Quantum takes a leap of faith

The Future Technologies Forum focused on tech sovereignty and its impact on geopolitics, and quantum supremacy in terms of practical applications and cybersecurity

- SHUBHENDU PARTH

Quantum computing, once a staple of science fiction, could now become a reality soon. Imagine someone informing you that this technological marvel might materialise before the world even fully realises its dream of 6G connectivity. How would you respond to such a remarkable possibility?

Perhaps, ahead of time, one would say, and that was exactly what the Future Technologies Forum (FTF) in Moscow, 9-14 July intended to showcase. The conference focused on various aspects of high-tech research and their impact on society, technological sovereignty and how it shapes geopolitics, and quantum supremacy in terms of its practical applications and to drive cybersecurity.

The Forum also deliberated on issues like the ethics of the digital world, hiring talent and retaining them, the challenges of taking quantum communication from the R&D stage to business, the impact on medicines and healthcare, quantum computing and sensors, quantum internet, and the quantum city of the future, among others.

The key highlight of the FTF: most experts working on quantum technologies in Russia were optimistic that the widespread practical use of quantum computing will begin as early as 2025, and by 2030, technological leadership will be impossible without quantum technologies.

The optimism was unequivocally reflected in the plenary session that was addressed by the President of Russia Vladimir Putin. He pointed out that researchers in Russia are ready to tackle challenging scientific problems and clear the way for creating advanced solutions.

Talking about the role of technology and data in shaping the future world he proposed a new national project for the period to 2030, more specifically, a national project for forming a data economy, within a year.