The story of quantum computing is one of human ingenuity and curiosity, from the early 20th-century discovery of quantum mechanics to a future of unimaginable possibility. From the finding of subatomic particles to cutting-edge machines of today, quantum computing charts a remarkable journey through time that will reshape the world.
The fundamentals of quantum mechanics
In the early 1900s, physicists like Max Planck and Albert Einstein delved into the world of subatomic particles. They unveiled principles running against the laws of classical physics. They specifically noted a phenomenon called superposition, wherein particles manage to be in multiple states at once, and another called entanglement, where particles are connected over long distances.
These discoveries advanced to quantum mechanics, a new branch of science that would later give rise to quantum computing.
For decades, quantum mechanics was limited to theoretical physics. That changed in the 1980s when these principles were used in computation, thanks to a proposal by Richard Feynman that a computer based on quantum mechanics could solve problems that classical computers could not.
From theory to prototype
Serious attempts at building quantum computers started in the 1990s and early 2000s. Qubits (the quantum equivalent of classical bits) were developed capable of being in a superposition of 0 and 1. Unlike traditional bits, which can store one value at a time, qubits opened the door to exponentially faster processing.
This period also explored different types of qubits:
- Superconducting qubits: They operate at temperatures near absolute zero to avoid noise.
- Trapped ions: They are highly stable with a high degree of precision.
- Quantum dots: A small semiconductor that serves as their host for electrons to implement quantum bits.
- Photons: Used for secure quantum communication.
For all that progress, early models were fragile, prone to error, and able to solve only extremely narrow problems. Still, they promised so much in the potential for quantum computing that they encouraged massive investment by academia and private enterprise.
Current technological crossroads
Today, quantum computing has moved out of the lab into practical experimentation. Companies like IBM, Google and startups like Rigetti have designed quantum systems capable of performing computations that once seemed impossible.
Quantum computers are now being used to solve specific problems. As IBM notes, “Engineering firms, financial institutions, and global shipping companies—among others—are exploring use cases where quantum computers could solve important problems in their fields.”
Though these applications are in their infancy, they give a peek into quantum technology.
IBM states that two milestones define the current era:
- Quantum advantage: A state when quantum systems perform something substantially better than classical computers can do; for example, Google's claim in 2019 to have solved a problem in 200 seconds that would take a classical supercomputer 10,000 years.
- Quantum utility: The far more ambitious goal of practical, real-world benefit from quantum computing.
The challenges
Quantum computers are notoriously fragile with qubits prone to decoherence, the loss of their quantum state due to environmental interference. Additionally, error correction and scalability remain challenging.
Security is another huge concern. According to IBM, "Quantum computers will be able to break some of the most widely-used security protocols in the world."
The threat has been the driving force for developing quantum-resistant encryption so that data remains secure in the quantum era.
The future
According to McKinsley Digital, the industry stands “to potentially gain up to $1.3 trillion in value by 2035,” with uses in the automotive, chemical, financial, and life sciences industries.
IBM concludes that quantum computing will “solve massively complicated problems” and redefine what’s possible in science and technology.
For example, global supply chains can be optimized with efficiency, waste, and cost reduction. Additionally, it could revolutionize climate modeling so scientists can predict and avert environmental catastrophes.
As these prospects draw closer to reality, the difference between quantum advantage and quantum utility will blur. Quantum solutions will be part of everyday life, solving problems beyond the reach of classical computers.
Getting ready for the quantum era
Businesses, including healthcare organizations, must adopt quantum-safe encryption, invest in quantum education, and develop quantum innovation if they want quantum computing to reach its true potential.
As IBM reminds us, quantum computing is "a nascent reality" that “[harnesses] the unique qualities of quantum mechanics to solve problems beyond the ability of even the most powerful classical computers.”
Go deeper: What is quantum computing and how does it affect cybersecurity?
FAQs
What is quantum computing?
Quantum computing uses quantum bits (qubits) to solve complex problems quickly, making it much faster than traditional computers. Quantum computing can break common online encryption methods like RSA-2048, leaving sensitive information like healthcare data vulnerable to unauthorized access.
How are regulations like HIPAA changing with new threats?
Regulations are becoming stricter to address new threats like quantum computing. Healthcare organizations must update their encryption practices and use HIPAA compliant platforms, like Paubox, to avoid these risks.
Go deeper: Cybersecurity trends for 2025 and beyond
Can HIPAA compliance give an organization a competitive advantage?
Yes, being HIPAA compliant can attract more patients and business partners, differentiating an organization from its competitors.
