved This In 2019 With Its Sycamore Processor, Which

Google achieved this in 2019 with its Sycamore processor, which solved a complex random circuit sampling benchmark in minutes—a task that would take the world’s fastest classical supercomputer thousands of years. At the Q2B Silicon Valley conference, scientific and business leaders of the quantum computing industry hailed "spectacular" progress being made towards practical devices – but said that ...

The Goal Of QBI Is To Determine Which Of The

The goal of QBI is to determine which of the several currently competing approaches for building quantum computers can produce a useful device, which would also have to correct its own errors, or be... The programme will run for several years and involve hundreds of expert evaluators. Taking stock of the programme after its first six months, Altepeter said the team identified “huge obstacles” in t...