Quantum computing is set to transform research and development by solving problems that exceed the abilities of classical computers. Its potential lies in its incredible computational power, allowing it to process vast amounts of information at once. This is expected to enable breakthroughs in fields like drug discovery, cybersecurity, logistics, and AI applications.

Singapore has recognised these possibilities and is making significant investments to remain at the forefront of quantum research, with over $700 million invested in quantum computing technology over the past five years. On top of this, the creation of a National Quantum Strategy (NQS) seeks to strengthen our country’s position as a leader in the development and deployment of quantum technology.

With these advancements being made, the future is bright for this growing industry, and business leaders who want to get ahead of the curve can greatly benefit from educating themselves on its potential.

What is Quantum Computing?

Quantum computing is a branch of computing that harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics. These computers use qubits to represent information. Unlike classical computers, where bits are binary (1 or 0), a qubit can exist in multiple states at once. This gives it vastly improved computational power compared to classical computers and opens up new possibilities for solving certain categories of problems.

Advancements in Quantum Computing

Recent years have seen notable progress in quantum computing hardware and software. Numerous tech giants are carrying out research to build and test more robust systems and are leading the push towards usable quantum computing technologies

IBM

In 2023, IBM created a 1121 qubit superconducting processor known a ‘Condor’, which was the first chip to surpass a thousand qubits. They proceeded to run practical utility tests, and in June of 2023, they were able to run a real-time simulation of a 127-spin Ising model. The model in question was a physics simulation used to understand magnetism and related quantum phenomena. Due to this model instance having 127 distinct moving directions, even classical supercomputers were unable to solve or simulate it.

However, by applying error mitigation techniques to the raw hardware results produced by the quantum chip, they were able to simulate the dynamics of the moving model and demonstrate the quantum advantage in carrying out complex simulations with multiple variables.

Google

Meanwhile, in 2024, Google developed a quantum superconducting processor with 105 qubits, in order to demonstrate that additional qubits can exponentially decrease the rate of errors. This chip, known as ‘Willow’, was able to perform a complex quantum computation in under 5 minutes. Such a calculation was estimated to take the world’s fastest supercomputers 10^25 (10 septillion) years to simulate. This achievement demonstrates how quantum computers excel at calculating variables beyond the capabilities of classical computers.

Microsoft

Microsoft’s quantum strategy heavily involves partnerships across industry and academia, often through Azure. Parallel to its hardware research, Microsoft expanded Azure Quantum, its cloud quantum computing service, in 2023. Azure Quantum provides access to multiple quantum hardware backends from partner companies and has steadily onboarded some of the world’s most advanced machines.

Microsoft has also partnered with Johnson & Johnson to explore quantum algorithms for drug discovery, with Ford for quantum optimisation in traffic routing, and with NASA for space communication optimisation, using Azure Quantum’s optimisation solvers. These partnerships focus on the simulative capabilities of quantum computing solutions, which allow for logistics to be handled with ease.

Amazon

Amazon offers quantum computing capabilities via Amazon Braket, a managed AWS service. This platform supports multiple quantum backends, making it easier for researchers and businesses to experiment and develop algorithms. Their development of this service has been rapidly expanding since 2023, and as a quantum-as-a-service provider, Braket provides access to hardware from various vendors. They feature machines such as QuEra Computing’s ‘Aquila’ – a 256-qubit neutral-atom quantum processor. This computer is one of the largest quantum devices publicly accessible, allowing researchers to explore quantum simulations of physics and optimisation problems at scale.

With quantum computing’s power being spearheaded by these powerhouse organisations, numerous opportunities are opening up for prospective investors.

What Opportunities Does Quantum Computing Create?

As quantum computing advances, fields that have high mechanical complexity can find more effective solutions. Its main potential comes from handling tasks that are out of reach for conventional computers, as proven by Google and IBM’s achievements. A quantum computing system increases the raw power offered to businesses and research industries, resulting in easier breakthroughs in simulation, optimisation, and data processing.

Chemical and Numerical Simulations:

Quantum computers can model the behaviour of molecules and chemical reactions at an atomic level. Unlike classical computers, which struggle to process the exponential growth of possible interactions, qubits are able to handle these calculations naturally. This capability may allow for the rapid development of new materials, pharmaceuticals, and clean energy solutions.

