Recently I attended the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) annual Directors Essentials update. This year it focused on three key issues for directors of businesses:
Generative Artificial Intelligence,
Cyber Security,
Climate Governance and Reporting.
But What About Quantum Computing?
Before the conference started we had time to network. I was fortunate to run into some business acquaintances that I had not seen for some time. We discussed what we might hear during the conference and the subject of Quantum Computing was raised. Quantum Computing is a massive change in the way we think about Information Technology. Should we as Information Technology practitioners and company directors know more about Quantum Computing? When we first stated work on large mainframes in the 1970's could we envisage a day when we carried more power around in our pocket? In the next 20 to 30 years might we be carrying around our Quantum Smart Phone and what might it do? Change is fast but needs skilled and inquisitive people.
Beyond Classical Computers
I started my computer career operating an NCR 315 RMC in 1971 they were noisy and an iPhone 16 is 1,000,000’s of time faster and stores 1,000,000’s of times more data. I moved on to an IBM 370 168 (speed 3 MIPS) in 1973 which was still just a fraction of the power of an iPhone 16 but filled floors of a building. These were some of the earlier classic computers and speed was measured in MIPS (millions of instructions per second). Super computers are measured in floating-point operations per second (FLOPS) and the fastest operates at a hundred quadrillion FLOPS or 100 petaFLOPS. But still not fast enough to solve some of life’s most difficult problems.
Quantum computing is exponentially faster than the fastest supercomputers and has captured imaginations for years. It provides us with promises of revolutionary changes to computation as we know it. It’s often viewed as a futuristic technology, but quantum computing is already starting to take tangible form. Interestingly Quantum Computing has with it the potential to help resolve the three leading issues that were raised at the conference and many more. To understand its potential, its implications, and where it stands today, let's explore what quantum computing is, where it is being used, and the challenges that accompany it.
What is Quantum Computing?
At its core, quantum computing is fundamentally different from the classical computing that underpins everything from smartphones to supercomputers. Classical computers process information using bits, basic units that represent either a 0 or a 1, these only exist in one state. Think of them like a simple switch, either on or off. Quantum computers, on the other hand, use quantum bits or qubits, which can exist simultaneously in multiple states due to a phenomenon called superposition. This means a qubit can be both 0 and 1 at the same time, enabling quantum computers to process a vast number of possibilities concurrently.
Another critical principle in quantum computing is entanglement, which allows qubits that are entangled to be correlated in ways that traditional bits cannot. When two qubits are entangled, the state of one qubit is directly related to the state of the other, no matter how far apart they are. These properties, superposition and entanglement, give quantum computers the potential to solve certain types of problems exponentially faster than classical computers.
Current Status of Quantum Computing
Quantum computing is no longer just theoretical; it is being actively developed, and some quantum computers are already in use, albeit at a limited scale. Leading tech companies and research institutions are pushing the boundaries to make practical quantum computing a reality. Here are a few examples of where quantum systems exist today:
IBM Quantum Experience: IBM has been a pioneer in making quantum computing accessible. IBM Quantum offers cloud-based access to its quantum processors, allowing researchers and developers to experiment with quantum algorithms. They have a 127-qubit processor named "Eagle" and are actively working on scaling up.
Google Sycamore: Google made headlines in 2019 when its 54-qubit quantum computer, Sycamore, reportedly achieved quantum supremacy, the ability of a quantum computer to solve a problem that is practically impossible for classical computers. Sycamore completed a specific calculation in 200 seconds that would take a supercomputer thousands of years.
D-Wave Systems: D-Wave is another player in the quantum space, known for its quantum annealing approach, which is different from the gate-based quantum computing used by IBM and Google. D-Wave has developed quantum processors with over 5000 qubits, and their systems are used by companies like Volkswagen for optimisation problems.
Honeywell: Honeywell has also developed quantum computers with high fidelity, focusing on quantum volume, which is a measure of computational power that considers both the number of qubits and error rates. They have partnered with Microsoft to offer their quantum systems via the Azure cloud platform.
These examples illustrate that while quantum computing is still in its infancy compared to classical systems, real quantum processors are available today, and researchers are actively developing applications that take advantage of their unique capabilities.
Pros of Mainstream Quantum Computing
Exponential Speedup: Quantum computers have the potential to solve problems exponentially faster than classical computers, particularly those involving optimisation, cryptography, and complex simulations. For example, they could revolutionise drug discovery by simulating molecular interactions more accurately than today’s supercomputers.
Optimisation: Quantum computers can tackle complex optimisation problems in logistics, finance, and supply chain management, where classical algorithms struggle with the vast number of possible configurations.
Breaking Current Cryptography: Quantum computers could break widely used cryptographic algorithms like RSA and ECC, which are currently used to secure data transmission. This might sound like a drawback, but it could drive the development of quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms, ultimately leading to more secure systems.
