Quantum Technologies: Science Fiction or Real-Life Game-Changer?

Quantum technologies © Courtesy of Let’s Talk Science

Quantum Technologies: Science Fiction or Real-Life Game-Changer?

LOUISE TURNER, QUANTUM ALGORITHMS INSTITUTE

The last time you heard the word 'quantum' was probably in a film or a TV show: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania Big Bang Theory, or Star Trek. After all, quantum is a popular science fiction topic.

But in the real world, quantum mechanics is a real and important field of science. Today, quantum computing, quantum communications, and quantum sensing are all growing commercial sectors.

SO, WHAT IS QUANTUM COMPUTING?

Quantum computers are the next generation of computing technology. Harnessing the unusual behaviour of sub-atomic matter (electrons, photons, ions, protons, etc.), quantum computers will solve problems that are too big or complex to be resolved using classical computers and will do so in a fraction of the time, using far less energy than supercomputers.

Today's quantum computers are still experimental machines that are not ready for commercial or personal use. However, considerable investment has been made in quantum technologies, and more than 250 computing, hardware, and software companies worldwide are working on quantum computing solutions. Thanks to significant technological advances in the past five years, a commercially useful quantum computer is expected to be available before the end of 2029.

WHAT WILL WE DO WITH QUANTUM COMPUTERS?

Mathematicians and physicists have already developed many algorithms designed for use on a quantum computer, so we have a good idea of the kind of problems that a quantum computer will be able to solve. These include:

Optimization Problems: improving transportation, delivery and logistics schedules to reduce fuel consumption or optimizing energy distribution from different sources in an electrical power grid

Simulation Problems: modelling molecules and chemical processes to identify new drugs and advanced materials and modelling financial portfolios and investment scenarios.

Machine Learning & AI: quantum computers consume a fraction of the electrical power of classical computers, making them ideal platforms for hosting large language models (e.g., ChatGPT is an LLM) and large quantitative models, which are at the heart of Artificial Intelligence solutions.

Encryption & Decryption: on a more cautionary note, quantum computers will also be able to break standard cybersecurity algorithms that we rely on to protect our data and online financial transactions. (1)

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR JOBS OF THE FUTURE?

The quantum computing sector will grow rapidly to rival the high-value semiconductor industry, which is worth more than $655 billion today and employs more than 2.5 million people worldwide. In addition to jobs designing and building quantum computers, sensors, and networks, quantum solutions will impact jobs in other sectors, such as drug discovery, clinical trials, advanced materials, financial planning, and AI.

There will be great technical work opportunities, but the sector will also create business, marketing, project management, training and other non-technical jobs.

The security threat of quantum computers will also increase demand for risk management, insurance and cybersecurity professionals.

The Let's Talk Careers Competition offers high school students the opportunity to discover existing and emergent careers and make connections between school, post-secondary, and the world of work while winning cash prizes! Engage your students in learning about jobs of the future, like those in quantum fields, this spring.

CANADA AND QUANTUM

Canada is a world leader in quantum research and a commercial leader in quantum computing. D-Wave launched as the first quantum computing company in the world in 1999, unveiling their quantum computer for commercial use in 2011. Founded in 2012, 1QBit is the world's first quantum software company. Among the 70+ companies in Canada working on quantum products and services, four companies are building fault-tolerant quantum computers: Anyon (QC), D-Wave (BC), Photonic (BC) and Xanadu (ON).

Canada is a great place to learn about and engage with all aspects of the quantum business sector.

INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF QUANTUM SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Quantum mechanics—the study of the structure and behaviour of atoms and molecules—was developed 100 years ago. To celebrate this centenary, the United Nations has designated 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ). Throughout the year, there will be many events and opportunities to explore the exciting world of quantum technologies. More information on IYQ can be found at quantum2025.org.

Let's Talk Science is joining with our Science, Technology and Innovation partners like QAI to bring engaging content and educational resources designed to inspire youth of all ages to learn how quantum science underpins the world around us. Visit our Quantum resource webpage at letstalkscience.ca/topic/quantum and join the mailing list to receive updates!

QUANTUM ALGORITHMS INSTITUTE (QAI) & LET'S TALK SCIENCE

QAI has partnered with Let's Talk Science to raise awareness of quantum technology and future career opportunities.

For more information on quantum technologies, visit qai.ca

For more information on career opportunities in quantum computing, check out QAI's Quantum Careers Initiative at quantumcareersinitiative.com

(1) QUANTUMALGORITHMZOO.ORG