Real-world quantum computing technology applications

Quantum technology is opening new possibilities across a wide range of industries, offering new approaches to problems that are difficult or inefficient to solve with classical computing, especially in areas requiring high precision, complex optimisation, or enhanced security.

From materials science and drug discovery to finance and logistics, quantum innovations are moving from theory and research laboratories into practical applications.

Explore six key sectors where quantum computing technology is driving innovation and creating new career opportunities for professionals with quantum expertise.

Quantum computing applications in medicine and healthcare

Quantum innovations are revolutionising healthcare through powerful data analysis and simulations.

This technology supports more efficient drug discovery, tailors personalised treatment plans based on genetic data, improves diagnostic accuracy, and  drives progress in precision medicine.

With its ability to tackle complex problems, quantum computing promises more precise, effective and personalised medical care, potentially leading to improved healthcare outcomes for all.

Designing safer drugs by modelling complex molecules and protein folding

Molecular modelling and protein folding are vital in drug discovery.

Molecular modelling simulates complex molecules, while protein folding predicts a protein’s 3D structure from its amino acid sequence. Both tasks are computationally intensive and challenging for traditional computers due to the vast calculations involved.

With its ability to harness the power of qubits, quantum technology offers a promising solution to overcome these limitations. Quantum computers can simulate complex molecular systems more accurately, enabling researchers to design more effective and safer drugs.

Quantum computing can also accelerate the drug discovery process by simulating protein folding and aid in understanding protein-drug interactions better to optimise medications for fewer side effects.

Together, these powerful quantum technology applications could lead to faster, more successful and safer drug development.

Making personalised medicine possible through genetic sequencing

The future of medicine is steering towards increasingly personalised treatment plans for patients.

This is where quantum computing comes into play. It excels at handling complex datasets, allowing for efficient analysis of individual genomes. By deciphering genetic variations, doctors can create personalised treatment plans and predict potential drug responses for patients.

This approach, known as personalised medicine, tailors treatments to an individual’s unique genetic makeup, leading to better outcomes and fewer side effects.

Quantum technology benefits include:

• much faster genetic data analysis for quicker diagnoses
• better disease prediction through the identification of tiny genetic variations
• personalised treatment plans for each patient.

Quantum computing applications in finance

Quantum computing has the potential to transform the finance industry by enabling the processing of vast datasets, enhancing financial modelling, and solving complex optimisation problems far more efficiently than classical computers

From enhancing decision-making to improving financial forecasting, this technology could unlock all-new strategies in trading and investment.

Quantum algorithms could improve risk modelling, accelerate derivative pricing, optimise portfolio management, enhance fraud detection, and open up a wide range of new opportunities in finance and economics.

However, it will require a skilled workforce to realise the full potential of quantum technology’s transformative power in the finance sector.

Increasing sophistication of economic modelling

Economic modelling has evolved with increasingly sophisticated methodologies, including emerging quantum approaches such as agent-based modelling (ABM) to better understand complex market dynamics. Traditional economic models often simplified complex systems, overlooking the nuanced interactions between individual agents. ABM shifts this paradigm by simulating individual agent behaviours within markets, capturing emergent phenomena and handling diverse variables like consumer preferences and regulations, resulting in more realistic models.

Advancements in computational power have expedited these simulations, allowing economists to explore scenarios and policy interventions efficiently. Therefore, sophisticated economic modelling not only deepens our understanding of complex systems but also equips policymakers and businesses to navigate uncertainty more precisely.

Optimising financial portfolio management

Optimising financial portfolio management has entered a new era with the use of advanced algorithms and data analytics.

A prime illustration lies in the rise of robo-advisors in the investment landscape. These digital platforms harness the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyse vast datasets, including real-time market information, to identify hidden patterns and trends.

By processing an extensive array of investment options, from stocks and bonds to alternative assets, robo-advisors enable investors to achieve a more diversified portfolio tailored to their risk tolerance and financial goals.

Quantum cryptography and cybersecurity applications

Quantum computing is poised to revolutionise cryptography and cybersecurity.

While advancements in large-scale quantum technology may pose a threat to current encryption methods like Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) and elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), they are also crucial in devising new, more robust encryption techniques.

Real-world quantum computing applications in cryptography promise unbreakable keys and secure communications, with techniques like quantum key distribution (QKD) aiming to detect eavesdropping attempts and ensure virtually unhackable systems.

Despite rapid progress in the field, significant work remains to be done to fully harness its potential.

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) for unbreakable encryption

QKD is a ground-breaking innovation in secure communication, using quantum mechanics to distribute encryption keys with unmatched protection against breaches.

By leveraging quantum principles, QKD ensures encryption keys are impervious to decryption, bolstering the security of data transmissions and thwarting interception attempts.

