Quantum Technology Adoption

Turning Europe into a quantum industrial powerhouse Europe has been the cradle of quantum mechanics, the revolutionary science born from the genius of Max Planck, Albert Einstein, Niels Bohr, Erwin Schrödinger, and other visionaries who rewrote the rules of physical reality. On 2 July 2025, in the year marking a centenary since the initial development of quantum mechanics, the Commission has adopted an ambitious European Quantum Strategy, integrating Europe's unique scientific heritage with its vibrant quantum ecosystem of startups, SMEs, large industries, research and technology organisations, academia and research institutes. The mission is clear: turn Europe into a quantum industrial powerhouse that transforms breakthrough science into market-ready applications, while maintaining its scientific leadership. We are imagining a Union where medical scans can detect illnesses at the earliest stages, accelerating from weeks of uncertainty to mere seconds of precise diagnosis; where sensors are able to warn about volcanic activity or water shortages before they happen; and where unprecedented computational power will be available to solve complex problems in logistics, finance and climate modelling. A safer Europe, where our personal data, critical infrastructure, and businesses will always remain private and well-protected; where transport systems are optimised to reduce congestion and prevent accidents; and air travel is guided by quantum-enhanced precision navigation, pinpointing objects' locations down to the centimetre. A greener Europe, where sustainable energy grids can flawlessly manage millions of electric vehicles charging simultaneously overnight. These tangible, transformative technologies are within reach through support from the EU Quantum Strategy. The quantum community has clearly outlined what's needed to achieve this future: · Combine Europe's scientific excellence to bring quantum breakthroughs rapidly to market · Develop advanced quantum supercomputers like the ones we are supporting under the Quantum Flagship and are acquiring under the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking to operate as accelerators next to our leading network of supercomputers · Deploy secure communication networks such as those under EuroQCI, our secure quantum communication infrastructure that will be spanning the whole EU, composed of a terrestrial segment relying on fibre communications networks linking strategic sites at national and cross-border level, and a space segment based on satellites · Support quantum startups and SMEs, enhancing supply chain resilience, and foster supranational innovation clusters · Integrate quantum advancements into strategic capabilities for security and defence, protecting citizens and infrastructure · Educate Europe's workforce through specialised initiatives like the European Quantum Skills Academy Quantum is not one more technology to add to the list; is a high tide that will deeply transform our society and economy.

Stay ahead of What’s Next with AI-Driven, Quantum-Ready Network Security The dizzying pace of digital innovation today renders traditional approaches to cybersecurity obsolete. In the past, every change in the digital landscape resulted in a massive new project that required more funding, new products, and more experts to manage it all. The patchwork of tools that emerged as a result created operational chaos and security gaps. And more importantly, it made it difficult for companies to react to even more emerging technologies and threats. Whether it’s AI–powered innovation or new risks emerging from quantum computing, we help our customers embrace innovation and stay ahead of emerging threats by consolidating fragmented defenses into a single, intelligent platform. This unified, AI-driven approach is the only way to simplify operations, continuously adapt defenses, and deliver the agility to respond to “what’s next.” Today at Palo Alto Networks Ignite What’s Next, I talked about new innovations to help companies protect their AI transformations and stay secure from emerging threats: Prisma Browser – Stop evasive attacks before they execute, safely enable employees’ access to generative AI and SaaS, and leverage AI-Driven Data Security  Prisma AIRS 2.0 – Gain a clear view of your entire AI ecosystem, assess emerging risks, and defend your organization against threats to AI apps and agents Clear Path to Quantum-Safe Security – Start the journey to quantum-readiness with a  simple, practical approach to discover cryptographic inventory, deploy quantum-ready hardware, and accelerate the device upgrades to quantum-safe status instantly. Learn more about the Network Security innovations we shared today at Ignite What’s Next. https://bit.ly/4qA3Ss8

