Quantum Computing in 2025: How Close Are We to a Technological Revolution?

Quantum Computing in 2025: How Close Are We to a Technological Revolution?

The Rise of Quantum Computing

The New Technological Gold Rush for Governments and Corporations

In recent years, quantum computing has evolved from an academic curiosity into one of the most promising—and competitive—fields in science and technology. Its potential to solve problems deemed impossible for classical computers has captured the attention of governments, investors, and multinational corporations alike. Unlike the incremental advances of traditional computing, quantum computing offers a radical paradigm shift in information processing, generating both immense expectations and equally complex challenges.

Over the past five years, investment in startups and research labs dedicated to this discipline has surged. Companies such as Psi Quantum, Google, IBM, Amazon, Microsoft, and Rigetti are leading the race to build a practical quantum computer, while chip manufacturers like Intel and Global Foundries have partnered with them to accelerate the production of specialized hardware.

Investor optimism has translated into staggering numbers: some quantum computing stocks have surged more than 1,000% in 2024, in response to announcements of technological breakthroughs. This market behavior reflects not only belief in the field’s potential but also the narrative of a global race to achieve quantum advantage—the point at which a quantum computer significantly outperforms classical supercomputers in specific tasks.

Public sector involvement has been equally robust. Governments in the United States, China, Germany, Canada, and Japan have launched national quantum strategies with billion-dollar budgets. According to estimates by The Quantum Insider and McKinsey, over $50 billion has already been committed worldwide to quantum computing and related technologies, including quantum sensors and secure communications.

Government interest is not purely scientific; it also has a strategic and geopolitical dimension. Mastery of this technology could yield significant advantages in defense, cryptography, and the simulation of critical materials. In this context, quantum supremacy is shaping up to be the new technological arms race.

The UN Declaration and the Role of Public Funding

The United Nations’ declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science is a clear institutional acknowledgment of the field’s potential impact. This initiative aims to foster international collaboration, promote both basic and applied research, and raise awareness about the urgent need to train a new generation of scientists and technologists in quantum physics, engineering, and computing.

Public funding plays a crucial role in this emerging ecosystem. Most of the technologies under development do not yet offer immediate commercial returns, so government funds are essential for sustaining long-term projects. Additionally, public-private partnerships involving universities, research centers, and tech companies are being promoted to accelerate the transition from theory to practice.

Between 2022 and 2024, there was a 50% increase in quantum proof-of-concept projects globally, with initiatives targeting real-world applications in logistics, finance, chemicals, healthcare, and agriculture. This trend marks a gradual shift from the purely experimental phase to a pre-commercial stage, where quantum technology begins to tackle real-world problems.

Far from being a passing trend, quantum computing is laying the groundwork for a silent yet profound technological revolution. The question is no longer whether it will become viable, but when it will begin transforming entire industries.

Why Quantum Computing Is Revolutionary

The Key Difference from Classical Computers

To understand why quantum computing is considered a transformative technology, it’s essential to grasp how it differs from classical computing. Traditional computers store and process information in bits, units that can hold one of two values: 0 or 1. This binary limitation imposes inherent constraints on speed and computing capacity—even for the most powerful supercomputers.

Quantum computing, by contrast, is built on qubits, information units that leverage the principles of quantum mechanics to operate in a radically different way. Through phenomena like superposition and entanglement, qubits can represent multiple states simultaneously and instantly influence each other across distance, enabling unprecedented computational power.

This means a quantum computer can handle far more combinations and parallel possibilities than a classical system, opening the door to solving currently intractable problems: from predicting the molecular behavior of a new drug to optimizing logistics across global supply chains.

Evolution from classical computing to advanced quantum computing

Superposition and Entanglement: The Core of Quantum Power

Quantum superposition allows a qubit to exist in a combination of 0 and 1 states at the same time, rather than being restricted to just one. This feature enables a system of qubits to perform parallel operations across a vast set of potential outcomes, exponentially increasing processing power as more qubits are added.

Quantum entanglement, on the other hand, links qubits so that the state of one instantly affects the state of another, regardless of distance. This interdependence allows for non-linear synchronization of quantum operations, creating highly complex systems with immense computational capacity.

Both principles break away from classical logic and demand entirely new approaches to algorithm design and programming. However, they are also the source of quantum computing’s promise: to tackle problems that the Turing model—the basis of all conventional computers—cannot efficiently address.

Potential Applications in Strategic Sectors

The unique capabilities of quantum computers make them especially attractive in fields where simulation, prediction, and optimization are vital. In pharmaceuticals, they could accelerate drug development by modeling molecular interactions with quantum precision. In materials science, they can help create new compounds with specific properties, such as superconductors or ultra-strong alloys.

