Episode 62: How to prepare for quantum computing

Understanding why quantum is now a ‘when’, not an ‘if’

Quantum computing is no longer a distant theoretical concept. It is now widely accepted as a matter of when, not if. While practical, large-scale use is still a few years away, the direction of travel is clear. This means organisations have time to prepare, but not to ignore it.

The key point is that quantum computing is not general purpose in the way classical computing is. It will not replace everything. Instead, it excels at very specific classes of problems, particularly those involving complex calculations, simulation, optimisation, and probability.

Identifying where quantum could matter in your organisation

Preparation starts with understanding where quantum might actually be useful. Not every workload will benefit, and many will see no advantage at all. The focus should be on identifying areas of the business that rely heavily on optimisation, advanced mathematics, or simulation.

This is why certain sectors are already paying close attention. Financial services are heavily involved, driven by the competitive advantage that even a small improvement can deliver. Chemistry-heavy industries, such as pharmaceuticals and materials research, are another key area. That said, almost every organisation performs some form of optimisation, which means quantum relevance can be broader than it first appears.

Why early adoption favours larger organisations, for now

At present, quantum computing remains a significant investment. This naturally means larger organisations, research-led businesses, and heavily funded sectors are leading the way. However, this is unlikely to remain the case forever.

As quantum technology matures, quantum processing capability is expected to be abstracted into lower-level software libraries. Over time, users may not even need to know quantum is involved. Much like GPUs and other specialised processors today, quantum could one day be enabled by a simple configuration option, whether the processing happens remotely or eventually on local hardware.

Learning resources and staying informed

One of the most practical steps organisations can take today is learning. There are already accessible resources that allow people to experiment with real quantum hardware, including free platforms designed to train the next generation of quantum programmers.

Alongside structured learning, staying close to industry news and credible press coverage is essential. Breakthroughs, advantages, and security implications tend to surface quickly, and early awareness can make a significant difference.

Preparing for impact rather than panic

The potential impact of quantum computing, including its implications for cryptography and security, is significant. Concepts like Y2Q are no longer abstract thought experiments. While this can feel daunting, the right approach is awareness, education, and structured preparation rather than panic.

Quantum computing will fundamentally change parts of the technology landscape. Organisations that understand where it applies, and where it does not, will be in the strongest position to respond.

For organisations looking to understand how emerging technologies like quantum could affect future technology procurement decisions, get in touch.