Applications depend on the unique ability of quantum hardware to solve equations that would take billions of years for traditional computers. This could reduce reliance on experimental trial-and-error in scientific research and lower costs.

Optimisation Algorithms

Quantum computing offers exponential speed-ups for certain classes of optimisation problems. It is particularly suited for scenarios with a vast number of variables and constraints, where classical algorithms quickly become inefficient.

Key application areas include Logistics and supply chain management, Finance, and Manufacturing, which all benefit from improvements in decision-making. By using quantum algorithms such as the Quantum Approximate Optimisation Algorithm (QAOA), organisations may achieve faster, more accurate solutions, making real-time dynamic planning feasible for massive networks. This allows businesses to respond to changing events or market conditions efficiently and gain a competitive edge.

Quantum AI

Quantum systems have the potential to accelerate machine learning and artificial intelligence. The usage of both in tandem is expected to form a two-way relationship that results in improvements for each field.

Quantum-enhanced algorithms allow AI to process large, high-dimensional data, accelerating their processes and training models. The usage of qubit technologies and quantum physics will allow AI to obtain increased computational power, better problem-solving, higher learning capabilities, and easier handling of complex structures.

Such innovations could lead to breakthroughs in cybersecurity, natural language processing, and predictive analytics, especially where large amounts of unstructured data are involved.

Threats Posed by Quantum Technology

One of the challenges facing quantum computing is the fact that its increase in computational power can also empower malicious actors. Quantum computers have the ability to solve problems that are currently unreachable for classical computers. This includes factoring large numbers, which underpins modern cryptography such as 2048-bit RSA encryption.

Quantum Cryptography Algorithms like Shor’s make it theoretically possible for quantum computers to break widely used encryption methods. Systems that rely on RSA or ECC could become vulnerable as soon as sufficiently advanced quantum machines are operational.

Cyber attackers are already capable of collecting encrypted data and storing it for a future date when quantum decryption becomes viable. This is known as a Harvest Now, Decrypt Later attack, making it integral to protect your sensitive information even if modern-day encryption still holds up.

Apart from these HNDL hacks, there are numerous other quantum-related threats that executives should be well aware of, as well as the potential security solutions that exist. Many organisations have not yet begun to assess or implement post-quantum defences, and there is a clear need to act now.

Quantum Security Through Quantum Key Distribution

In order to help protect organisations against prospective cyber-threats, SPTel can offer a wide range of security solutions, with Quantum Key Distribution being one of them.

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a technology designed to secure sensitive information against modern and future hacks. Unlike classical encryption methods, QKD uses quantum communication to generate and transmit encryption keys. The key is established through quantum entanglement, where the state of a qubit is observed by the two parties with access to the quantum key.

If an attacker tries to intercept or eavesdrop, the quantum states change, making interception detectable. This characteristic strengthens data confidentiality, securing the exchange of a shared random secret key which is made known only to the two parties.

SPTel is actively taking steps to strengthen our QKD solutions. By collaborating with SpeQtral, we have been appointed by IMDA as an official operator of the National Quantum-Safe Network (NQSN+) initiative, in order to increase the adoption of quantum security solutions in Singapore.

In addition, we have worked together with the MAS and numerous major financial institutions in order to establish a Memorandum of Understanding for Quantum-Safe Networking Trials that supports our collective pursuit of Quantum Key Distribution in financial services.

SPTel can aid your organisation in future-proofing your critical information to prepare for the quantum revolution that is quickly approaching. With threats such as Harvest Now Decrypt Later attacks already being active, it is vital to get ahead of the curve. Protecting data with our QKD solutions offers real-time detection of intrusion, resilience against both current and future attacks, and a proactive cybersecurity strategy that safeguards your data early, rather than waiting for further quantum threats to become a reality.

Pursuing Cybersecurity in a Post-Quantum World With SPTel

The future of quantum computing introduces numerous opportunities, but provides equally new and distinct challenges for sensitive industries. Transitioning to quantum-resistant cryptography requires significant time and planning, and many organisations have yet to assess or implement defences for quantum-related risks. There is a clear need to act now and support a smoother transition to new security standards.

SPTel is focused on advancing cybersecurity measures in anticipation of these risks. By implementing a quantum-safe network, we can help protect sensitive information even as quantum computing capabilities progress. Request a consult with us today and prepare your organisation for a more secure future.