Intriguing Quantum #23
Daniella Pontes, CISSP
? ? Product | Solution Marketer ? ? Quantum Ambassador ? ? Planning & Executing to Market Success
[February 13, 2025]
Welcome to the 23rd issue of the Intriguing Quantum newsletter! IQ newsletter is curated by Oliver Rochford and Daniella Pontes, CISSP , and summarized using AI. Join us in scanning the horizon for the beginning of the Quantum Age. Engage in the conversation on our Intriguing Quantum. Subscribe on LinkedIn Also check out Oliver Rochford's The Curious AI Newsletter.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
IYQ 2025 KICKOFF: A Defining Year for Quantum Science and Technology
The year 2025 marks the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), celebrating a century of quantum mechanics. The Global Quantum Intelligence(GQI)'s "Quantum Heroes" publication highlights pioneers like Bohr, Schr?dinger, Heisenberg, Pauli, Bell, Feynman, and Shor, whose breakthroughs—from the atom model and wave function to envisioning quantum computing and discovering the first quantum algorithm that dwarfed classical computing power—shaped the field. This retrospective provides a quick view into quantum’s evolution, showing the stepping stones that led us to where we are today.
Officially launched at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, the International Year of Quantum (IYQ) highlights quantum theory’s profound impact on humanity through groundbreaking technologies such as lasers, semiconductors, and MRI, while showcasing the transformative potential of quantum computing, sensing, and communications. The initiative aims to raise global awareness and accelerate innovation in quantum science and technology.
A Turning Point for Quantum Computing and AI
Significant progress in the quantum industry is expected in 2025. Advancements in hardware architecture, error correction techniques, and algorithms are already delivering promising paths to fault tolerance and scalability. Vendors continue to push the envelope, innovating on hardware architecture and design, committing to roadmaps to deliver practical quantum computing by 2030. From the algorithm front, Oxford University announced the first distributed quantum algorithm that uses multiple quantum processors, laying the groundwork for quantum supercomputers aiming at the scale needed for practical applications, and to tackle what today is considered intractable problems like breaking RSA. Compounding these advancements, Photonic Inc. announced a 20x more efficient error correction method applying a new, low-overhead family of Quantum Low Density Parity Check (QLDPC)? codes that can efficiently perform both quantum computation and error correction, using materially fewer quantum bits (qubits) than traditional surface code approaches.
Taking a step forward on the road of value, Quantinuum's Generative Quantum AI (Gen QAI) framework leverages quantum-generated data to enhance AI training and inference, improving accuracy and energy efficiency. As AI continues its explosive growth, with unprecedented levels of investment and momentum, its fusion with quantum computing has the potential to trigger an avalanche of real-world use cases. This convergence not only amplifies quantum’s near-term impact but also drives broader adoption, as industries eager to push AI’s limits will likely be the first to embrace quantum-enhanced AI solutions.
Quantum Networking: The Road to Scale and the Quantum Internet
Quantum networking is crucial for scalability and secure communications. Oxford University researchers also moved the needle in quantum communications by connecting quantum processors via an optical fiber network, advancing distributed quantum computing. We have been witnessing steady progress in quantum networking with successful metropolitan area and long-distance implementation of quantum teleportation protocol, including on shared existing fiber infrastructure, and entanglement distribution networks using satellites for global coverage. We are approaching the dawn of the quantum era.
Preparing for Q-Day: The Transition to Quantum-Safe Cryptography
With quantum computers expected to reach cryptographic relevance, enabling them to break RSA and ECC encryption by 2035, governments and cybersecurity agencies are urging a transition to NIST's approved post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards to ensure quantum safety.
Store Now, Decrypt Later (SNDL) attacks are already happening. The time to act is now. We are currently in an envisioned—but not guaranteed—transition period, as quantum computing is still not powerful enough to run Shor’s algorithm, the only known method capable of breaking public key cryptography, which secures Internet communications and transactions. Yet, the eventual break of today’s cryptographic protection is expected to occur stealthily, without warning.
Many companies, vendors, and institutions have already started planning and adopting PQC, but pressure is mounting, particularly in high-risk and regulated industries such as government, finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, where compliance mandates are being issued. The good news? A rising wave of hybrid cryptographic solutions is facilitating a smoother transition with minimized impact. A first step can always be taken— ignoring the risk can be disastrous.
From Experiments to Real-World Implementation
With breakthroughs in quantum computing, AI, networking, and quantum-safe, 2025 marks a shift from research to real-world deployment, shaping the future of technology and cybersecurity.
