2025 will see huge advances in quantum computing What to expect?

In recent years, the field of quantum computing has been experiencing fast growth, with technological advances and large-scale investments regularly making the news.

- Muhammad Usman

The United Nations has designated 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.

The stakes are high; having quantum computers would mean access to tremendous data processing power compared to what we have today. They won't replace your normal computer, but having this kind of awesome computing power will provide advances in medicine, chemistry, materials science, and other fields.

So it's no surprise that quantum computing is rapidly becoming a global race, and private industry and governments around the world are rushing to build the world's first full-scale quantum computer. To achieve this, first, we need to have stable and scalable quantum processors or chips.

What is a quantum chip?

Everyday computers—like your laptop—are classical computers. They store and process information in the form of binary numbers or bits. A single bit can represent either 0 or 1.

By contrast, the basic unit of a quantum chip is a qubit. A quantum chip is made up of many qubits. These are typically subatomic particles such as electrons or photons, controlled and manipulated by specially designed electric and magnetic fields (known as control signals).

Unlike a bit, a qubit can be placed in a state of 0, 1, or a combination of both, also known as a 'superposition state'.

This distinct property allows quantum processors to store and process extremely large data sets exponentially faster than even the most powerful classical computer.

There are different ways to make qubits—one can use superconducting devices, semiconductors, photonics (light), or other approaches. Each method has its advantages and drawbacks.

Companies like IBM, Google, and QuEra all have roadmaps to drastically scale up quantum processors by 2030.

Industry players that use semiconductors are Intel and Australian companies like Diraq and SQC. Key photonic quantum computer developers include PsiQuantum and Xanadu.