In agriculture, quantum systems could help discover more efficient and sustainable fertilizers by simulating chemical reactions that currently require years of trial and error. In finance, quantum algorithms promise to dramatically improve risk modeling, fraud detection, and portfolio optimization.

Even sectors such as urban mobility, energy, and logistics stand to benefit through quantum models that find faster routes, reduce energy consumption, or streamline supply chains. It’s estimated that in just four key industries—mobility, chemicals, financial services, and life sciences—quantum computing could generate up to $2 trillion in economic value by 2035.

This breadth of application is what makes quantum computing a strategically vital field, with the potential to reshape not only industries, but also the way we address the major challenges of the 21st century.

The Companies Leading the Quantum Race

Psi Quantum, Google, and Microsoft: Different Strategies, Same Goal

At the heart of the global race for quantum supremacy stand a select group of tech giants setting the pace for innovation. Among them, Psi Quantum, Google, and Microsoft have emerged with distinctly different technological strategies, yet all pursue the same goal: building a quantum computer capable of solving real-world problems at scale.

Psi Quantum, based in California, is betting on a photonic architecture. Their approach involves building quantum computers based on light-based qubits, which are less prone to environmental interference. To manufacture these chips, Psi Quantum has partnered with Global Foundries, one of the world’s largest semiconductor fabrication firms. Their quantum processor, Omega, is designed to include all the components required for scalable, utility-level quantum computing. The company also makes use of liquid helium from the Stanford Linear Accelerator’s cryogenic plant, a vital resource for maintaining the ultra-cold temperatures necessary for stable qubit operation.

Google, a prominent player in bringing quantum computing to the forefront, continues to invest heavily in superconducting qubits. After claiming to have achieved “quantum supremacy” in 2019 with their Sycamore processor, the company stepped up its efforts with the release of Willow in late 2024—a new generation of processors designed for greater stability, scalability, and error correction. Google’s focus is now on expanding the system’s capabilities and improving error resilience, a critical step toward making quantum systems practical.

Microsoft, in contrast, has pursued a longer-term, more experimental path centered on topological qubits—a theoretically more stable and noise-resistant qubit design. In 2025, the company unveiled its Majorana 1 chip, named after the Majorana particles on which it is based. Microsoft claims this innovation could significantly reduce the number of qubits needed for complex tasks. While some experts remain skeptical of the short-term feasibility of this approach, Microsoft has reported major progress in peer-reviewed publications like Nature, reinforcing its commitment to developing a more fault-tolerant quantum architecture.

Billion-Dollar Investments and the Next Generation of Chips

The diversity of technological approaches is also reflected in the broader ecosystem of emerging startups and corporate players exploring different quantum platforms. IBM and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have embraced superconducting qubits, while companies like IonQ and Quantinuum are developing trapped-ion architectures, which use individual atoms controlled by laser fields. Startups like Xanadu are experimenting with hybrid models that combine photonic computing and artificial intelligence.

Each technology presents trade-offs. Photonic qubits are more scalable and robust but harder to mass-produce. Superconducting qubits offer fast operation speeds but require extreme refrigeration. Ion-based qubits deliver high precision but are slower to execute operations. Microsoft’s topological qubits, if fully realized, could redefine these limitations altogether.

Quantum computing companies Source: CNBC

This technological race is being fueled by an unprecedented surge of capital. Beyond private investment and stock market speculation, dedicated quantum technology funds are emerging, backed by firms like Booz Allen, Airbus Ventures, and Bosch Ventures. Major corporations such as Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Chemical, and Boehringer Ingelheim are also actively partnering with quantum companies to design advanced materials, develop pharmaceuticals, discover new catalysts, and innovate in clean energy solutions.

This ecosystem, where scientific research meets industrial manufacturing and venture capital, is accelerating the shift of quantum computing from laboratory theory to commercial application. While full-scale “quantum advantage” has not yet been achieved, the scale of talent, funding, and infrastructure now in motion suggests that the tipping point may arrive sooner than once expected.

Technological and Human Obstacles Yet to Overcome

Qubit Fragility and Quantum Error Correction

Despite encouraging progress in the quantum field, technical challenges remain the primary bottleneck in the development of a truly useful quantum computer. The core issue lies in the inherent fragility of qubits, which exist in extremely delicate quantum states and are susceptible to even the slightest environmental disturbance—whether it be mechanical vibrations, temperature fluctuations, or electromagnetic interference.

This phenomenon, known as quantum decoherence, causes qubits to lose their superposition or entanglement before a calculation is completed. Unlike classical bits, which are inherently stable, qubits must be carefully isolated from their surroundings, cooled to temperatures near absolute zero, and manipulated with extraordinary precision. This makes quantum computing an unprecedented engineering challenge.