Related articles:
QUANTUM COMPUTING: Much Closer Than NVIDIA Thinks
Google announced that commercial quantum applications will emerge within five years, while Bill Gates sees them arriving in as little as three—a stark contrast to NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang’s projection that quantum computing is still decades away. This divergence in outlook likely stems from firsthand involvement in quantum development; Google and Microsoft are actively building quantum solutions, whereas NVIDIA remains focused on hybrid computing, integrating its classical GPU frameworks (CUDA-Q) with third-party QPUs.
Vendors' optimism comes from within—an empowerment born from their own commitment to building the future. Recently, Google unveiled a breakthrough merging digital gate-based precise control with analog quantum computing, leveraging the natural evolution of quantum states to solve complex problems more efficiently. This hybrid approach, along with critical advancements in error correction from Photonics and distributed quantum computing from Oxford University, is accelerating the arrival of the right conditions for useful quantum. By strategically blending gate-based control with the inherent quantum behaviors of its processors, Google is bypassing major hurdles to practical quantum computing—suggesting commercialization may be even closer than the boldest predictions.
The road to practical quantum computing isn’t waiting for a singular breakthrough, instead it evolving from multiple innovative directions. Rather than following a rigid blueprint, quantum computing is fluid, reshaping itself like water—flowing through the most accessible paths first. Its progress isn’t dictated by arbitrary timelines but by continuous investment and the compounding momentum of AI. As real-world use cases emerge sooner than expected, businesses that dismiss quantum as “too distant” risk not just falling behind—but becoming irrelevant in a reality they failed to see clearly.
Related Articles:
INTRIGUING QUANTUM - Time and Consciousness: Quantum’s Design or Byproduct?
The concept of negative time, as demonstrated in the experiment Negative Time Observed for the First Time Ever: Flowing from Future to Past, challenges our fundamental understanding of time as a unidirectional arrow.
When photons appear to exit a material before entering it, we are forced to confront an unsettling question: What is time, really?
Our conventional view of time fails in the face of such phenomena—how can an effect precede its cause?
This suggests a reality where past, present, and future may be deeply intertwined, permeating each other as an integral whole. Rather than a rigid arrow composed of sequential fractions, time may be a construct bending and looping in ways we are only beginning to decipher.
Yet, physics is not the only field that challenges our perception of time. The philosopher Henri Bergson proposed that time, as experienced by consciousness, exists as pure duration—a qualitative, indivisible flowing reality distinct from the measurable fragments of time in lab experiments.
Adding to the puzzle, the article, If Humans Had Souls, Would They Be Quantum?, explores whether quantum processes power our consciousness, akin to a quantum computer. The Orchestrated Objective Reduction (Orch-OR) posits that human awareness arises from quantum entanglement and superposition within brain microtubules. There are objections, as our noisy, warm brain is not a suitable place for a quantum computer. But if true, could our consciousness outlive us, stored in the quantum tapestry hosting our universe(s), or maybe teleported to and from another quantum system of some sort?
Negative time and quantum consciousness, as in the published research, don’t fit neatly into sci-fi’s time travels and Matrix-like simulations that make for entertaining futuristic conversations. However, as we wrestle with quantum mechanics, trying to untie the “Gordian knots” it leaves in our minds, we may find the key not just to understanding the fabric of the universe and answering whether we emerged from the past or the future, but also to uncovering the true nature of our existence.
Perhaps, in doing so, we may glimpse a purpose—not one imposed, but one woven into the very fabric of reality itself. Maybe we are not travelers moving through time, but waves rippling across a quantum sea. If so, the question 'What is the meaning of being?' finds its answer in understanding what we truly are and what we are in the process of becoming.
Related articles:
NEWS COVERAGE
QUBIT
Summary: Researchers have made a significant advancement in quantum computing by utilizing an antimony atom to create a more stable qubit, often referred to as a 'Schr?dinger's Cat' state. This development addresses the persistent issue of errors in quantum computations, potentially leading to more reliable and practical quantum computers. The breakthrough could pave the way for error-proof quantum computing, bringing the technology closer to widespread application.
Sentiment: Positive | Time to Impact: Mid-term (18-60 Months)
Topological quantum computing: The quest for a quality qubit
Nokia |
Summary: The article discusses the challenges in developing viable quantum computers capable of solving complex problems. It emphasizes the need for high-quality qubits and explores topological quantum computing as a promising approach to achieve this goal. The piece highlights ongoing efforts and the potential benefits of overcoming current limitations in quantum computing technology.
