Explanation of the Quantum Technology Ecosystem by Steve Blank

Investment in Quantum Technologies

Quantum technologies are receiving significant attention as countries and investors allocate billions in public and private capital for research and development. It is evident that quantum technologies have the potential to disrupt existing economies and create new ones.

Quantum Market Opportunity

There are three distinct markets for quantum technologies: Quantum Computing, Quantum Communications, and Quantum Sensing and Metrology. Each of these markets has strong potential for disruption, and it is possible that the largest commercial applications will be those that companies are not even considering today.

Key Quantum Concepts

Quantum mechanics is the foundation for understanding quantum technology. Essential concepts include Superposition, Entanglement, and Qubits. Quantum particles exist in multiple states simultaneously until they are observed and measured. The behavior of quantum particles is “spooky” in that measurement of one particle dictates the behavior of another.

Quantum Computers – Background

Quantum computers use the unique behavior of quantum physics to apply it to computing. Instead of transistors, quantum computers use quantum bits (qubits) that exist in superposition. Building a single logical Qubit can require hundreds or thousands of physical Qubits due to errors that need correction, stability, decoherence, and fault tolerance. Unlike classical computers, Quantum computers can theoretically solve some complex algorithms/ problems exponentially faster than a classical computer.

Types of Quantum Computers

Quantum computers fall into four categories: Quantum Emulator/Simulator, Quantum Annealer, NISQ, and Universal Quantum Computer, which can be a Cryptographically Relevant Quantum Computer (CRQC). The most important type is a Universal Quantum Computer, but they are at least a decade away from being developed.

Conclusion

Quantum technologies have the potential to disrupt existing economies and create new ones. Quantum computers, in particular, could solve some complex problems exponentially faster than classical computers. However, they are not yet at a stage where they can be used commercially, particularly as viable market applications have yet to be developed.