University of Kwazulu-Natal

Weekly Emerging Technologies Insights Quantum Computing

Bonisiwe Shabane
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weekly emerging technologies insights quantum computing

The week of November 27 to December 4, 2025, marked a series of pivotal developments in quantum computing, with major advances in hardware, algorithms, and global infrastructure. Researchers and companies worldwide pushed the boundaries of what is possible, bringing quantum computing closer to practical applications and scalable deployment. From steadily improving qubit coherence times to new demonstrations of quantum advantage-like behavior and expanding access to quantum hardware, the field is rapidly evolving and demonstrating tangible progress. During this broader late-2025 period, Princeton University reported a new superconducting qubit design that significantly increased coherence time compared with its previous devices, with lifetimes on the order of a millisecond and a focus... This type of advance is expected to support more robust error correction and larger, more reliable quantum processors.[4] Google’s Willow quantum chip was highlighted for achieving below-threshold error correction and performing benchmark computations that... These advances address some of the most persistent challenges in quantum computing: qubit stability, error correction, and practical scalability.

Longer coherence times and improved error correction techniques, such as those demonstrated with Willow and next-generation superconducting qubits, allow quantum processors to run deeper circuits before noise overwhelms the computation, improving the prospects for... Experts broadly view these developments as important markers along the path to fault-tolerant and application-relevant quantum computing. Commentators on the Princeton work emphasize that pushing coherence into the millisecond regime in scalable superconducting architectures is a crucial ingredient for building larger logical qubit systems that can support error-corrected computation.[4] Quantum information... The practical implications of these advances extend across multiple sectors. More stable qubits and better error correction underpin potential breakthroughs in areas such as drug discovery, advanced materials, optimization, and certain cryptographic analyses, where quantum algorithms could eventually offer substantial acceleration over classical methods.[4][5]... 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. Credit: Bartlomiej K. Wroblewski / Shutterstock The “Quantum Index Report” is a comprehensive assessment of the technology and the global landscape, from patents to the quantum workforce.

Quantum computing is evolving into a tangible technology that holds significant business and commercial promise, although the exact timing of when it will impact those areas remains unclear, according to a new report led... The “Quantum Index Report 2025” charts the technology’s momentum, with a comprehensive, data-driven assessment of the state of quantum technologies. The inaugural report aims to make quantum computing and networking technologies more accessible to entrepreneurs, investors, teachers, and business decision makers — all of whom will play a critical role in how quantum computing... Pure-play quantum computing stocks got Wall Street's attention in 2025 as JPMorgan, Jefferies, Evercore ISI, Cantor Fitzgerald and Mizuho Securities initiated coverage on some companies while Barclays and Bank of America published in-depth reports... Heading into 2026, IonQ (IONQ) and D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) hold the most buy ratings along with the highest price targets on average… 9:00 AM ET The stock market fell to end a solid 2025.

Palantir and Nvidia chipmaker Taiwan Semi were in focus. Tesla deliveries... 9:00 AM ET The stock market fell to end a solid 2025. Palantir... Get instant access to exclusive stock lists, expert market analysis and powerful tools with 2 months of IBD Digital for only $20! Get market updates, educational videos, webinars, and stock analysis.

Quantum computing saw major breakthroughs from July 3–10, 2025, including photonic quantum funding, hybrid AI-quantum platforms, and new error correction algorithms. 📅 Coverage period: Jul 5 - Jul 11, 2025 Read the full analysis on our website. Link in post. 👇 #TechNews #TechnologyTrends #EmergingTechnologies #Quantumcomputing #Innovation #DigitalTransformation This report is based on proprietary data from our AI-powered StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, which tracks 25 million global companies, 20K+ technologies and trends as well as 150M patents, news articles, and market reports. This data includes detailed firmographic insights into approximately 5 million startups, scaleups, and tech companies.

Leveraging this exhaustive database, we provide actionable insights for startup scouting, trend discovery, and technology landscaping. For this report, we focused on the evolution of quantum computing over the past 5 years, utilizing our platform’s trend intelligence feature. Key data points analyzed include: Our data is refreshed regularly, enabling trend comparisons for deeper insights into their relative impact and importance. Additionally, we reviewed trusted external resources to supplement our findings with broader market data and predictions, ensuring a reliable and comprehensive overview of the quantum computing market. Since 2023, the field has seen remarkable strides in hardware, algorithms, and practical applications.

This article provides an overview of the key developments shaping the quantum computing landscape. One major breakthrough involves the development of hypercube network technologies, which enhance the scalability and performance of quantum systems. These networks are poised to overcome traditional limitations in communication between qubits, enabling more robust quantum computers. Khaleel, T.A. (2024). Furthermore, integrated photonics has emerged as a promising avenue for scalable quantum computing with trapped ions.

By combining advanced photonic components with ion traps, researchers are paving the way for more compact and efficient quantum devices. Mordini, C., & Mehta, K. (2024). The advent of quantum computers poses significant risks to classical cryptographic methods. Recent studies emphasize the importance of developing post-quantum cryptographic algorithms to secure sensitive data against quantum threats. These efforts are critical for safeguarding global communication networks.

Dymova, H. (2024). Memon, Q.A.; Al Ahmad, M.; Pecht, M. Quantum Computing: Navigating the Future of Computation, Challenges, and Technological Breakthroughs. Quantum Rep. 2024, 6, 627-663.

https://doi.org/10.3390/quantum6040039 Memon QA, Al Ahmad M, Pecht M. Quantum Computing: Navigating the Future of Computation, Challenges, and Technological Breakthroughs. Quantum Reports. 2024; 6(4):627-663. https://doi.org/10.3390/quantum6040039

Memon, Qurban A., Mahmoud Al Ahmad, and Michael Pecht. 2024. "Quantum Computing: Navigating the Future of Computation, Challenges, and Technological Breakthroughs" Quantum Reports 6, no. 4: 627-663. https://doi.org/10.3390/quantum6040039 Memon, Q.

A., Al Ahmad, M., & Pecht, M. (2024). Quantum Computing: Navigating the Future of Computation, Challenges, and Technological Breakthroughs. Quantum Reports, 6(4), 627-663. https://doi.org/10.3390/quantum6040039

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