Its adoption by government agencies and organisations handling classified data exemplifies its real-world efficacy in fortifying national security. QKD establishes inherently secure communication channels, impervious to eavesdropping or hacking, thereby safeguarding sensitive information exchanges at both national and international levels.

Securing critical infrastructure with quantum technology

The integration of quantum technology is pivotal in fortifying critical infrastructure against emerging threats like cyberattacks and sabotage attempts, with power grids and financial systems being prime targets for malicious actors.

Government defence and deployment organisations lead the adoption of these cutting-edge solutions to shield vital infrastructure.

One concrete quantum technology example is securing power grids, where quantum technology enhances communication and control systems, thwarting manipulation and reducing the risk of disruptive outages.

Similarly, in the financial domain, quantum technology acts as a formidable defence mechanism, safeguarding sensitive data and transactions from cyberattacks, reinforcing the resilience of online banking systems and stock trading platforms against evolving threats, and ensuring economic operations’ integrity and stability.

Applying quantum technology in logistics and transportation

The integration of quantum technology into logistics and transportation represents a transformative step forward, revolutionising the efficiency and resilience of supply chain operations.

Quantum algorithms enable the solution of complex vehicle routing and scheduling problems with unparalleled efficiency, surpassing the capabilities of classical computers. By accounting for multiple constraints such as time windows, vehicle capacities, and traffic conditions, quantum-powered route optimisation ensures the realisation of optimal delivery schedules and routes.

Quantum technology facilitates real-time re-optimisation of logistics networks, enabling swift adaptation to disruptions like weather changes or shifts in demand.

In maritime shipping, quantum simulation enhances fleet routing, inventory management, and the implementation of sustainable fuel usage practices. Additionally, quantum machine learning augments predictive analytics for demand forecasting, risk analysis and disruption management, empowering logistics companies to make proactive decisions.

Furthermore, quantum optimisation enhances the efficiency of port and terminal operations, reducing wait times and bolstering throughput. As logistics and transportation embrace quantum technology, the industry stands poised to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency, agility and sustainability.

Key opportunities created with quantum technology

• Route optimisation: enhances efficiency in transportation planning.
• Supply chain management: improves coordination and reduces delays.
• Traffic flow: optimises traffic patterns to reduce congestion.
• Predictive maintenance: anticipates equipment failures for timely repairs.
• Fleet management: maximises utilisation and efficiency of vehicle fleets.
• Complex vehicle routing: routing and scheduling problems are solved more efficiently than with classical computers; quantum algorithms can find optimal routes and delivery schedules while accounting for multiple constraints like time windows, vehicle capacities, traffic and more.
• Maritime shipping operations: fleet routing, inventory management and sustainable fuel usage through quantum simulation improve maritime shipping operations.

Optimising transportation fleets, routes and delivery schedules

The integration of quantum optimisation techniques for transportation logistics has reached new heights, enabling precise fleet management and delivery scheduling.

By harnessing quantum algorithms, companies can compute optimal routes considering various constraints like time windows, vehicle capacities and traffic fluctuations. Quantum optimisation enables real-time adjustments to routes and networks, swiftly adapting to disruptions such as adverse weather or shifts in demand.

Moreover, it enhances port operations by reducing wait times and increasing throughput, while in maritime shipping, quantum simulation improves fleet routing, inventory management and sustainability efforts.

As quantum optimisation advances, it promises to maximise efficiency, minimise costs and address logistical challenges, ushering in a new era of transportation excellence and environmental responsibility.

Enhancing supply chain management and demand forecasting

Enhancing supply chain management and demand forecasting through quantum technologies is a game-changer in optimising logistics.

Quantum machine learning revolutionises predictive analytics, improving demand forecasting, risk analysis and disruption management. Harnessing quantum simulation in maritime shipping enhances fleet routing, inventory management and sustainable fuel usage, leading to more accurate predictions and reduced transit times.

Quantum algorithms optimise inventory levels, streamlining supply chain operations and promoting environmental responsibility within the maritime industry. As supply chain management evolves, the integration of quantum technologies promises greater efficiency, resilience and sustainability in global logistics networks.

Telecommunications quantum computing applications

Optimising telecommunications network performance

Quantum computing applications in telecommunications are set to transform modern communication networks, enhancing both their efficiency and security. Quantum algorithms like Grover’s algorithm and quantum approximate optimisation algorithm (QAOA) excel at complex network optimisation, enhancing data packet routing, traffic engineering, resource allocation and frequency assignments for faster transmission speeds and reduced latency.

Quantum technology enables real-time network re-optimisation, swiftly adapting to disruptions, demand changes, or equipment failures, while also promising better spectrum management through optimised frequency use for enhanced bandwidth allocation.

