Navigating the quantum future

The state of quantum: Where are we now?

While quantum computing remains in its early stages, breakthroughs like Google’s Willow chip demonstrate its growing potential. Willow has successfully tackled error correction – the Achilles' heel of quantum systems – reducing errors as more qubits are added. Companies like Google, IBM, and emerging players in Denmark's quantum ecosystem are pioneering these advancements. Right now, a few fundamentally different technologies are competing to win the race of making the first industrial scale quantum computer:

Technologies in focus:

1. Superconducting quantum computers: Promising but complex, requiring temperatures close to absolute zero.
2. Photonic quantum computers: Utilising light particles (photons), this approach shows potential but remains highly experimental. Denmark’s strong expertise in photonics keeps it at the forefront of this technology (16 Danish Quantum Use Cases, 2024).
3. Alternative quantum technologies: From trapped ions to quantum dots, researchers are exploring various methods to build scalable quantum systems.

The picture of which technology will end up as the winner is also not black-and-white. What we will likely see is that some of the technologies will be dominating in different waves of the quantum development. Some are closer to being mature technologies, while others have larger long-term potential. As an example of this, while superconducting technology may deliver operational systems first, photonic approaches are generating significant debate. Experts question their long-term viability but acknowledge their relevance in Denmark’s innovation landscape.

Why does quantum matter? Key use cases

Quantum computing is not just about raw power; it’s about solving previously unsolvable problems. A lot of the processes (especially within biotech) are inherently quantum processes that will never be possible to simulate on a traditional computer. Examples include processes that are all around us, such as photosynthesis. Insights from the report 16 Danish Quantum Use Cases showcase a wide range of practical applications emerging from Denmark’s quantum ecosystem. 

Here are some of the most compelling examples:

16 Danish Quantum Use Cases

1. Precise timing with atomic clocks: Precise synchronisation for telecom, energy grids, and financial systems through local atomic quantum clocks, providing resilience against GPS spoofing and outages.
2. Better MRI scan quality: Real-time optical magnetometry enhances MRI accuracy by monitoring magnetic field instabilities during scanning.
3. Reliable navigation without GPS: Quantum gyroscopes offer GPS-independent navigation for ships, submarines, and satellites, leveraging cold atom interferometry.
4. Enhanced GPS accuracy: Quantum gravimeters refine gravity field data, enhancing GPS accuracy and enabling navigation in GPS-denied environments.
5. Cost-effective quantum sensors: Phononic membrane resonators support cost-effective vacuum pressure sensing and future quantum memory development.
6. Securing data with quantum randomness: Quantum randomness secures data against post-quantum threats, safeguarding sensitive information like financial and health data.
7. Quantum security for energy grids: Quantum key distribution (QKD) protects energy infrastructure from quantum computing-enabled cyberattacks.
8. Ultra-secure communications: Device-independent QKD guarantees unhackable communications, even with compromised hardware.
9. Quantum-secured Danish network: A pilot QKD-secured telecom network aims to protect governmental and enterprise data in the quantum era.
10. Optimised route planning with quantum and AI: Quantum-inspired optimisation reduces costs and emissions by streamlining real-time scheduling of service fleets.
11. Quantum enzyme simulation: Hybrid quantum-classical methods achieve chemical accuracy in enzyme simulation, aiding biotech advancements.
12. Boosting logistics efficiency: Quantum algorithms tackle complex logistics problems like vehicle routing and scheduling for better operational efficiency.
13. Optimising product design: Quantum-powered simulations optimise chemical formulations and process designs, reducing R&D times significantly.
14. Faster vaccine development: Quantum computing enhances AI for faster and more diverse peptide generation in vaccine development.
15. Real-time earth observation: Quantum-inspired algorithms manage autonomous balloons for real-time, high-resolution Earth observation.
16. Enhanced real-time trading: Quantum algorithms to support trading and risk management, enabling better predictions and leaner strategies.

