How do we know? Because on June 7, 2024, the United Nations proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ). And Big Tech is all over quantum innovation like a monkey on a cupcake.
It’s been 100 years since the initial development of quantum mechanics. The Official IYQ recognizes the importance of quantum science and the need for a wider awareness of its past and future impact. According to the IYQ proclamation, this year-long, worldwide initiative will “be observed through activities at all levels aimed at increasing public awareness of the importance of quantum science and applications.”
Of course without quantum mechanics, you can’t have quantum computing, that mysterious technology that allows such science fiction-like abilities as superposition, qubits, and entanglement.
In classical computing, you have 0 and 1, and never the twain shall meet. But in quantum computing, the basic units of information, the 0s and 1s (called qubits in the quantum world) can exist in a superposition of both states simultaneously. (Yes, it does sound like your teenager came up with the idea. “But Mom, I need to go to soccer practice and I have to write my paper for soc class.”)
To make things crazier, two or more qubits can become linked and their fates intertwined no matter how far apart they are. It’s called entanglement, and it allows computers to carry out complex computations that would explode your current laptop like chili peppers in the microwave.
The applications of quantum computing are mind boggling, and range from drug development to cryptography, from financial modeling to machine learning. Big Tech is taking note and is investing heavily in quantum innovations. In 2023 alone, not a particularly good year for investment, venture capitalists threw $1.2 billion at the quantum industry.
And it’s coming fast. IBM plans to debut the world’s first quantum-centric supercomputer this year. IBM CEO Arvind Krishna told Time in March that “something remarkable” is on the horizon for quantum technology.
All sounds too good to be true. Maybe it is. Some tech experts warn that quantum computing could seriously endanger cybersecurity. You think Elon Musk and DOGE are a threat? Small potatoes compared to a computer that may be able to crack any cryptography you can imagine.
Despite its potential dangers, companies are already gearing up to hire quantum experts. LinkedIn is publishing quantum jobs with salaries up to $500k a year.
And don’t forget the government interest. DARPA, the Department of Defense’s research and development agency which essentially birthed the Internet all those years ago, has expanded its Quantum Benchmarking Initiative. Last month, DARPA announced it had chosen 18 companies to test and advance various technologies for creating superconducting qubits, trapped ion qubits, and other novel approaches.
Quantum computing is here. And it’s likely here to stay. Until something even crazier comes along.