The next big revolution in computing power is just around the corner. While quantum computing isn’t an everyday reality for most of us yet, when it does arrive, its disruptive power will be immense, and it could happen sooner than you think.
Today, quantum computers are emerging from research labs and beginning to be used in real-world applications. Barriers to entry are falling quickly, and before long, they will impact all of our lives in ways we can’t yet imagine.
I don’t think that it is in any way too soon for organizations to start preparing for this. From quantum security threats to the upending of existing business models, the scale of change will be vast and, for those who are complacent, potentially catastrophic.
So, what should we be doing now to make sure we’re prepared? Here are five steps I believe every business should be taking in 2025 to put them on the right path:
1. Keep Ahead Of The Quantum Curve
While quantum computing is at an early stage, the gap between theoretical research and practical application is closing rapidly. As Microsoft’s Mitra Azizirad emphasizes, “We are already at the advent of the reliable quantum computing era… This in and of itself is a clear turning point for business leaders because it really paves the way for so many more scientific advancements and solutions to complex problems.” Keeping ahead of the curve means staying up-to-date on the latest news relating to quantum computing. This will stop you from being taken by surprise when it inevitably becomes mainstream. Being aware of the latest real-world use cases will help you understand how it’s likely to affect you, and paying attention to expected timelines will help you ensure you aren’t caught off guard. This means following industry news, joining discussion groups dedicated to the topic of quantum computing, being aware of emerging trends, or attending conferences. One example of available resources is Microsoft’s new Quantum Ready program, which provides expert engagement and skilling programs designed to help business leaders assess the impact of quantum on their industry, define a holistic strategy, and prepare for a quantum-safe future.
2. Plan Your Quantum Strategy
You might not think it’s the right time to start spending time and money on quantum computing initiatives yet, and you may be right. But it’s definitely time to start thinking about what you will do when it is time.
This means identifying what you might be able to do differently or better or what entirely new things you could do if you had access to computers capable of making decisions and solving problems hundreds of millions of times more quickly than you can today.
Start by identifying ways that quantum computing will help you achieve business goals and objectives, such as accelerating innovation or optimizing supply chains, so when the time is right, you’ll be able to focus on projects that will have the biggest positive impact.
3. Quantum-Proof Your Cyber Security
Quantum computing is expected to have a major impact on cybersecurity. Perhaps most worryingly, it’s thought it could render some of the encryption methods currently used to protect valuable data, like RSA and ECC, obsolete. This could pose serious risks to businesses that process and store data, such as financial or health records, as quantum computers become capable of “brute force” attacks — trying every access key combination far faster than classical computers ever could. This threat may still be years away, but the US National Institute of Standards and Technology is already urging government agencies to adopt “quantum-safe” security, so in my opinion, it would probably be wise for businesses to do the same.
4. Understand The Use Cases That Impact Your Business Or Industry
It’s a common misconception that quantum computers are faster at every task. In reality, they only offer advantages for certain types of calculations. Quantum computers excel at solving complex computational problems that don’t necessarily require massive datasets. They are particularly well-suited for molecular simulations, with immediate practical applications in chemistry and materials science. These applications extend to pharmaceutical development, where quantum computing can revolutionize drug discovery and design processes.
Another problem where quantum-inspired computing excels is optimization, especially where it involves picking the most efficient solutions for problems where there are a large number of variables. Optimization problems are common in industries such as transport and logistics (plotting the most efficient routes for delivery drivers), finance (optimizing investment portfolios) and pharmaceuticals (determining the most effective combinations of chemical ingredients).
Identifying the specific ways in which quantum computing could impact or disrupt your industry is critical to positioning yourself to take advantage of the coming revolution. This will let you prioritize the investment in resources and the development of the necessary skills.
5. Build Partnerships And Share Expertise
There aren’t a lot of experts in quantum computing out there yet, and there are even fewer who have an understanding of how to use it to solve business problems. Partnering with experts, either from academic institutions or consulting firms, will help you close the knowledge gap and access the insights and knowledge you’ll need to operate in this cutting-edge field.
Building relationships with specialists will help you identify opportunities to innovate, as well as offer the chance to contribute to shaping standards and best practices as the rollout of quantum computing into real-world industry begins. This will help position your organization as a leader and make it easier for you to attract further talent, expertise, and investment.
I believe we are on the verge of a true “quantum leap” in terms of what businesses will be able to achieve with computers and technology. It isn’t just about processing data faster – it’s about the entirely new things that we’ll be able to build, create and use with the help of this incredible power.
While widespread adoption may still be some way off, the time to prepare is now. Thinking strategically, understanding the implications for security, keeping up-to-date with emerging use cases, and developing a network of knowledgeable partners are the keys here. By ticking these boxes, you’ll not only mitigate the risks but make sure you’re set up for success in the quantum era.