Moreover, quantum errors behave unpredictably. A small phase or amplitude error can propagate through the system and compromise an entire computation. To counter this, developers have implemented quantum error correction algorithms, which detect and fix faults before they escalate. However, these algorithms require significant computational overhead, effectively raising the number of physical qubits needed to maintain a stable logical system.

Experts estimate that at least one million physical qubits will be necessary to construct a practical quantum computer that can outperform today’s classical supercomputers in real-world tasks. In comparison, current processors like those from Google or IBM feature between 50 and 400 qubits, many of which are allocated solely to error correction. This gap between current capabilities and the required scale remains one of the greatest technical hurdles of the decade.

Talent Shortage and the Role of Artificial Intelligence

The human side of the quantum challenge is equally critical. There is a global shortage of professionals with the expertise to design, program, and operate quantum systems. Quantum computing requires a deep understanding of physics, mathematics, computer science, precision electronics, and cryogenics. The interdisciplinary nature of the field makes qualified personnel exceptionally rare.

As corporate and governmental interest grows, so does the urgency to train a new generation of quantum engineers and scientists. Some universities have begun offering specialized degree programs, but current capacity falls far short of the demand projected for the next five years. This talent gap could become an even more limiting factor than the hardware itself.

In this context, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a key enabler. On one hand, AI is being used to optimize quantum chip design, explore qubit configurations, and enhance the efficiency of error correction protocols. On the other hand, once fully functional quantum computers are available, they will be able to generate complex training data for AI models, creating a powerful feedback loop between the two technologies.

This synergy between quantum computing and AI may accelerate the timeline for real-world solutions, but it also raises new questions regarding regulation, security, and governance. Ultimately, the progress of quantum computing depends not only on scientific breakthroughs, but also on human preparedness, coordination, and the foresight to manage its ethical and societal impacts.

When Will a Quantum Computer Be Truly Useful?

Realistic Timelines: 2030, 2040?

Despite widespread enthusiasm and recent breakthroughs, quantum computing remains in its early stages of maturity. As of today, no commercially available quantum system can reliably solve a real-world problem better than classical computers. This makes one of the most common—and most difficult—questions to answer: When will a truly useful quantum computer be ready?

The answer depends on several interrelated factors: qubit stability, hardware scalability, the development of efficient quantum algorithms, and, as previously mentioned, the ability to train specialized talent. According to the consensus among researchers and industry experts, the most realistic timeline ranges between 15 and 30 years. Optimistic projections place the first major impacts in the 2030s, while others suggest practical applications may not arrive until the 2040s.

However, that doesn’t mean progress will stall in the meantime. Many analysts agree we are entering a phase where limited, hybrid applications may already benefit from quantum systems. These hybrid models do not replace classical computers but can perform specialized tasks—such as molecular simulations or probabilistic modeling—more efficiently and faster.

In this context, ongoing investment is not only justified by future potential but also by the collateral benefits already emerging. Technologies originally developed for quantum systems are already being used to enhance MRI sensitivity and to create tools for detecting critical minerals essential for energy transition.

The Concept of “Industrial Quantum Advantage”

A major milestone that will define the beginning of the practical quantum era is the so-called “industrial quantum advantage”: the point at which a quantum system significantly outperforms any classical counterpart in a specific task within a real business or applied research environment.

The most recent projections suggest that this milestone could be achieved between 2026 and 2029, when early proof-of-concept applications in industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, mobility, or financial services are expected to demonstrate tangible results. This would represent not only a technological breakthrough but also the first massive value creation for end users, validating the technology in the eyes of the market and investors alike.

The anticipation of this moment has led many companies to form strategic alliances with quantum technology providers now, under the expectation that access will be more limited—and more expensive—once the technology reaches commercial maturity. As experts like Jack Hidary have noted, “When the time comes, only those who invested early will be in a position to reap its full benefits.”

Quantum computing, then, is not an empty promise or a passing trend. It is a long-term race, in which accumulated knowledge, technical capability, and strategic vision will determine who leads and who lags. While mass adoption is not yet here, the world is actively preparing—with funding, talent, and infrastructure—for the moment when this revolution finally arrives.

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Ignacio N. Ayago CEO Whale Analytics & Mentes Brillantes

Permíteme presentarme: soy Ignacio N. Ayago, un emprendedor consolidado 🚀, papá con poderes 🦄, un apasionado de la tecnología y la inteligencia artificial 🤖 y el fundador de esta plataforma 💡. Estoy aquí para ser tu guía en este emocionante viaje hacia el crecimiento personal 🌱 y el éxito financiero 💰.

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