Hajra Naz
There’s an old saying among tech journalists—you can explain quantum computing accurately or in a way people understand, but not both.
Quantum mechanics is a complex and mind-bending field of physics. It deals with tiny particles behaving in strange, unpredictable ways. This bizarre behavior could unlock a new era of scientific superpower and next-generation computing.
Despite its potential, quantum technology has stayed in the shadows compared to today’s star—artificial intelligence (AI). But that may soon change.
Quantum vs AI: The Next Tech Frontier
Recently, tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and IBM have made major announcements in quantum computing. While AI focuses on software, quantum is about revolutionary hardware—sensors, processors, and qubits.
Together, they could create something far beyond today’s capabilities. But it’s still early.
“The potential is there, but the jury is still out,” says Brian Hopkins, VP and principal analyst at Forrester Research. He believes more powerful quantum computers and innovative research are needed before AI-quantum fusion becomes practical.
The Quantum Economy
Quantum computing could become a $97 billion industry by 2025, according to McKinsey. AI, meanwhile, already drives trillions in global value.
Both face hype—and risk. Hopkins jokes, “I used to think quantum computing was the most-hyped tech until AI came along.”
Analysts recently warned that some quantum stocks could drop by 60%, echoing concerns about an AI bubble.
The Challenge: Quantum Errors
Like AI “hallucinations,” quantum computing faces its own errors. The particles inside a quantum computer operate in fragile states. Even slight vibrations, light, or sound can throw them off balance.
That’s why Elon Musk joked on X that quantum computers might work best in the moon’s dark craters.
Quantum systems don’t look like traditional computers. They’re massive, lab-bound machines shaped like futuristic jellyfish, kept at near-zero temperatures using lasers.
Diamonds, Data, and Discovery
Researchers discovered that synthetic diamonds can stabilize quantum bits (qubits) closer to room temperature. De Beers, through its Element 6 division, created the world’s first quantum-grade diamond in 2020. It even partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to improve diamond-based qubits for quantum networks.
There are about 200 quantum computers worldwide today — though China hasn’t revealed its count. Yet optimism is high.
Rajeeb Hazra, CEO of Quantinuum, told the BBC, “Quantum computing could impact every part of our lives. It’s as big as, if not bigger than, AI.”
Quantum Power in Action
Professor Sir Peter Knight, one of the UK’s top experts, says, “Tasks that take the age of the universe on supercomputers could take seconds on quantum machines.”
That’s not fantasy. In 2024, Google unveiled a new quantum chip called Willow. It solved a problem in five minutes that would take the fastest supercomputer 10 septillion years—that’s 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 years.
This could transform drug discovery, allowing machines to test billions of molecules to create personalized medicine. It could also revolutionize farming, energy, and material science.
Quantum in Real Life
Quantum sensors are already used in atomic clocks and advanced brain imaging. Scientists at Nottingham University built a wearable quantum brain scanner in 2019, helping diagnose epilepsy in children.
Meanwhile, Imperial College London tested a “quantum compass” on the Tube. Unlike GPS, it works underground, unaffected by jamming or weather.
Dr. Michael Cuthbert, head of the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre, says, “Quantum clocks and gyroscopes could make navigation unhackable — a game-changer for defense and finance.”
The National Grid is also exploring how quantum could optimize power flow and prevent blackouts. Airbus is testing quantum algorithms to load aircraft cargo more efficiently, saving thousands of kilos of fuel.
The Encryption Threat: Q-Day
Quantum’s biggest risk? Breaking encryption. Experts warn that once Q-Day arrives — when quantum computers can crack current encryption — all digital security could collapse.
Hackers and states are already stealing encrypted data to decrypt later. This is called “harvest now, decrypt later.”
Professor Alan Woodward from Surrey University says, “The theory to break encryption already exists. We just need operational quantum computers.”
Apple, Signal, and other companies are now testing post-quantum encryption to protect users from future threats. But they can’t fix already stolen data.
In fact, former GCHQ cryptographer Daniel Shiu warned in 2024 that most UK citizens’ data may already be compromised by state-sponsored cyberattacks from China — waiting to be decrypted in the future.
The Future Is Quantum
Whether or not quantum will outgrow AI, its impact is undeniable. From quantum AI, secure communication, and drug discovery to climate modeling and next-gen cybersecurity, the race is on.
Quantum computing might still be in its infancy, but as experts say, the next tech revolution won’t be digital; it’ll be quantum.
FAQs
1. What is quantum computing in simple terms?
Quantum computing uses subatomic particles called qubits to perform calculations much faster than traditional computers.
2. How is quantum different from AI?
AI focuses on algorithms and data, while quantum computing uses physics to process massive information in parallel.
3. When will Q-Day happen?
Experts predict Q-Day—when quantum computers can break encryption—could happen by 2030.
4. Can quantum computing help AI?
Yes. Quantum AI could dramatically improve machine learning, data analysis, and model training speeds.
5. What are the biggest challenges for quantum computing?
Stability, high cost, error correction, and ethical use of data are the key hurdles before global adoption.
