In his book Introduction to Quantum Computing for Business, Koen Groenland explores the potential of quantum computing for businesses and explains that for quantum computers to become practically useful, certain technical barriers must be overcome. These include significant progress in error correction, increasing the number of qubits available for business applications (or reducing their computational overhead), and ensuring sufficient computational power. According to the author, this may become possible within 10–20 years.
While we are still in a phase of great expectations for quantum computing in business, let’s understand how it works and what you need to prepare in your processes.
What Can Accelerate the Adoption of Quantum Computing for Business?
At the time of writing the mentioned book, quantum computing was still in active development, and its widespread adoption for business was expected no earlier than 2035–2045. However, recent developments suggest that the future has its own plans, and competition through quantum technology could become a real scenario in the coming years. Here’s what you need to know:
Willow
In December 2024, Google introduced the Willow quantum chip, which can solve a problem in 5 minutes, which would take modern supercomputers 10 septillion years (longer than the age of the universe).
Expert Predictions
In 2025, quantum computers are expected to move beyond laboratories and be integrated into real networks and data centers, marking a major step toward the practical application of this technology. Additionally, 2025 is expected to bring significant progress in quantum error correction, improving the reliability of quantum computing.
Diamond Technology
Diamond-based technology is also gaining traction, enabling quantum computing at room temperature without the need for complex cooling systems. This could facilitate the creation of portable quantum devices.
Read: How DeepSeek R1 Works and Changes the AI Market
Which Businesses Will Adopt Quantum Computing First?
Quantum computers promise significant advancements in three areas: quantum simulation, cryptography, and computational optimization. The essence of quantum computing is its ability to perform complex calculations at unprecedented speeds. Therefore, the first adopters will likely be businesses that require large-scale computational power and have sufficient resources to invest in this still-expensive technology.
Quantum Simulation for Business
Industries such as finance, chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and energy could be transformed forever with quantum simulation.
Quantum computing enables more precise data analysis, leading to accurate financial risk predictions, anomaly detection in markets, and safer investment strategies. In pharmaceuticals, quantum computers can rapidly simulate chemical reactions and molecular properties, accelerating the development of new drugs and materials. Simulation can also help optimize logistics routes and energy grid usage.
Major financial companies, such as BBVA and JPMorgan, are already investing in quantum computing to optimize business processes.
Quantum Cryptography for Business
Sectors such as finance, healthcare, and high technology stand to benefit significantly from quantum cryptography. While government agencies are also interested in this field, today we focus on business applications. Cryptography ensures secure data storage and transmission, which is crucial for protecting personal data, intellectual property, and trade secrets.
Leading financial institutions and banks use cryptography to secure transactions and authenticate users through digital signatures and biometric data. Tech companies are also exploring quantum cryptography to secure cloud services and networks.
Wherever new cryptographic opportunities arise, so do new threats from cybercrime. It is reasonable to expect that cybercriminals will be among the first to leverage quantum computing for illicit activities.
Read: Cybersecurity for employees in 2024-2025: an awareness that protects your business
Optimization for Business
Optimization is a broad concept, but in the context of quantum computing, it means that within the next 20 years, every e-commerce business could use quantum platforms for demand forecasting, ad targeting, and other routine tasks that currently require semi-automated analysis. Forecasting, analytics, and optimization — this quantum triad will revolutionize business. Advertising will become more targeted and efficient (meaning less intrusive ads — something to look forward to!). When used correctly, quantum-powered optimization can benefit all businesses.
As you can see, quantum technologies for business look highly promising.
How Do Quantum Computers Work, and What Should Businesses Know?
A quantum computer operates based on the principles of quantum mechanics rather than classical logic, which traditional computers rely on. Classical computers encode information using bits, which represent either 0 or 1. Quantum computers use qubits, which can exist in a superposition of states — meaning a single qubit can represent both 0 and 1 simultaneously. This allows quantum computers to process vast numbers of combinations at once.
If a traditional computer is like conscious analysis, a quantum computer is like mechanical intuition.
For example, if you run an e-commerce store with thousands of products and complex logistics, a conventional computer would sequentially evaluate different delivery options to find the optimal route. A quantum computer, on the other hand, could evaluate all possible routes simultaneously, significantly reducing delivery times and costs. In finance, quantum computing can improve market forecasting by analyzing millions of potential scenarios simultaneously, whereas classical machines take longer to process such calculations.
In pharmaceuticals and chemical industries, quantum computers enable the simulation of complex molecules, accelerating drug development. Traditional computers may take weeks for such calculations, whereas quantum machines can complete them in hours or even minutes. In supply chain management and manufacturing, quantum technology can analyze multiple factors — such as weather conditions, demand fluctuations, and warehouse inventory — to instantly recommend optimal solutions, minimizing costs and avoiding delays.
Currently, quantum computers do not replace classical ones because they require special conditions to function (even minor environmental interference can disrupt qubits). They are best suited for highly complex computational tasks. However, as the technology becomes more accessible, companies will be able to integrate quantum solutions into various domains — from personalized customer recommendations to data security.
How to Prepare Your Business for Quantum Computing
Adopting quantum computing in business is a powerful opportunity, but it requires thorough preparation. To maximize its benefits, companies must first streamline their internal processes. A quantum computer will not fix chaotic management; instead, it demands structured data and a clear understanding of key tasks. Optimization begins with analyzing business workflows: identifying critical processes, pinpointing bottlenecks, and determining which decisions require extensive computational power.
Before implementing quantum computing, it is crucial to define which specific problems it will solve. Without a clear use case, the technology could become an expensive experiment without tangible benefits.
Here are seven key steps to prepare your business for the quantum future:
- Consult quantum computing experts to assess how applicable the technology is to your industry and business processes.
- Hire data analysis specialists who can evaluate which workflows could be enhanced with quantum algorithms.
- Upgrade your IT infrastructure — quantum solutions often require hybrid computing environments where classical and quantum systems work together.
- Invest in employee training, especially for IT teams, so they understand the fundamentals and limitations of quantum algorithms.
- Start with cloud-based quantum services to test the technology on real-world tasks without significant upfront investments.
- Develop an implementation strategy — a quantum computer is not just a replacement for traditional machines but a tool for solving specific optimization problems.
- Consider hiring a quantum physicist or partnering with specialized firms if quantum technology becomes critical to your business.
Quantum computing has not yet become a mainstream tool, but its potential is enormous. Those who start preparing today will be better positioned to adapt and leverage its advantages when the technology becomes more widely available.
At JetSoftPro, we are ready to assist you in optimizing and automating your business. We can support you from the very first step on your journey into quantum computing for business.
