Quantum computing will redefine what’s possible in business innovation. As organizations increasingly rely on complex simulations, predictive analytics, and secure communications, quantum technologies is a game-changer, which will disrupt classical computers. We are all aware of these impacts to the extent that UNESCO proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Computing.

In quantum computing process information is dealt with in fundamentally new ways. Unlike traditional computers that operate with binary bits (0 or 1), quantum computers use qubits—which can exist in multiple states simultaneously thanks to superposition and entanglement. This allows quantum computing to solve certain problems exponentially faster.

Current Landscape and Momentum

While the promise of quantum computing has been discussed for decades, tangible progress is now accelerating. Governments and private-sector market leaders are making strategic investments to stay competitive in what has become a global technological race. For instance, the European Union’s Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) 2030 outlines a bold roadmap for quantum development over the next decade. Also universities, including our own Technical University Delft, have a focus on quantum computing innovation. Similarly, major tech companies are pushing boundaries with cloud-based quantum platforms, increasing wider access to early-stage quantum systems.

Still, the field faces significant challenges. High error rates, the need for stable environments, and the relatively low number of qubits currently available mean that most applications are still in the experimental phase. Moreover, the development of so-called “killer apps” that prove clear business value remains a work in progress. Examples of potential quantum computing “killer apps” are quantum algorithms for financial modelling or simulate molecular interactions.

Opportunities and Threats

Quantum computing holds immense potential to revolutionize industries. However, with opportunity comes risk. One of the most pressing concerns is the impact on cybersecurity. Quantum computers could eventually break widely used encryption methods such as RSA and ECC, which secure everything from banking systems to personal emails. The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) anticipates a major shift toward post-quantum cryptography by 2030. Symmetric cryptography standards like AES-256 and SHA-3 will be in jeopardy soon.

To address both opportunities and threats legislation is needed in the near future. There are different perspectives on legislation. The UK perspective is quite straight forward, the obligations to “stay safe” will not change, so no change in legislation required. Where the European perspective is more restrictive, including restricting outbound Foreign Direct Investment PLUS is considering EU Quantum Act. Where in the US the License Exception Implemented Export Controls (IEC) includes specifics for QC and super computers to protect their national interests.

The Road Ahead

Questions remain about how quickly quantum computing will reach maturity. While progress is being made, it may not advance as rapidly as some anticipate, however I would like to argue large scale quantum computing is on the near horizon. The pace of innovation will depend on sustained investment, talent acquisition, and international collaboration. Emerging key performance indicators—like patent activity and SME participation—are helping measure the ecosystem’s health and to drive innovation. There are regional differences – China has most patents, where the European Union has the higher number of quantum computer resources.

Furthermore, standards are important, NIST is one of the most important standard setters and the currently available most relevant standards are FIPS 203, 204 and 205 and FALCON.

There’s also a growing quantum computing conversation about governance and ethics. Organizations such as the World Economic Forum have published principles to guide the responsible development of quantum technologies, emphasizing transparency, inclusiveness, and resilience in context of quantum computing.

Closing remark

Quantum computing is no longer a distant concept—it’s an emerging reality. The time to prepare is now. Whether you are a business executive, a tech leader or policymaker understanding the implications of this transformative technology is essential for future readiness.

Further read

Foundational – Nielsen, M. A., & Chuang, I. L. (2010). Quantum computation and quantum information. Cambridge university press.

Bernhardt, C. (2019). Quantum computing for everyone. MIT Press.

Shrikant Tiwari, Amit Kumar Tyagi, S.V. Nagaraj (2025) Quantum Computing – The Future of Information Processing. Routledge.