💡 Elevandi has published the report "Preparing for a Quantum-safe Tomorrow" summarizing the discussion held in a roundtable at Point Zero Forum. The Swiss National Bank hosted the session with Thomas Moser (Swiss National Bank) serving as the moderator. The roundtable brought together experts from private-sector research companies, academia, international standard setters, and the financial industry. Participants included Raphael Auer (Bank for International Settlements – BIS), August Benz (Swiss Bankers Association), Marco Brenner (IBM), Klaus Ensslin (ETH Zürich), Dr. Frederik Flöther (QuantumBasel), Esther Haenggi (Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts), Dr. Heike Riel (IBM), and Sven Stucki (Procivis AG). The paper includes contributions from Andreas Wehrli (Swiss National Bank). The document covers the typical intro to what is quantum computing and why it threatens cryptography, before entering into solutions and challenges in achieving quantum safety, and practical action points for organizations. Some interesting highlights: 👉 The precise date of Q-Day is irrelevant from a risk management perspective. The probability of it happening in any given year from now is not zero, and the business impact would be huge. Even a 5% risk is too high to ignore.  👉 Implementing quantum-safe algorithms is not merely a technical challenge. It extends to business processes and the intricate links within our digital ecosystems, requiring a comprehensive approach to ensure that all interconnected silos remain secure. 👉 While technical solutions for quantum safety exist, implementing them in an organisation’s IT infrastructure remains challenging. The document concludes with practical action points to achieve quantum safety: 🚩 Identify quantum-competent staff in your organisation 🚩 Assess vulnerabilities in your systems 🚩 Develop a plan to achieve quantum safety, which includes building skills within your team to handle these future changes 🚩 Establish regular dialogue with key stakeholders https://lnkd.in/dSmuS7pg #pqc #postquantum #cryptography

This image is from an Amazon Braket slide deck that just did the rounds of all the Deep Tech conferences I've been at recently (this one from Eric Kessler). It's more profound than it might seem. As technical leaders, we're constantly evaluating how emerging technologies will reshape our computational strategies. Quantum computing is prominent in these discussions, but clarity on its practical integration is... emerging. It's becoming clear however that the path forward isn't about quantum versus classical, but how quantum and classical work together. This will be a core theme for the year ahead. As someone now on the implementation partner side of this work, and getting the chance to work on specific implementations of quantum-classical hybrid workloads, I think of it this way: Quantum Processing Units (QPUs) are specialised engines capable of tackling calculations that are currently intractable for even the largest supercomputers. That's the "quantum 101" explanation you've heard over and over. However, missing from that usual story, is that they require significant classical infrastructure for: - Control and calibration - Data preparation and readout - Error mitigation and correction frameworks - Executing the parts of algorithms not suited for quantum speedup Therefore, the near-to-medium term future involves integrating QPUs as accelerators within a broader classical computing environment. Much like GPUs accelerate specific AI/graphics tasks alongside CPUs, QPUs are a promising resource to accelerate specific quantum-suited operations within larger applications. What does this mean for technical decision-makers? Focus on Integration: Strategic planning should center on identifying how and where quantum capabilities can be integrated into existing or future HPC workflows, not on replacing them entirely. Identify Target Problems: The key is pinpointing high-value business or research problems where the unique capabilities of quantum computation could provide a substantial advantage. Prepare for Hybrid Architectures: Consider architectures and software platforms designed explicitly to manage these complex hybrid workflows efficiently. PS: Some companies like Quantum Brilliance are focused on this space from the hardware side from the outset, working with Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. On the software side there's the likes of Q-CTRL, Classiq Technologies, Haiqu and Strangeworks all tackling the challenge of managing actual workloads (with different levels of abstraction). Speaking to these teams will give you a good feel for topic and approaches. Get to it. #QuantumComputing #HybridComputing #HPC

2025 is shaping up as a turning point for quantum technology. The latest numbers show strong momentum: Around $2 billion flowed into quantum start-ups in 2024, nearly 50% more than in 2023. The global market for quantum technologies could reach $97 billion by 2035, with some forecasts pushing toward $198 billion by 2040. Quantum computing revenues today are still in the hundreds of millions, but leading forecasts see potential to scale into the tens of billions by 2035. On the technology front, progress is no longer about just “adding more qubits.” Google’s 105-qubit Willow chip demonstrated error-corrected performance that improves as systems scale — a milestone many in the field have been waiting for. Governments are moving quickly too: - Japan earmarked $7.4B for quantum R&D this year. - Illinois announced a $500M quantum park. - Australia committed $620M to support PsiQuantum’s plans for a fault-tolerant quantum computer. Early adoption is already taking shape in chemicals and life sciences, finance, and mobility/logistics. Having just started my role as a Senior Advisor at McKinsey, I’m already seeing how companies that prepare quantum strategies today are positioning themselves to lead when this technology matures. What’s your take on the timeline? Are we being too optimistic, or is this right on track? ♻️ Repost if this resonates. Follow me for more insights on quantum, strategy, and innovation.

