A programmable photonic circuit has been developed that can execute various quantum algorithms and is potentially highly scalable. This device could pave the way for large-scale quantum computers based on photonic hardware. Image by ???. CC BY 2.5

A new study from Classiq reveals that nearly all respondents (95.7 percent) believe that quantum computing can bring performance breakthroughs. In addition, another 82.1% percent said that they see quantum computing as a necessity.

To ensure the data was relevant, respondents were first asked “how familiar are you with

quantum computing?” Only those that responded “very familiar” or “somewhat familiar” were included in the analysis. This left 509 respondents.

This step-change has come about due to increased awareness about the potential of quantum computing, especially what it could one day deliver for businesses.

Quantum computing is concerned with the exploitation of collective properties of quantum states. These states are superposition and entanglement, and they enable rapid computations to be performed. In terms of problem solving, one mechanism is to create algorithms that employ quantum wave interference are then used to find solutions within the quantum space

There is a long way to go before ‘true’ quantum computers are the reality. Most current quantum computers have around a hundred qubits at most. There remains a way to go before the super-powerful machines are a reality. This has not stopped businesses from planning, however.

Some of the benefits are drawn out from the survey. For example, 38 percent of those polled said that competitive advantage is the most beneficial outcome of an effective quantum computing strategy. Another welcome measures from business leaders was where 32.9 percent of respondents said creating new revenue streams was a reason to adopt the technology – once true quantum computing becomes available.

Another area that received attention was where 29 percent of respondents indicated that cost savings represented a reason to consider investing in the technology.

According to Bob Sorensen, senior vice president of research and chief analyst for quantum computing at Hyperion Research, businesses are starting to look for these benefits now.

Sorensen states: “In the past year, the quantum computing sector has turned a major corner, transitioning from primarily a lab-based research activity into an increasingly attractive commercial option.”

The technology leader adds: “As such, the growing number of potential end users will be looking to leading-edge quantum computing suppliers not only for demonstrated technological prowess, but about what quantum computing can do for them.”