1. Quantum communication and encryption

Quantum computers pose a significant risk to current encryption methods by being able to break systems like the widely adopted RSA technology, which rely on the difficulty of factoring large numbers. This development threatens sensitive data across industries – from financial transactions and government secrets to defence and healthcare data.

Hackers today are already intercepting and storing encrypted data being moved around on the internet with the intention of decrypting it once quantum systems are ready and available.

• Actionable steps: Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and IT leaders should prioritise implementing quantum-resistant encryption methods to safeguard their most critical data. Begin deploying Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems, which use quantum physics to ensure secure communications. QKD works by detecting any attempt to intercept data, making it a highly effective tool for future-proofing your organisation against quantum threats.

2. Drug discovery and molecular simulation

These use cases demonstrate Denmark’s growing quantum ecosystem, showcasing practical applications of quantum technologies across diverse industries.

• Drug development: Enabling precise simulations of molecular interactions to design personalised medicines.
• Photosynthesis simulation: Quantum algorithms can help understand natural processes like photosynthesis, leading to breakthroughs in energy efficiency.

3. Logistics and optimisation

Quantum computers excel at solving complex optimisation problems, often likened to finding the best path through a dense forest. While a classical computer might explore one trail at a time, a quantum computer can evaluate all possible paths simultaneously, dramatically reducing the time required to find the optimal solution.

From route planning to shipping networks, quantum computers excel at optimisation problems.

• Fleet management: Quantum-inspired algorithms are already optimising vehicle routes, saving costs and reducing emissions.
• Shipping routes: Simulating all possible paths simultaneously allows for unprecedented efficiency in global supply chains, minimising delays and reducing operational costs.

4. Digital twins and simulations

Industries can use quantum computing to create highly accurate digital twins of products and processes, enhancing design and operation.

• Aircraft optimisation: Quantum models can predict airflow over airplane wings to improve fuel efficiency.
• Grid management: Simulating energy flow across electrical grids to improve stability and reduce waste.

AI for quantum: Accelerating progress

The synergy between AI and quantum computing is creating new possibilities in advancing quantum technologies themselves. AI algorithms are increasingly used to design quantum circuits, optimise error correction protocols, and simulate quantum systems (Artificial Intelligence for Quantum Computing, 2024). These innovations help streamline the development of scalable quantum computers.

• Quantum circuit design: AI accelerates the creation of efficient quantum circuits by optimising configurations that would take humans significantly longer to achieve.
• Error correction: Machine learning models are employed to predict and correct quantum errors, enhancing reliability in quantum computations.
• Simulations for materials science: AI-powered simulations using hybrid quantum-classical methods help researchers explore new materials and chemical processes with unprecedented speed and accuracy.

This symbiotic relationship ensures that AI and quantum computing will jointly drive innovation, making each technology indispensable to the other.

Preparing for the quantum future

Short-Term Actions

1. Assess impact: Evaluate critical data and understand how quantum computing could disrupt your industry. Identify sensitive information that requires quantum-safe encryption and prioritise securing it. Simultaneously, map out specific applications of quantum computing relevant to your operations.
2. Adopt quantum-resistant technologies: Implement encryption methods designed to resist quantum attacks. Utilise tools like Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) to protect sensitive communications and future-proof against quantum threats.
3. Listen to experts and follow trends: Stay informed by engaging with insights from leading academic researchers, quantum computing startups, and external advisors. Monitor trends and technological advancements closely to ensure your strategies remain relevant.
4. Explore use cases and pilot projects: Identify high-value opportunities where quantum computing can provide a competitive edge in the future.

Conclusion: A transformative technology for real-world problems

Quantum computing represents a leap forward akin to the invention of electricity or the internet. From securing communications to revolutionising drug discovery and optimising complex systems, it holds the key to solving humanity’s most pressing challenges.

The quantum future is closer than you think – and it’s time to get ready.