Quantum Roadmap via IBM IBM’s quantum roadmap provides a clear and structured path for the development of its quantum computing capabilities. The focus on scaling, error correction, middleware automation and global infrastructure expansion demonstrates IBM’s commitment to making quantum technology commercially viable. The future of computing is quantum-centric. ➜   2024 Expand the utility of quantum computing. We will improve the quality and speed of quantum circuits to allow running 5,000 gates with parametric circuits. ➜   2025 Demonstrate quantum- centric supercomputing. In 2025, we will demonstrate the first quantum-centric supercomputer by integrating modular processors, middleware, and quantum communication. We will also enhance the quality, execution, speed, and parallelization of quantum circuits. ➜    2026 Automate and increase the depth of quantum circuits. We will enable quantum circuits with 7,500 gates through circuit quality improvement. ➜   2027 Scale quantum computing. We will scale qubits, electronics, infrastructure, and software to reduce footprint, cost, and energy usage. The quality of quantum circuits will improve to allow running 10,000 gates. ➜   2029 Deliver a fully error-corrected system. We will bring users a quantum system with 200 qubits capable of running 100 million gates. ➜   2033+ Deliver quantum-centric supercomputers with 1,000’s of logical qubits. Beyond 2033, quantum-centric supercomputers will include thousands of qubits capable of running 1 billion gates, unlocking the full power of quantum computing. IBM is positioning itself as a leader in quantum-centric supercomputing that is tied with goals to redefine the computational landscape and create new business value for clients.

𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟴: 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗺 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 In today’s hyper-connected world, data is the new currency and the perimeter, and it is essential to safeguard them from Cyber criminals. The average cost of a data breach reached an all-time high of $4.88 million in 2024, a 10% increase from 2023. Advances in 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗺 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 further threaten traditional cryptographic systems by potentially rendering widely used algorithms like public key cryptography insecure. Even before large-scale quantum computers become practical, adversaries can harvest encrypted data today and store it for future decryption. Sensitive data encrypted with traditional algorithms may be vulnerable to retrospective attacks once quantum computers are available. As quantum technology evolves, the need for stronger data protection grows. Google Quantum AI recently demonstrated advancements with its Willow processors, which 𝗲𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗱𝗲. These breakthroughs underscore the growing efficiency and scalability of quantum computers. To address these threats, Enterprises are turning to 𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝘆𝗽𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝘆 to prepare for Post Quantum era. Proactive Measures for Agile Cryptography and Quantum Resistance: 1. 𝗔𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁-𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗺 𝗔𝗹𝗴𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗺𝘀 Transition to NIST-approved PQC standards like CRYSTALS-Kyber, CRYSTALS-Dilithium, Sphincs+. Use hybrid cryptography that combines classical and quantum-resistant methods for a smoother transition. 2. 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗴𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 Avoid hardcoding cryptographic algorithms. Implement abstraction layers and modular cryptographic libraries to enable easy updates, algorithm swaps, and seamless key rotation. 3. 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 Use Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) and Key Management Systems (KMS) to automate secure key lifecycle management, including zero-downtime rotation. 4. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 Encrypt data at rest, in transit, and in use with quantum resistant standards and protocols. For unstructured data, use format-preserving encryption and deploy data-loss prevention (DLP) tools to detect and secure unprotected files. Replace sensitive information with unique tokens that have no exploitable value outside a secure tokenization system. 5. 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 Develop a quantum-readiness strategy, audit systems, prioritize sensitive data, and train teams on agile cryptography and PQC best practices. Agile cryptography and advanced data devaluation techniques are essential for protecting sensitive data as cyber threats evolve. Planning ahead for the post-quantum era can reduce migration costs to PQC algorithms and strengthen cryptographic resilience. Embrace agile cryptography. Devalue sensitive data. Secure your future. #VISA #PaymentSecurity #Cybersecurity #12DaysofCyberSecurityChristmas #PostQuantumCrypto