New Scientific Discoveries: Quantum computing could provide solutions to problems we haven’t even conceived of yet, particularly in physics and materials science. For example, simulating quantum systems at an atomic level could lead to the discovery of new materials with extraordinary properties. Quantum Computing could help find new medications that could cure now incurable diseases. Or with Quantum Computing we might find the solutions to halt global warming and climate change.
Cons and Challenges of Quantum Computing
Error Rates and Stability: One of the biggest challenges in quantum computing is dealing with quantum decoherence and errors. Qubits are extremely sensitive to environmental noise, and maintaining their quantum state long enough to perform computations is a significant technical hurdle. Current quantum systems require extensive error correction, which drastically increases the number of qubits needed for practical applications.
Scalability: While companies like IBM and Google have demonstrated quantum processors with dozens or even hundreds of qubits, the path to building large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers with millions of qubits remains unclear. Scalability is one of the major barriers to mainstream quantum computing.
Security Threats: As mentioned earlier, quantum computers have the potential to break current encryption schemes, posing a serious threat to data security. If quantum computing reaches a point where it can efficiently factor large numbers, much of the encryption we rely on today will be rendered obsolete, making secure communication and data storage vulnerable.
High Costs and Resource Requirements: Building and maintaining a quantum computer requires sophisticated infrastructure, such as cryogenic systems to keep qubits at near absolute zero temperatures. This makes quantum computing costly and limits its availability to a select few organisations and institutions.
The combination of quantum computing and generative AI could indeed present both opportunities and potential threats. The intersection of these two powerful technologies has some intriguing implications for society, and understanding the risks and benefits is crucial as they continue to advance.
Leaders in Quantum Computing Development
The companies leading the way in quantum computing include:
IBM: Their cloud-based quantum platform has been widely adopted for research and educational purposes.
Google: Focused on pushing the boundaries of quantum supremacy and achieving scalable quantum computing.
Microsoft: Developing a topological approach to quantum computing and offering quantum systems through Azure Quantum.
Intel: Working on qubit fabrication technologies, leveraging their expertise in semiconductor manufacturing.
D-Wave: Specialises in quantum annealing and has commercialised quantum systems for specific optimisation problems.
In addition to these technology leaders, numerous startups and academic institutions are also making significant strides in quantum computing research and development.
Quantum Computing in Australia
Australia is positioning itself as a significant player in the quantum computing landscape. Researchers at institutions like The University of Sydney, The University of New South Wales (UNSW), and The Australian National University (ANU) are making notable contributions to quantum research. UNSW, for example, is renowned for its development of silicon-based qubits, a potential pathway to building scalable quantum computers.
The Australian government has also recognised the importance of quantum technology, investing in initiatives such as the National Quantum Strategy, which aims to build a robust quantum industry in Australia. Companies like Silicon Quantum Computing and Q-CTRL are pioneering commercial quantum technologies, emphasising Australia’s potential to be a leader in this space.
Safeguards as Quantum Technology Develops
As quantum computing becomes more viable, several safeguards and considerations must be in place:
Quantum-Resistant Cryptography: The most pressing need is to develop cryptographic algorithms that are resistant to quantum attacks. Organisations like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) are already working on standardising such algorithms. NIST just released the first 3 finalised Post-Quantum Encryption Standards.
Ethical Guidelines and Regulations: Governments and international bodies need to establish guidelines to ensure that quantum computing is used responsibly. This includes regulating who can access powerful quantum systems and ensuring that they are not used for malicious purposes, such as breaking encryption or compromising privacy.
Investments in Error Correction: Significant research is needed in quantum error correction to make quantum computers reliable for practical applications. Error correction will be key to making quantum computing viable at scale.
Balancing Classical and Quantum Systems: For the foreseeable future, quantum computers will work in tandem with classical computers. Developing hybrid algorithms that leverage the strengths of both classical and quantum systems will help ease the transition and mitigate risks.
Should Quantum Computing be an Issue Now
Quantum computing is not just a futuristic concept; it exists today, with systems that are accessible and being actively developed by some of the world’s largest technology organisation. While the technology holds huge potential for solving problems that are currently beyond the reach of classical computers, it also presents unique challenges, from error rates and scalability issues to potential threats to data security.
Mainstream quantum computing will require significant advancements in hardware, error correction, and new quantum-resistant cryptographic methods. Companies like IBM, Google, Microsoft, and D-Wave are leading the way, and their progress will determine how quickly quantum computing can become a practical tool for solving some of the world’s most complex problems.
Quantum computing is indeed a great leap beyond classical computing, with enormous potential. However, careful consideration must be given to the ethical, security, and technical challenges to ensure that the quantum future is one that benefits humanity. We also need to create and offer programs that are a pathway for students to move into quantum technologies. Australia can only be a leader with the right resources and the people to support the development.
Yes, as Information Technology executives and as corporate board members, Quantum Computing should be squarely in focus on our issues radar. As we have learned, sometimes the hard way, the future can be closer than we think.
References online:
For more information on the ACS Foundation and The Big Day In, visit ACS Foundation and The Big Day In.
Author: John Debrincat FACS, MAICD, Chair ACS Foundation
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