Sentiment: Neutral | Time to Impact: Long-term (5 years+)
Summary: Researchers from Peking University have highlighted the potential of using DNA in quantum computing. Their study focuses on nuclear electric resonance as a method to manipulate quantum states within DNA structures, suggesting that biological molecules could serve as a foundation for future quantum technologies. This approach may offer a novel pathway beyond traditional silicon-based systems.
Sentiment: Positive | Time to Impact: Long-term (5 years+)
QUANTUM COMPUTING
Google quantum computing: real-world applications within five years
USA Today | Link |
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Summary: Google aims to release commercial quantum computing applications within the next five years. The company has made significant progress with new generations of quantum chips and plans to focus on practical applications across various industries. This initiative underscores Google's commitment to advancing quantum technology and its potential real-world impact.
Sentiment: Positive | Time to Impact: Short-term (3-18 Months)
Xanadu Quantum Technologies builds world's first universal photonic quantum computer
Data Center Dynamics | Link |
Summary: Xanadu Quantum Technologies has unveiled 'Aurora,' a 12-qubit universal photonic quantum computer. This machine is the successor to the company's previous quantum computers, X8 and Borealis, and represents a significant advancement in photonic quantum computing. Aurora's development marks a step forward in creating scalable and practical quantum computing solutions.
Sentiment: Positive | Time to Impact: Mid-term (18-60 Months)
Quandela Reports 100000-Fold Reduction in Components for Fault-Tolerant Photonic Quantum Computing
Quantum Computing Report | Link |
Summary: Quandela has announced a significant advancement in photonic quantum computing by demonstrating a method to reduce the number of components required for fault-tolerant operations by 100,000-fold. This breakthrough could lead to more practical and scalable quantum computers by simplifying their architecture and enhancing reliability. The development represents a major step toward overcoming current challenges in quantum computing hardware.
Sentiment: Positive | Time to Impact: Mid-term (18-60 Months)
DISTRIBUTED QUANTUM COMPUTING
First distributed quantum algorithm brings quantum supercomputers closer
University of Oxford | Link |
Summary: Scientists at the University of Oxford have developed the first distributed quantum algorithm, a milestone that brings quantum supercomputers closer to practical use. This achievement demonstrates the feasibility of performing complex computations across multiple quantum processors, paving the way for scalable quantum computing systems. The development could significantly enhance the capabilities and applications of future quantum technologies.
Sentiment: Positive | Time to Impact: Mid-term (18-60 Months)
QUANTUM ERROR CORRECTION (QEC)
Summary: This guest post discusses the future of quantum error correction, highlighting its essential role in safeguarding quantum information from inherent errors. The article explores current challenges and emerging solutions in the field, emphasizing the importance of developing effective error correction methods to advance quantum computing technologies. The insights provided offer a comprehensive overview of the ongoing efforts to enhance the reliability and scalability of quantum systems.
Sentiment: Neutral | Time to Impact: Mid-term (18-60 Months)
QUANTUM AI
Summary: Quantinuum has announced a groundbreaking Generative Quantum AI framework (Gen QAI), leveraging unique quantum-generated data to enhance AI training and inference. This innovation holds significant commercial potential, promising to improve the accuracy and efficiency of AI models across various industries. The development underscores the synergy between quantum computing and artificial intelligence, opening new avenues for technological advancement.
Sentiment: Strong Positive | **Time
QUANTUM COMMUNICATIONS
Summary: Quantum networking is progressing both terrestrially and extraterrestrially, with developments aiming to connect quantum chips, computers, and data centers. These advancements are crucial for scaling quantum computing capabilities and enhancing secure communications. Efforts include creating quantum repeaters and exploring satellite-based quantum links.
Sentiment: Positive | Time to Impact: Mid-term
Summary: Quantum networking is progressing both terrestrially and in space, with the potential to link quantum chips, computers, and enterprise data centers. These advancements aim to allow quantum computing to scale and enable ultra-secure communications. Developments include entanglement-based metropolitan networks leveraging existing fiber optics and plans for global entanglement distribution using satellite connectivity.
Sentiment: Positive
QUANTUM CYBERSECURITY & PQC
Summary: A study in Nature introduces a high-dimensional quantum key distribution (QKD) protocol that enhances secure communication by increasing key rates beyond traditional QKD methods. This approach utilizes higher-dimensional quantum states to improve security and efficiency in data transmission.