The development of quantum internet infrastructure leveraging quantum entanglement ensures ultra-secure communication networks, while the integration of quantum sensors improves GPS accuracy and enables more precise monitoring and management of network resources.

Quantum internet for unbreakable encryption and rapid data transfer

Quantum technology ensures unbreakable communication through QKD, where encryption keys are created using quantum mechanics principles, rendering them impervious to even the most powerful quantum computers. This future-proofs communication networks against potential threats, providing robust protection for sensitive data against interception and hacking attempts.

Quantum internet and security can come in a multitude of forms.

• Quantum internet development: The ongoing development of a quantum internet promises unbreakable encryption and rapid data transfer, revolutionising communication networks.
• Unbreakable encryption: Quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols leverage quantum mechanics principles to securely exchange encryption keys, providing virtually unhackable encryption and protecting against eavesdropping and cyberattacks.
• Enhanced data integrity: Quantum internet technologies enable more effective error detection and correction, ensuring enhanced data integrity during transmission.
• Advanced threat detection: Quantum algorithms and machine learning techniques facilitate faster and more accurate identification of security threats, bolstering network security.
• Future-proof security: Quantum technologies also focus on developing defences against future quantum-based attacks, ensuring the resilience of communication networks against evolving threats.

Applying quantum technologies in engineering and material sciences

The application of quantum technologies in engineering and material sciences is revolutionary, driving material discovery, optimisation and innovation.

By simulating quantum mechanical behaviour at atomic scales, scientists can predict exotic material properties such as superconductivity and magnetism with new levels of accuracy, vital for renewable energy, electronics, batteries and quantum technologies.

Quantum technologies also solve complex quantum many-body problems, revealing exotic states of matter like spin liquids and spin ices.

Quantum simulations accelerate materials research and industrial manufacturing, enhancing engineering processes, catalysts and production methods for chemical reactions; advancing battery and energy storage technologies; and facilitating precise design in nanotechnology applications.

Accelerating materials research and industrial manufacturing innovations

The quantum technology impact is revolutionising materials research and manufacturing, driving innovation at an unprecedented pace.

By simulating quantum mechanical behaviour at atomic scales, scientists can predict exotic material properties and tackle complex quantum many-body problems. This knowledge fuels the discovery of next-generation materials vital for renewable energy, electronics, batteries and quantum technologies.

Quantum simulations accelerate materials research, optimising engineering processes, improving catalysts and production methods, advancing battery technologies and aiding precise design in nanotechnology. Quantum technologies promise transformative advancements in materials science and manufacturing.

Enabling next-generation energy and battery technologies

Quantum technology stands at the forefront of enabling next-generation energy and battery technologies. Quantum mechanics can provide new insights into the fundamental processes that govern energy storage and conversion, leading to the development of more efficient and sustainable energy systems. For example, quantum computing can be used to simulate complex chemical reactions involved in battery performance, enabling researchers to design new materials with improved properties.

In parallel, quantum sensors provide a powerful, non-invasive means of examining the internal state of batteries in real time. This capability delivers valuable operational data that can support optimal battery use and inform manufacturers in the development of more reliable, high-performance battery systems. As the demand for clean energy continues to grow, quantum technology will play an increasingly important role in developing the next generation of energy and battery technologies.

Future state of quantum technology

The future of quantum technology in any industry presents both promises and challenges, with professionals in this space tasked with addressing some of the key issues outlined below.

• Scaling up: Building larger-scale quantum machines to accommodate the millions/billions of qubits needed for practical uses of quantum technology
• Error correction: Developing robust techniques to mitigate quantum errors caused by noise and interference, ensuring reliable calculations.
• Fault tolerance: Improving fault tolerance to maintain operation even in the event of component failures.
• Algorithm development: Continued research into quantum computing algorithms, which differ significantly from classical computing approaches.
• Integration and cybersecurity: Integrating quantum technology with existing systems while addressing cybersecurity risks.
• Affordability and accessibility: Working towards reducing the high costs associated with quantum computing to promote broader adoption and accessibility.

Drive the second quantum revolution

Are you passionate about the potential of quantum tech?

Our Quantum Technology Applications and Management MSc (online) programme is designed for aspiring quantum innovators looking to advance their knowledge and confidence in the subject.

With a Masters that focuses on the commercial potential of innovative quantum technologies, you’ll be equipped to undertake industrial research at a small or large tech company, set up and manage a quantum division in your own organisation, use your new quantum literacy to influence policy, or disrupt the market as a quantum entrepreneur.

Find out more about Sussex’s Quantum Technology MSc and where it could take you.