As we close out 2024, it’s natural to think about what’s next. For me, one trend stands out above the rest: the urgency of preparing for a post-quantum world. Google's recent Willow chip announcement is yet another indicator that quantum computing is advancing rapidly, and the cryptographic algorithms we rely on to secure digital identities and critical systems are nearing their expiration date. This isn’t just a security concern—it’s a business imperative that impacts trust, continuity, and resilience. Just last month, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released its roadmap for transitioning to post-quantum cryptography (PQC). The timeline is clear: by 2030, organizations must be quantum-ready. For business leaders, 2025 will be a pivotal year to take action. Forward-thinking leaders will elevate PQC from an IT initiative to a boardroom priority. Here’s how to lead the charge: 🔑 Understand the risk: Identify which systems, identities, and sensitive data are vulnerable to the quantum threat. 🔑 Educate your board: Build awareness with your leadership team about why quantum-safe cryptography matters—and why it matters NOW. 🔑 Take inventory: Pinpoint where your cryptographic assets live and assess what needs to evolve. 🔑 Develop your roadmap: Create a strategic plan to transition to PQC before the window of opportunity closes. 2025 isn’t the year to react—it’s the year to prepare. The shift to quantum-safe cryptography is inevitable. The question is: Will your organization be ahead of the curve or playing catch-up? I’d love to hear from other leaders—how are you bringing this critical conversation into your boardroom? Let’s share strategies and lessons to ensure we’re all ready for what’s next. #PostQuantum #PQC #CybersecurityLearders #DigitalTrust #Leadership

Is Your Organization Quantum-Ready or Quantum-Vulnerable? Quantum computing is no longer a distant academic concept—it's a strategic reality that will redefine industries and rewrite the rules of cybersecurity. While it promises to solve humanity's most complex problems in medicine, logistics, and AI, it also holds the power to break the encryption that underpins our entire digital world. For leaders, the time to prepare is now. Our latest briefing breaks down: 🔹 The core principles: Superposition & Entanglement explained simply. 🔹 The dual impact: Unprecedented business opportunities vs. the "quantum apocalypse" for security. 🔹 The immediate threat: "Harvest Now, Decrypt Later" attacks are already underway. 🔹 The action plan: How to start building a quantum-resilient organization today. Don't wait for the disruption to happen. Lead through it. #QuantumComputing #Cybersecurity #TechLeadership #Innovation #DigitalTransformation #PQC #RiskManagement #FutureOfTech

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang recently claimed that practical quantum computing is still 15 to 30 years away and will require NVIDIA #GPUs to build hybrid quantum/classical supercomputers. But both the timeline and the hardware assumption are off the mark. Quantum computing is progressing much faster than many realize. Google’s #Willow device has demonstrated that scaling up quantum systems can exponentially reduce errors, and it achieved a benchmark in minutes that would take classical supercomputers countless billions of years. While not yet commercially useful, it shows that both quantum supremacy and fault tolerance are possible. PsiQuantum, a company building large-scale photonic quantum computers, plans to bring two commercial machines online well before the end of the decade. These will be 10,000 times larger than Willow and will not use GPUs, but rather custom high-speed hardware specifically designed for error correction. Meanwhile, quantum algorithms are advancing rapidly. PsiQuantum recently collaborated with Boehringer Ingelheim to achieve over a 200-fold improvement in simulating molecular systems. Phasecraft, the leading quantum algorithms company, has developed quantum-enhanced algorithms for simulating materials, publishing results that threaten to outperform classical methods even on current quantum hardware. Algorithms are improving 1000s of times faster than hardware, and with huge leaps in hardware from PsiQuantum, useful quantum computing is inevitable and increasingly imminent. This progress is essential because our existing tools for simulating nature, particularly in chemistry and materials science, are limited. Density Functional Theory, or DFT, is widely used to model the electronic structure of materials but fails on many of the most interesting highly correlated quantum systems. When researchers tried to evaluate the purported room-temperature superconductor LK-99, #DFT failed entirely, and researchers were forced to revert to cook-and-look to get answers. Even cutting-edge #AI models like DeepMind’s GNoME depend on DFT for training data, which limits their usefulness in domains where DFT breaks down. Without more accurate quantum simulations, AI cannot meaningfully explore the full complexity of quantum systems. To overcome these barriers, we need large-scale quantum computers. Building machines with millions of qubits is a significant undertaking, requiring advances in photonics, cryogenics, and systems engineering. But the transition is already underway, moving from theoretical possibility to construction. Quantum computing offers a path from discovery to design. It will allow us to understand and engineer materials and molecules that are currently beyond our reach. Like the transition from the stone age to ages of metal, electricity, and semiconductors, the arrival of quantum computing will mark a new chapter in our mastery of the physical world.