Sentiment: Positive | Time to Impact: Mid-term
Summary: A report from MITRE emphasizes that while quantum computers capable of breaking current encryption may be decades away, immediate action is necessary to prepare for future cybersecurity threats. The U.S. is urged to invest in quantum-resistant technologies and develop strategies to mitigate potential risks associated with quantum advancements.
Sentiment: Neutral | Time to Impact: Long-term
Summary: Palo Alto Networks, in collaboration with six technology partners, has developed a framework to tackle encryption vulnerabilities posed by quantum computing. This initiative aims to promote multi-vendor interoperability and enhance security measures against emerging quantum threats.
Sentiment: Positive | Time to Impact: Short-term
Summary: Europol warns that the rapid advancement of quantum computing poses an imminent threat to the financial sector's cryptographic security. The agency calls for a coordinated global effort to transition to post-quantum cryptography to safeguard sensitive information and maintain data integrity.
Sentiment: Negative | Time to Impact: Mid-term
QUANTUM NATIONS
Summary: A recent cybersecurity executive order outlines guidelines for adopting quantum-resistant cryptography, referencing NIST's first post-quantum encryption standards. The order emphasizes the importance of preparing the manufacturing sector for future quantum threats by updating security protocols accordingly.
Sentiment: Neutral | Time to Impact: Mid-term
QUANTUM STARTUPS AND THE MARKET
Summary: SEALSQ announces plans to invest up to $20 million in quantum and AI startups, aiming to advance quantum-safe transformation and cryptographic agility. This initiative seeks to support innovations in quantum computing, networking, and cybersecurity.
Sentiment: Positive | Time to Impact: Short-term
Summary: Quantum computing startup Alice&Bob has secured $104 million in funding to develop quantum computers utilizing cat qubits, a technology they claim will be operational by 2030. This approach aims to enhance the stability and coherence of qubits, addressing key challenges in quantum computing.
Sentiment: Positive | Time to Impact: Long-term
Summary: IBM has reported cumulative revenues of $1 billion from its quantum technology initiatives, reflecting the company's commitment to advancing quantum computing. This financial milestone underscores IBM's role in pioneering quantum applications and its potential for future growth in this transformative sector.
Sentiment: Positive | Time to Impact: Mid-term (18-60 Months)
Summary: The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) has made its inaugural investment in Equal1, an Irish quantum computing startup. This strategic move aims to bolster the Dutch quantum ecosystem by leveraging Equal1's innovative approaches to quantum technology.
Sentiment: Positive | Time to Impact: Mid-term (18-60 Months)
Summary: The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and Intel have announced an enhanced partnership to advance the industrialization of silicon-based quantum computers. This collaboration focuses on integrating quantum technologies into scalable manufacturing processes, aiming to accelerate the development of practical quantum computing solutions.
Sentiment: Positive | Time to Impact: Mid-term (18-60 Months)
QUANTUM SCIENCE
Summary: Researchers have utilized a quantum annealer to simulate the process of false vacuum decay, a fundamental event in the early universe. This achievement provides new insights into quantum field dynamics and demonstrates the potential of quantum machines to model complex cosmological phenomena.
Sentiment: Positive | Time to Impact: Long-term (5 years+)
USE CASES
Summary: Financial institutions in the United Arab Emirates are investing heavily in quantum computing technologies. The region is home to one of the world's leading quantum research centers, positioning it to leverage quantum advancements for enhanced financial services and security.
Sentiment: Positive | Time to Impact: Mid-term (18-60 Months)
Summary: Since 2017, the BMW Group has been exploring quantum computing to tackle complex problems in materials science and artificial intelligence. Quantum computers utilize qubits, which can represent both 0 and 1 simultaneously, enabling them to perform multiple calculations in parallel and solve certain problems exponentially faster than classical computers. The company envisions applications in cryptography, materials science, and AI, aiming to strengthen Europe's digital sovereignty and position itself as an innovation leader.
Sentiment: Positive | Time to Impact: Mid-term (18-60 Months)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Summary: Broadcom has introduced the Emulex Secure Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapters (HBAs), offering quantum-resistant network encryption to protect data between servers and storage. These HBAs support encryption algorithms aligned with global mandates like CNSA 2.0, DORA, and NIS2, providing a zero-trust solution that ensures data security without impacting performance. This innovation addresses rising cybersecurity threats, including ransomware, and prepares enterprises for future challenges posed by quantum computing.
Sentiment: Strong Positive | Time to Impact: Short-term (3-18 Months)