Quantum computing continues to receive a lot of attention even though most experts admit that a “workable” quantum computer may still be years away. Communications specialist Lindsey Valich optimistically notes that quantum computers “may one day solve problems that we can’t even think of yet.”[1] Like many observers, she believes that quantum computing represents the future of computing. Journalist Jason Ma reports that analysts from the Bank of America believe that quantum computers could be as important to the human race as the discovery of fire. He writes, “In a recent note on quantum computing, analysts at Bank of America had to reach way back — way, way back — for a comparable advancement in human history. That’s because the use of subatomic particles to process data offers the potential to leap light years ahead of what’s possible with traditional semiconductor-based electronics. ‘This could be the biggest revolution for humanity since discovering fire, they wrote. ‘A technology that can perform endless complex calculations in zero-time, warp-speeding human knowledge and development.’”[2] It’s little wonder that the world waits with bated breath for a real quantum computing breakthrough.

The Potential of Quantum Computing

Ma rhetorically asks, “Scientific evidence suggests early humans began using fire in a controlled way hundreds of thousands of years ago, and perhaps even 1 million years ago. So how does quantum computing compare to that?” His answer, “Theoretically, there’s no calculation a quantum computer can’t do, BofA said, adding that it could ‘change everything,’ by creating new drugs and materials, increasing longevity, and enhancing encryption and logistics, to name just a few examples.” In the following video, John M. Nichol, an associate professor of physics at the University of Rochester explains why everyone is so excited about the potential of quantum computers.

Valich explains, “Quantum computers are fundamentally different from classical computers and supercomputers. Instead of ordinary bits, which can only be 0 or 1, quantum computers use quantum bits called qubits. Due to quantum mechanical principles like superposition and entanglement, qubits can exist in multiple states at once. That is, they can simultaneously be both 0 and 1, opening up computational possibilities that are beyond the reach of classical computers.” Because qubits can simultaneously be both 0s and 1s, they scale linearly. Computer scientist James Norman explains, “Quantum computers can be game changers because they can solve important problems no existing computer can. While conventional computing scales linearly, QC scales exponentially when adding new bits. Exponential scaling always wins, and it’s never close."[3]

If exponential scaling is not exciting enough, Valich reports, “Some quantum computers go beyond the qubit and use qudits, which involve not only 0 and 1 but also 2, 3, and so on.” A qudit is a quantum digit. A few years ago, the researchers from the University of Innsbruck discovered a way to unlock more quantum states for calculations. “In the Innsbruck quantum computer, for example, information is stored in individual trapped Calcium atoms. Each of these atoms naturally has eight different states, of which typically only two are used to store information. Indeed, almost all existing quantum computers have access to more quantum states than they use for computation. The physicists from Innsbruck now developed a quantum computer that can make use of the full potential of these atoms, by computing with qudits.”[4]

How Close are Useful Quantum Computers?

It’s easy to get excited about the potential of quantum computers, but predictions about when a “workable” machine will be created are spread across a broad range of years. Because they utilize particles at the atomic and sub-atomic level, quantum computers are expensive and fragile. That’s why they are usually located in deep, dark, and cold locations. The staff at Science Blog observes, “Imagine trying to perform surgery while wearing oven mitts in a room full of strobe lights. That’s essentially what quantum computers face today — they’re incredibly powerful machines hobbled by their own fragility. Every quantum calculation requires massive overhead just to keep errors from destroying the computation.”[5]

Nevertheless, billions of dollars are being spent to advance quantum computing. As a result, journalist Richard Waters reports, “In the race to build a workable quantum computer — a dream at the intersection of advanced physics and computer science since the 1980s — the finish line may be in sight.”[6] Jay Gambetta, head of IBM’s quantum initiative, told Waters, “It doesn’t feel like a dream anymore. I really do feel like we’ve cracked the code and we’ll be able to build this machine by the end of the decade.”

The big questions for enterprises are: Will you be ready for quantum computers when they arrive? When should you start preparing? According to Scott Buchholz, Diana Kearns-Manolatos, and Natasha Buckley, executives at Deloitte, you should start preparing now. They explain:

“Despite advancements, many enterprises are taking a wait-and-see approach, perhaps given other technology priorities, quantum’s complexity, and uncertainty about breakthrough timelines. Given the variability in technical forecasts, some may even doubt scalable quantum computing needs to be in their top 10 priorities, perpetuating delayed action. With exponential technologies, however, businesses often don’t ‘see’ them until they hit the hockey-stick curve. ... Commercial quantum computing strategies will likely take significant time to execute (think years instead of months) and require complex development of talent and technology operating models over multiple investment cycles. Leaders ignoring the necessary preparation — whether defining a strategic road map or hiring sufficiently expert and capable talent — may already be behind. The exact inflection point of scalable quantum computing should not be the trigger for action. Whether commercial quantum computing arrives in three to five years or 10 to 15, the time to pursue a strategic road map is now.”[7]

That’s good advice. Most computer scientists agree they can now see the light at the end of the tunnel. Jerry Chow, an IBM Fellow and Director of Quantum Systems, insists quantum advantage is real, workable quantum computers are coming, and we should be prepared. He insists, “We can now use quantum computing plus what we have available to us — classical resources — to solve a problem cheaper, faster, or more accurately.”[8]

Concluding Thoughts

The weird and wonderful world of quantum computing is filled with both potential benefits and potential dangers. Analysts from PwC explain, “Quantum computing is set to be one of the most transformative technologies of the digital age, unlocking unprecedented computational power to drive innovation at scale. By harnessing the principles of quantum mechanics, these computers promise to solve complex problems exponentially faster than classical machines, driving breakthroughs in fields like drug discovery, supply chain optimization, and AI. However, alongside the opportunity lies a threat. Quantum computing’s immense power has the potential to break many types of traditional encryption, putting both future systems and historic data at risk.”[9] Cutting edge organizations will have strategies for benefiting from quantum computing while simultaneously planning to minimize the threats its presents.

Footnotes

[1] Lindsey Valich, “Why the future of computing is quantum,” University of Rochester News Center, 24 September 2025.

[2] Jason Ma, “Quantum computing is so fire—no, seriously. BofA says it could be humanity’s biggest breakthrough since the discovery of fire,” Fortune, 19 July 2025.

[3] James Norman, “Quantum Computing Will Revolutionize Data Analysis. Maybe Soon,” Seeking Alpha, 14 March 2018 (article no longer available online).

[4] Staff, “Quantum computer works with more than zero and one,” University of Innsbruck, 21 July 2022.

[5] Staff, “Scientists Cut Quantum Computer Overhead by Orders of Magnitude,” Science Blog, 21 June 2025.

[6] Richard Waters, “Google and IBM believe first workable quantum computer is in sight,” Financial Times, 12 August 2025.

[7] Scott Buchholz, Diana Kearns-Manolatos, and Natasha Buckley, “Quantum computing over the next five years: Scenario planning for strategic resilience,” Deloitte Center for Integrated Research, 11 August 2025.

[8] Gayoung Lee, “Quantum Computers Are Here and They’re Real. You Just Haven’t Noticed Yet,” Gizmodo, 9 August 2025.

[9] PwC, “Quantum computing: unravelling the myths,” CIO, 29 September 2025.