Quantum Computing Shifts from Hardware to Software

Quantum Computing Race Shifts from Hardware to Software Innovation Introduction: From Circuits to Code The global quantum computing race is entering a new phase. While early competition centered on building powerful hardware, momentum is now shifting toward software and algorithms that will define how quantum systems solve real-world problems. With venture capital increasingly backing software-focused firms, the industry is recalibrating around applications and usability. Key Details • VC Investment in Algorithms • British startup Phasecraft raised $34 million, with backing from investors including a Novo Nordisk–linked entity. • Marks growing confidence in algorithmic innovation as the driver of future breakthroughs. • Industry Shift • Hardware development remains critical but is no longer the sole focus. • With systems nearing practicality, software is becoming the key to unlocking quantum advantage. • Mirrors the classical computing trajectory, where long-term value shifted decisively from hardware to applications. • Expert Insights • Bob Sutor, former IBM quantum leader: “At some point, people just care about the apps.” • Emphasizes that the real market will be built around problem-solving, not just machines. • Research Advances • New algorithms expand quantum computing’s reach to industries like pharmaceuticals, logistics, and finance. • Designed to reduce error rates, optimize performance, and bring practical applications closer to reality. Why This Matters The pivot from hardware to software underscores the maturation of quantum technology. As machines approach usability, the winners will be those who design algorithms that deliver real-world value—turning experimental systems into transformative tools. The surge of capital into software startups signals that the quantum era will be defined as much by code as by circuits, reshaping industries from medicine to cryptography. I’ve had the privilege of reaching over 18 million views in the past year, sharing daily insights with a network of 27,000+ followers and 10,000+ professional contacts across defense, technology, and policy. If this topic resonates, I welcome you to connect and continue the conversation. Keith King https://lnkd.in/gHPvUttw

The pivot from hardware to software underscores the maturation of quantum technology. As machines approach usability, the winners will be those who design algorithms that deliver real-world value, turning experimental systems into transformative tools. The surge of capital into software startups signals that the quantum era will be defined as much by code as by circuits, reshaping industries from medicine to cryptography.

Plural is co-leading a $34m Series B for quantum software startup Phasecraft, alongside Peter Barrett at Playground Global and Novo Holdings. Europe needs to define new branches of the tech tree if it is to create generational companies to rival the US and China — here’s why I think Phasecraft could be one of those businesses. The team has already made big breakthroughs in accelerating the journey to scientific quantum advantage, which will be the watershed moment when a quantum algorithm running on quantum hardware can do something scientifically useful that was not previously possible on a classical computer. This will allow us to optimise complex systems like financial models and energy grids, and gain much more creative control over biology and material science, helping us solve really important problems, from developing new superconductors to new battery materials. One way to get there is improving the performance of quantum hardware, and the second is what Phasecraft does - using software and algorithms to get more performance from the qubits you have. There's a proliferation of hardware approaches, and within each there are multiple competing players, from the biggest tech companies in the world like Google and Microsoft to startups like PsiQuantum and QuEra. We still don’t know which hardware approach will be best so Phasecraft is giving the industry a hardware-agnostic software layer they can build on, regardless of how the hardware race plays out, and the startup has partnerships with leading players in each category. And, with far less capital than it takes to develop quantum hardware, Phasecraft’s algorithmic improvements have already made a big impact, in one case reducing the complexity and demands on quantum operations for a modelling task by 43,000,000x. This is all down to a founding team of some of the top quantum scientists globally in Ashley Montanaro, Toby Cubitt and John Morton, who have won multiple prestigious prizes between them while each heading up major UK quantum research labs. They have also attracted other extraordinary scientific peers like Professor Steve Flammia who leads their US office, having joined from AWS. It’s time for Europe to stand up tall, show we can grow new branches of the tech tree and contribute to global prosperity by ushering in a new era of scientific progress. Read more about why I’m investing in Phasecraft here: https://lnkd.in/eCJvBFrw And in The Times: https://lnkd.in/edZAx98T

