Quantum leap The quantum computing revolution is coming and could provide huge benefits to sectors right across the economy, writes Amanda Simms
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various circumstances become exceedingly difficult to simulate,” he explains. Using quantum computers, scientists could potentially accelerate the development of new drugs, saving time and vast amounts of money that could be distributed elsewhere. Plant says that financial services, manufacturing and logistics will also see early benefits from the technology. He divides the use cases into three categories: simulation, optimisation, and combining with machine learning or artificial intelligence programs. Qubits So, what are quantum computers? They work in an entirely new way to the technology that we use today, instead harnessing what happens at the level of individual atoms, electrons or photons, which are governed by the laws of quantum mechanics.
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uantum computers represent a new stage in the evolution of computing. By sidestepping the binary limits of traditional computers, this new breed of technology is set to have huge benefits for sectors such as life sciences, manufacturing and financial services. Simon Plant, Deputy Director for Innovation at the National Quantum Computing Centre, explains that quantum computers can be extremely fast, solving some problems that would take traditional computers “the entirety of time”. Siddharth Joshi, a Research Fellow at the Quantum Engineering and Technologies Labs at the University of Bristol, believes the most immediate benefits could be in biochemistry and medicine. “The problem there is if you have these complicated drugs, or compounds, or chemicals, their interactions and how they behave under
