Quantum Computing: The Next Big Leap For Business?

Imagine unlocking solutions to complex problems that would take traditional computers billions of years in a matter of minutes. This is the promise of quantum computing and drug discovery, weather prediction, material sciences,? financial modelling, AI/ML and other fields are going to change forever.

Recent breakthroughs from Microsoft and Google suggest that quantum computing may soon shift from labs to commercial reality.

The Problem: Limitation of Classical Computing

Traditional computers, no matter how powerful, struggle with exponentially complex calculations. Simulating new materials, assisting with drug discovery, optimising complex financial models, cracking modern encryption problems hit a bottleneck with traditional computers. This limits innovation.

Emerging Tech Solution: Quantum Computing

Quantum computing leverages the principles of quantum mechanics of superposition and entanglement to process information in ways classical computers cannot.

What is Quantum Computing:

Classical computing uses bits (0 or 1) to process information, like flipping tiny electrical switches on or off.

Quantum computing uses qubits, which can be 0, 1, or both at the same time (superposition). This allows quantum computers to perform multiple calculations at once.

Another key concept is entanglement, where qubits become linked, meaning the state of one instantly influences the other, enabling faster problem-solving.

While classical computers are great for everyday tasks, quantum computers have the potential to solve complex problems much faster. A problem that can take a classical computer millions of years to solve, could be solved by a quantum computer in minutes or hours!

?Both Microsoft and Google have made very encouraging announcement in the filed of quantum computing. They are approaching the problem very differently with Microsoft taking a high risk, high reward route to quantum computing.

• Microsoft’s Majorana 1 Chip Microsoft’s breakthrough with the Majorana 1 chip introduces a “new state of matter”- topological superconductors—making quantum systems more stable and scalable. This is a new state of matter that does not exist in nature. ?Microsoft has chosen the topological route to storing information versus storing the same in the properties of the individual particles. This approach makes the quantum system more stable and less prone to errors and disturbances. ?Currently they have put 8 qubits on Majorana 1, but this could scale to millions of qubits on a single chip.
• Google’s Willow Chip Google’s 105-qubit superconducting processor, Willow, has demonstrated error reduction and calculations that is far beyond classical capabilities. Google mentioned the capability of this system to complete tasks in minutes that would take supercomputers 10 septillion years. That is like riding a hypersonic rocket versus an ant.

Further, Microsoft claims that commercially usable quantum computer with applications in selected fields could be available in under a decade.

What This Means for Business Leaders

For businesses, quantum computing is not just an R&D experiment in high tech labs. Quantum computing is soon moving out of the labs and is likely to impact select industries in the next few years. Any new significant technology advancement comes with its hype and it is important for leaders to see the reality through all the noise. This is akin to the transistor moment but the leapfrogging that comes with quantum computing will be larger than anything we have witnessed before.

Quick Insights: Real-World Applications

Few areas that will have the opportunity to benefit from quantum computing as it comes out the gate are

• Financial Services: Portfolio optimization, fraud detection, and risk analysis.
• Healthcare: Drug discovery and precision medicine modelling.
• Manufacturing: Simulating new materials for sustainable production.
• Cybersecurity: Developing post-quantum encryption to safeguard sensitive data.

Actionable Takeaways

It is early and the timeline for adoption is uncertain. It does appear that quantum systems are not decades away.

As quantum computing becomes commercially available, possibly in under a decade, it will bring significant opportunities and challenges. Here is what can be done for now

? Monitor Developments – Track progress from Microsoft, Google, and other players

? Assess Industry Impact – Identify how quantum computing could disrupt your sector

? Prepare for Security Shifts – Start evaluating quantum-resistant encryption solutions

As quantum computing transitions from a theoretical promise to practical use cases, it becomes important to keep it in sight.

What are your thoughts? Let’s discuss in the comments below ??

Hey ?? I’m Akash Agrawal!

I am a growth strategy advisor helping CXOs in consumer, retail and tech firms grow business. I help leaders and business teams with knowledge sessions (speaking, webinars) on AI and web3. Previously, I have led brand, business divisions and strategy at Sony, Nike, and Walmart. Let me know how can I help.

?? Let’s connect on LinkedIn, and start a conversation.

Until next week!

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