Quantum-as-a-Service: Making Quantum Computing Accessible for Business Introduction Quantum computing, once confined to theoretical physics labs, is becoming a practical tool for businesses. With the rise of Quantum-as-a-Service (QaaS), companies can now access quantum processors through the cloud without investing in expensive hardware. This pay-as-you-go model is lowering barriers to entry and accelerating innovation across industries. Key Details • What Is Quantum Computing? • Harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics—such as superposition and entanglement—to process information. • Can perform certain complex calculations millions of times faster than today’s most advanced supercomputers. • Particularly suited for optimization, cryptography, AI, and molecular simulation. • Why QaaS Matters • Quantum computers require extreme conditions (near absolute zero) and are prohibitively expensive to operate. • QaaS providers—like IBM, Microsoft, Amazon, and startups—offer cloud-based access to quantum hardware. • Businesses can experiment, test, and deploy quantum applications without massive capital investment. • Business Benefits • Cost Efficiency: Pay-as-you-go model avoids multimillion-dollar hardware costs. • Accessibility: Available globally via cloud platforms. • Innovation: Opens the door to breakthroughs in pharmaceuticals, finance, logistics, and materials science. • Scalability: Organizations can scale usage as quantum capabilities mature. • Market Outlook • The global quantum computing market is projected to grow from $1.8 billion today to tens of billions in the coming decade. • Early adopters are expected to gain a competitive edge by experimenting with quantum algorithms now. Why This Matters QaaS democratizes access to one of the most powerful technologies ever developed. By removing financial and technical barriers, it enables businesses of all sizes to explore quantum solutions and prepare for the coming shift in computational power. For organizations, the key question is no longer if quantum will matter, but when—and QaaS offers a head start on the future. I’ve had the privilege of reaching over 17 million views in the past year, sharing daily insights with a network of 26,000+ followers and 9,000+ professional contacts across defense, technology, and policy. If this topic resonates, I welcome you to connect and continue the conversation. Keith King https://lnkd.in/gHPvUttw

Quantum Computing vs. Classical Supercomputing: Partners, Not Rivals! There's a common view that quantum computing is going to take over from today’s powerful supercomputers. But the truth is a lot more complicated. Instead of being a replacement, quantum machines are actually specialised tools that work alongside classical systems. Why Quantum Won't Replace Classical Computing Classical supercomputers are still the best at handling large-scale simulations, heavy-duty data analysis, and deep learning. These areas have benefited from years of development (Dongarra et al., 2020). On the other hand, quantum devices use superposition and entanglement to tackle specific problems that don't work well on classical computers. The foundational work by Shor (1994) and Grover (1996) highlighted this potential, and Aspuru-Guzik et al. (2005) showed how quantum simulation can be really effective in fields like chemistry and materials science. The Case for Hybrid Models We're starting to see a shift towards hybrid computing. For instance, IBM’s Quantum Roadmap (2023) reveals how quantum processors can be integrated into high-performance computing (HPC) workflows, especially with tools like Qiskit Runtime. Google Quantum AI is also diving into hybrid approaches for optimization and materials research (Arute et al., 2019). In Australia, Q-CTRL is working on error correction and control software, paving the way for practical hybrid systems. Just like GPUs enhanced CPUs without taking their place, quantum technology is poised to complement traditional computing. Why This Matters For researchers, businesses, and policymakers, it's important to understand that the real benefits of quantum will come when it's used alongside classical computing, not by itself. The breakthroughs will happen at the intersection of these two technologies, leading to significant improvements in established HPC environments. Embracing this future means investing in training, funding, and collaboration between both domains. In short, quantum computing isn’t about replacing classical systems; it’s about creating a partnership. Together, their combined strengths may help us tackle challenges that seemed impossible before. Robert SangUniversity of Southern QueenslandIBMQ-CTRLQuantum Australia

