20 Corporations Working On Quantum Computing

Companies like Google, Microsoft, and Airbus are making significant investments in quantum computing, a technology which could change everything from AI to logistics to aircraft design. We look at 20 corporates developing the tech and what they hope to achieve.

Quantum computers powerful enough to solve practical problems beyond the capabilities of classic computers are edging closer to becoming a reality.

A quantum computer uses quantum mechanical states to define “qubits” — which can represent both a 1 and 0 simultaneously — to quickly solve complex computations involving lots of possible variables, like cracking encryption keys, predicting stock-market fluctuations, or optimizing an aircraft route to minimize fuel consumption.

Advances are coming quickly. Microsoft, for instance, designed a special programming language for quantum computers, called Q#, and released a “Quantum Development Kit” to help programmers create new applications. One of Google’s quantum computing projects involves working with NASA to apply the tech’s optimization abilities to space travel.

This rate of advancement has also led to some fears. For instance, quantum computers’ potential to crack traditional encryption methods has added impetus to the race to develop another quantum-based technology — quantum cryptography — which could form the basis of quantum communication networks which can’t be hacked without the sender knowing. A number of corporations, with a few highlighted below, are working to create these networks as they prepare for a quantum computing world.

We identified a selection of 20 corporations involved in the development of commercialized quantum computing hardware and software, as well as a number of corporations working on quantum cryptography and communication.

Learn more about how quantum computers work by checking out our explainer.

 
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