Thinkers360 2021 Predictions are member-sourced from our opt-in B2B thought leader and influencer community with 25M+ followers on social media combined. The 2021 Predictions for Quantum Computing are part of a series to provide actionable insights for business and technology executives.
We asked a selection of our Thinkers360 global influencers about their predictions for quantum computing in 2021. Here’s what they told us…
What are your predictions for quantum computing in 2021?
In the near future, quantum technologies will influence: optimization of computing power, computing models, network latency, interoperability, artificial intelligence (human/computer interface), real-time analytics and predictive analytics, increased storage and data memory power, secure cloud computing, virtualization, and the emerging 5G telecommunications infrastructure. The accelerated investment in quantum by both the public and private sectors is an affirmation of what lies in the digital horizon.
– Chuck Brooks, President at Brooks Consulting International
Quantum Computing will scale-up rapidly in 2021 and will start to transform Artificial Intelligence into truly Advanced Intelligence. Simultaneously, Quantum plus Advanced Intelligence (or QAI) will start to converge with BioGenetic Sciences to create super-intelligent humanoids in future years — a BioDigi TransHuman Species. Overall, QAI will literally reinvent everything in life, business, and government well before 2030. Everyone must plan for these mega changes, starting now, and transform themselves.
– Frank Feather – Quantum AiFuturist, CEO at AI-FUTURE Inc
Quantum computing is entirely a new paradigm for the next generation computing. It has a fundamentally different approach than classical computing from information representation, preservation and operations perspective. Quantum computing will radically change the way we solve a problem by reimagining a new digital world with endless opportunities where classical computing complexities would vanish to drive tremendous economic, social and environmental benefits. Quantum computing not only has a great potential of solving many of the most complex problems of the world today such as analyzing insulin molecule and its properties and reactions with sugar in human body to prevent diabetes or complex financial risk modeling scenarios; but can also challenge classical computing by exposing its weaknesses such as cracking the contemporary cryptography and its algorithms. In 2021, There will be one in every ten large fortune 500 enterprises in the banking, healthcare, chemical, automotive, semiconductor, manufacturing industries who will embark on the journey to explore quantum computing based applications. Business and technology leaders have to start educating and engaging themselves with quantum computing now to prepare for the future of computing.
– Jai Singh Arun, Senior Program Director at IBM
Quantum theory fascinates me. I find the underlying theoretical constructs intensely interesting and I am captured by how quantum theory is driving modern scientific discovery and delivering tangible, life-changing applications in the real world. In the 21st century, the second quantum revolution will shape the science and the world economy, re-defining the speed, and scale of scientific and technological expansion. Worldwide, the prospects of the fast-advancing quantum computing (r)evolution, will challenge the pre-quantum way of conducting scientific and industrial development by making digital transformation of societies, organizations, and financial markets fundamentally different. Beyond the commercial research and development made possible by global corporations; universities; scientific communities; research laboratories… the nation states, we could presume, are interested the most in practical application of quantum technologies.
– Ludmila Morozova-Buss, Ph.D in Technology with Masters of Science Research Methods at Capitol Technology University
The commercial use of quantum computers will not exceed the status of scientific research even in 2021. Although there are already several competing approaches to the technology, essential fundamentals are missing: the concrete applications, the necessary commercial pressure and developers with the appropriate know-how. So next year’s use will again be limited to the areas of research and government authorities, for example in the field of cryptography.
– Ralf Ladner, Editor in Chief, Managing Director at CES, Netzpalaver
Whilst quantum hardware developments will see steady progress, access to simulations via Cloud and API will likely lead the quantum computing charge during 2021. Awareness is growing and more companies are seeking to understand the quantum landscape or even implement small scale evaluations. Unlike its classical contemporaries, when the killer application for quantum arrives, the impact will be overnight. Undoubtedly, many more quantum startups will appear over the coming year, their ability to disrupt the status quo is very real indeed. Smart leaders will take notice of the potential impact of quantum computing to their own business and begin to recruit quantum aware team members and explore use cases or risk being left behind far more quickly than they might think.
– Scot Forshaw, Research Director at Toridion Project
In 2021, we will begin to instrument Optimization so that the massive models that represent millions of variables and millions of active constraints may be accomplished in seconds versus the hours and days these problem solutions require using conventional computing. This ‘instrumentation’ will enable optimization to be applied to any problem from Engineering Design to Business Strategy-and-Execution.