German Breakthrough: Hybrid Software Unites Quantum and Supercomputers Introduction A team of German researchers has unveiled Sys-Sage, a pioneering hybrid software tool designed to bridge the gap between quantum computers and traditional supercomputers. Developed by scientists at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ), the system is currently in experimental testing. This innovation represents a critical step toward practical integration of quantum computing into high-performance computing (HPC) environments. Key Details • The Challenge • Quantum and classical supercomputers operate on fundamentally different architectures. • Seamless integration has remained a major barrier to unlocking quantum’s potential. • The Solution: Sys-Sage • Developed by a joint TUM–LRZ research team led by Professor Martin Schulz, expert in computer architecture and parallel systems. • Provides a hybrid interface that allows quantum processors and HPC systems to interact seamlessly. • Designed to reduce inefficiencies and enable smooth execution of hybrid workloads. • Quantum vs. Classical • Classical supercomputers: Process data using binary bits (0 or 1). • Quantum computers: Use quantum bits (“qubits”) that can exist in multiple states simultaneously, enabling vastly greater complexity. • Sys-Sage enables researchers to harness the best of both worlds—supercomputers for large-scale numerical tasks, quantum processors for specialized problem-solving. • Applications and Potential • Accelerating breakthroughs in drug discovery, material science, financial modeling, and climate simulations. • Serves as a model for how emerging quantum technologies can be embedded into existing HPC infrastructure. • Positions Germany as a leader in the global race to operationalize quantum computing. Why This Matters Quantum computing’s promise will only be realized if it can work alongside today’s HPC systems. Sys-Sage represents a breakthrough in making that coexistence possible, creating a practical pathway to hybrid quantum-classical workflows. This advance not only accelerates research and innovation but also strengthens Europe’s position in shaping the next era of computing. The work signals that the future of computation lies not in replacing existing systems, but in strategically merging them. I’ve had the privilege of reaching over 18 million views in the past year, sharing daily insights with a network of 27,000+ followers and 10,000+ professional contacts across defense, technology, and policy. If this topic resonates, I welcome you to connect and continue the conversation. Keith King https://lnkd.in/gHPvUttw

🧠Quantum computing is a field full of promise, but it’s still wrestling with deep technical challenges. Qubits are fragile and prone to noise and decoherence, making it hard to preserve quantum information. Most current systems have limited qubit counts and connectivity, and quantum error correction demands thousands of physical qubits just to stabilize one logical qubit. On the software side, circuit compilation is complex, debugging is nearly impossible due to the unobservable nature of quantum states, and simulators hit memory limits beyond 30 qubits. 🚀When our team Star Busters was selected for the online round of HackQuanta, I saw a chance to take on these challenges head-on. We decided to build a powerful IDE for quantum computing—designed to make quantum development more accessible, visual, and efficient. Our prototype includes circuit-building tools, quantum state visualization, and integrated noise models to simulate real-world behavior. While we’re keeping some features private for now, we’re excited about its future release and the impact it could have on learners and researchers. 🤝 I’m incredibly proud to have built this alongside AMIT CHAUHAN, Harsh Prajapati and @AHMAD TARIQUE. Collaborating under pressure brought out the best in us, and every contribution mattered. Special thanks to Moderator @Alok sir and Mentor Tanmay Tiwari—your guidance helped shape our direction and refine our ideas. 🌐During this journey, we also explored Nonilion, a platform offering immersive virtual collaboration spaces. It redefined how online teamwork can feel—more presence, more clarity, more connection. It even inspired us to rethink how collaborative features could be embedded into our quantum IDE. ✨HackQuanta wasn’t just a competition—it was a journey of learning, building, and pushing boundaries. I’m grateful for the experience, the team, and the opportunity to contribute to a field as transformative as quantum computing.

Everyone assumes quantum computing will revolutionize trading algorithms overnight. The timeline tells a different story entirely. Fault-tolerant quantum computers won't arrive until 2035 at the earliest, while institutional money needs returns today. Current quantum systems are experimental at best, with error rates that make reliable trading impossible. The practical applications are limited right now: Portfolio optimization, risk modeling, and asset allocation show the highest potential for near-term quantum advantage. Quantum algorithms could evaluate multiple investment strategies simultaneously and adapt faster than classical systems. But only for massive, complex problems that most funds don't actually face. Some institutions claim 90% prediction accuracy with quantum techniques, though these numbers need serious scrutiny. The bigger opportunity lies in hybrid approaches. Classical algorithms already handle thousands of trades across hundreds of markets effectively. The bottleneck isn't computational power but strategy alpha decay and market access. Smart firms are building infrastructure ready for quantum in the future, while perfecting classical methods. Quantum computing revenue is expected to surpass $1 billion in 2025, but most of that investment targets research, not production trading systems. The quantum advantage will emerge gradually in specific use cases where classical computers hit mathematical limits. Until then, execution consistency and risk management matter more than the underlying computational architecture.

