DisCERNing Quantum – And not as some Shiny-Pink Uni-saurus

Noise control, fault tolerance, error-correction, superconducting circuits, trapped ions, photonic systems, hardware stability, hardware scalability, algorithmic maturity, strong-enough qubits - everything matters when it comes to the difference between reality and disillusionment with the Quantum Advantage.

- By Pratima H

Sofia Vallecorsa, Coordinator of the CERN Quantum Technology Institute and a distinguished AI and Quantum Computing researcher at CERN dispels some myths and unravels many reality-checks to help us see Quantum Technology with a real lens. Simulations and Experiments in lattice gauge and particle physics are just some of the glimpses of the future-forward work happening in CERN’s brains and labs. But what really stands out is the focus on pragmatic progress, collaboration between BigTech giants and labs and an ecosystem mindset. And knowing that big things come to those who wait- patiently and with the right approach and expectations. And not waiting for the next ‘Shor’.

Have Classical and Quantum computers come any closer in the last four or five years? Why or why not?

In the past four or five years, classical and quantum computing have moved closer through the rise of hybrid models. Rather than replacing classical systems, quantum computers are increasingly seen as complementary resources, acting as accelerators for specific tasks within broader classical workflows. This approach reflects two realities: current quantum devices are still noisy and far from fault-tolerant, and practical usability demands integration rather than isolation. Hybrid strategies leverage algorithms such as Variational Quantum Algorithms (VQA), which combine quantum subroutines with classical optimisation loops. Infrastructure providers, including major cloud platforms and HPC centers, have embraced this model, offering quantum access through integrated services enabling experimentation without requiring dedicated quantum hardware.

How is this part evolving in the application space?