– Stewart Skomra, Chief Executive Officer at Vanderplaats R&D
Given the recent trends in the private equity markets, as well as the significant governmental investments in quantum research institutes it is likely that we will see quantum take the leap from the lab to the business world. Researchers around the world are working actively on solving the remaining barriers or challenges which can be categorized in 3 domains: material sciences, engineering and quality control. The two that are likely to be solved first are material sciences and engineering. Quality control can be considered as an ongoing challenge and will likely take several years to perfect. There are several industries that are poised to be leaders in larger scale quantum adoption such as energy, aerospace and life-sciences. There are several complex reasons why the use cases in these industries are attracting a lot of attention, however the most obvious ones are a robust ROI and significant global impact. If I had to make only one prediction the I would state that by 2021 we will have quantum as a service, albeit at very high initial costs.
– Ingrid Vasiliu-Feltes, Chief Innovation Officer at MEDNAX
Quantum computing and technology will create strategic value and first-mover advantage for those who quickly seize the unique opportunities its evolution creates. While being a subject of ongoing research for some time and a bit controversial, it has surged onto the scene lately. Given the current state of quantum computing and technology, it is increasingly important for professionals in business, technology and government, to gain a basic understanding of quantum and the 16-subbornate areas that make up this growing movement that some call a revolution.
– Kevin Coleman, Subject Matter Expert, Author, Speaker and Strategic Advisor at ETENS
Quantum Computing is going through rapid cycles of innovation by startups and pioneering inventions from academia and research laboratories at this juncture. Hence we will see mainstream adoption and magical acceleration of commercial solutions within a short time. Thus quantum computing will strengthen its pioneering contributions to emerging technologies such as Quantum AI, Quantum Optics, Quantum Electronics, Quantum Cryptography, Quantum Chemistry etc. in 2021. At the same time, we can expect the emergence of Quantum Computing powered Business Analytics Optimisation pilots in Automotive & Aerospace, Manufacturing, Energy & Utilities, Information, Communication and Telecommunication Industries ahead of others in 2021.
– Gokul Alex, Chief Innovation Officer at Spathion Labs
We are currently at the start of a second quantum revolution,” said Dr. Ian McAndrew, Dean of Doctoral Programs @ Capitol Technology University. “The first quantum revolution gave us new rules that govern physical reality. The second quantum revolution will take these rules and use them to develop new technologies and offer the next level of opportunities.
– Dr. Ian McAndrew, Dean of Doctoral Programs, Capitol Technology University
I think 2021 will be the year when QC becomes more democratized and goes mainstream. While technologies like IoT, hybrid cloud, and data analytics — will still strongly have their position in the business landscape —, I see an expanding usage of AI, fifth-gen networks (5G), and above all, quantum computing. Besides its applications in cybersecurity, drug development, financial modeling, better batteries, traffic optimization, climate change, materials discovery, simulation, AI, etc., it can take our understanding of nature and chemistry to a level that has never been feasible before. I expect the following quantum trends to accelerate in 2021. As we move forward with ongoing research and innovation in Quantum technology, the need for products and platforms that support diverse algorithms, frameworks, and hardware with unified development and deployment experience to the developers will start gaining traction. We saw some initial efforts in this area in the 2019–20 that will get a further impulse in 2021. Though the adoption of Quantum at scale might seem to be a faraway reality, the work in the next 1–2 years will determine the speed at which industry will start strategizing, building, and deploying quantum applications.
– Chan Naseeb, AI Thought Leader at IBM (Editors’ Note: See detailed blog post in the Thinkers360 Member Blog)
The five most probable breakthroughs for 2021 and beyond:
1. The Future of Quantum Innovation: Quantum innovation will expand, increasing science, systems, and design.
2. Evolution of Quantum Algorithms: Coding methodology for quantum computing will further evolve. Artificial Intelligence to the rescue!
3. Quantum Computers and Cybersecurity: The cybersecurity sector will benefit from Quantum Computing power and limitless opportunity in detection, reaction, mitigation and real time monitoring of low signals, abnormalities, fraud attempts, intrusions…
4. Post-Quantum Cryptography: Is the legacy cryptography effective enough in the face of Quantum Computing? The answer is: no! The challenges of moving to new cryptographic infrastructures will be recognised and understood better. Programmers will concentrate on quantum-safe cryptography.
5. Quantum Supremacy: China’s quantum technology might rise to a world-leading position.
– Stephane Nappo, Vice President. Global Chief Information Security Officer at Groupe SEB
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