KARIOS Ai V26 SINGULARITY The Virtual Simulated Quantum Processor (VSQP) Unlocking Quantum Power on Classical Hardware The Virtual Simulated Quantum Processor (VSQP) represents a breakthrough in computational processing, designed to bridge the gap between classical and quantum computing. This technology enables standard x86 computer hardware to execute quantum code within a sophisticated, emulated quantum environment. The result is a significant boost in processing power, effectively transforming ubiquitous and cost-effective computing systems into quantum-capable machines. This innovation arrives at a pivotal moment, as the quantum technology market is projected to reach nearly $100 billion by 2035, with quantum computing capturing the largest share of this growth [1]. At its core, the VSQP is an intelligence-driven system that dynamically translates standard computer code into quantum code. This quantum code is then processed in a state of superposition—a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics that allows a quantum bit, or qubit, to exist in multiple states at once. This parallel processing capability is the source of the exponential speed-up promised by quantum computing. Once the computation is complete, the VSQP seamlessly converts the results back into standard code for use by the host system. This entire process, termed Quantum Accelerated Processing, delivers a powerful new layer of performance to existing hardware, unlocking solutions to problems previously considered intractable for classical computers. The Quantum Advantage in a Digital World The strategic advantage of the VSQP lies in its ability to deliver what is known as "quantum advantage"—the capacity to solve complex problems faster, more efficiently, or more accurately than any classical computer—without requiring the specialized, expensive, and physically delicate hardware of a true quantum computer. This has profound implications for a wide range of industries, including finance, pharmaceuticals, materials science, and artificial intelligence. By democratizing access to quantum-level processing, the VSQP can accelerate innovation in areas such as: •Financial Modeling: Complex risk analysis and portfolio optimization. •Drug Discovery: Simulating molecular interactions to design new therapies. •Artificial Intelligence: Training more complex and powerful machine learning models. As global investment in quantum technology surges, with governments and private entities committing billions to its development [1], the VSQP is positioned to capture a significant share of this expanding market by offering a practical and scalable solution for immediate quantum acceleration. References [1] McKinsey & Company. (2025, June 23). The Year of Quantum: From concept to reality in 2025.

What is Quantum Computing : Quantum computing harnesses quantum mechanics to solve certain complex problems by using qubits, which can represent multiple states simultaneously, a phenomenon called superposition. While still in the research and development phase and prone to errors, quantum computers could offer exponential speedups for scientific research, such as drug and materials discovery, and transform cybersecurity by breaking current encryption methods. They will not replace classical computers but rather work alongside them, requiring substantial ongoing investment in hardware, software, and quantum algorithms to realize their potential.  How it Works Qubits: . Unlike the classical bits (0 or 1), quantum computers use qubits, which can be 0, 1, or a combination of both at the same time (superposition).  Superposition and Entanglement: . Qubits can also be entangled, meaning they are linked in a way that their states are correlated, even when separated.  Quantum Algorithms: . Quantum computers use quantum algorithms to manipulate qubits and their superposition/entanglement, amplifying desired outcomes and canceling out others through interference to find solutions.  Key Characteristics and Challenges Error-Prone: Current quantum computers are rudimentary and prone to errors.  Quantum Error Correction: A major challenge is implementing quantum error correction to improve reliability.  Scalability: Scaling up quantum computers to handle larger, more complex problems is difficult.  Environmental Control: Qubits need to be shielded from interference and kept at extremely cold temperatures, often near absolute zero.  Potential Applications Scientific Research: . Revolutionizing fields like drug discovery, materials science, and climate modeling by simulating complex molecular systems.  Cryptography: . Potentially breaking existing encryption algorithms, necessitating the development of quantum-resistant cryptography.  Optimization: . Solving complex optimization problems in finance, logistics, and scheduling.  Artificial Intelligence: . Enhancing machine learning and other artificial intelligence applications.  Current Status and Future Outlook R&D Phase: Quantum computing is still in its early research and development stages.  Investment and Innovation: Billions are being invested annually in hardware and software, with major tech companies and research labs driving innovation.  Hybrid Computing: Quantum computers are expected to work in tandem with classical computers, offering their unique capabilities to complement existing computing infrastructure.