Episode 57: Use cases of quantum computing

Quantum computing is often talked about as a future technology, but it is already being used today in very specific and practical ways. Let's explore what quantum computing is actually good at, what it is not, and how it fits alongside traditional IT systems.

Rather than hype, the focus is on real use cases and how organisations should think about quantum in a practical, grounded way.

What makes quantum computing different

Quantum computers are fundamentally different from the classical computers used today. Classical machines process information using bits, working in ones and zeros. Quantum computers use qubits, which allow them to represent and process many possibilities at the same time.

This does not mean quantum computers replace classical ones. In reality, they work alongside each other. Classical computers still handle everyday tasks, logic, and control, while quantum computers are used for very specific problem types that classical systems struggle with.

The types of problems quantum is good at

Quantum computers excel at solving very large, complex problems that grow exponentially. These are often referred to as intractable problems, meaning they cannot be solved in a sensible timeframe using classical computing alone.

Examples include problems where there is a massive search space, or where a solution needs to be gradually nudged into place through repeated iterations. This makes quantum particularly suited to optimisation, simulation, and modelling scenarios.

Real-world quantum use cases today

The most advanced and active area for quantum computing right now is computational chemistry. This involves simulating molecules inside a quantum computer to understand their behaviour and energy states.

Current systems can only simulate very small molecules, but progress is rapid. As quantum computers scale, they are being used to explore new pharmaceutical drugs, improve electric vehicle battery chemistry, and research advanced materials such as stealth surfaces.

These are areas where classical computers reach their limits very quickly, making quantum a valuable addition rather than a replacement.

When quantum is not the right answer

Quantum computing is not suitable for small or simple problems. Tasks like basic loops, conditional logic, or straightforward calculations are far more efficient on classical systems.

There is also overhead involved in setting up and running quantum programs, so organisations need to judge whether a problem genuinely benefits from quantum processing or whether classical algorithms are still the best approach.

What this means for organisations

In the future, most organisations will not need to think directly about quantum programming. Applications and software libraries will increasingly decide whether to use CPUs, GPUs, or quantum processing units automatically.

The key takeaway is not to rush into quantum, but to understand where it fits. Quantum computing is about solving bigger problems faster, not replacing existing IT investments.

For organisations exploring how emerging technologies like quantum computing could impact long-term IT strategy, get in touch.