Quantum computing is an emerging technology that promises to revolutionize computing power. Major tech companies like Google, IBM and Microsoft are racing to develop practical quantum computers. Investing in companies at the forefront of quantum computing development presents exciting opportunities. This article discusses key players in the quantum computing field that investors should watch.
Google’s supremacy in quantum hardware
Google has made major advances in quantum computing hardware. In 2019, Google achieved quantum supremacy by using its 53-qubit Sycamore processor to perform a computation in 200 seconds that would take 10,000 years on a supercomputer. This demonstrated the exponential speedup enabled by quantum computers. Google’s quantum computing division was started in 2006 and has grown to over 200 researchers focused on both software and hardware. The company plans to commercialize quantum computing through its Google Cloud platform. As a pioneer with cutting-edge quantum processors, Google is well-positioned to be a leader as quantum computing moves towards real-world applications.
IBM’s hybrid cloud-quantum approach
IBM is another major player in quantum computing, with decades of experience. Unlike Google, IBM is focused more on making quantum computing commercially viable in the near term rather than pure performance milestones. In 2016, IBM launched the IBM Q quantum cloud service, allowing researchers to access real quantum processors. Currently IBM offers cloud access to quantum computers with up to 127 qubits. IBM is exploring hybrid classical-quantum algorithms that distribute tasks between conventional and quantum processors. By taking an incremental, hybrid approach IBM aims to find practical business uses for quantum computing on its cloud platform.
Microsoft’s quantum development tools
Microsoft is focused on enabling quantum computing through cloud services and developer tools. In 2019 Microsoft launched Azure Quantum, a cloud platform that provides access to quantum hardware from partners. Microsoft also offers the Quantum Development Kit for writing quantum code. While not building quantum hardware itself, Microsoft is leveraging its massive Azure cloud business to give developers tools to build quantum algorithms and applications. As adoption of quantum computing grows, Microsoft is well-positioned with its end-to-end quantum platform.
Emerging quantum software providers
Smaller companies like Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT) are focused on providing quantum software tools and applications. Since quantum computers remain expensive, software and services will lead the commercialization phase. QUBT offers a library of quantum-ready applications in areas like finance, cryptography, machine learning and more. Instead of waiting for mature quantum hardware, QUBT’s goal is to build an ecosystem for quantum computing applications using hybrid quantum-classical resources. Investors should look for innovative quantum software companies that are building real-world solutions today.
Google, IBM, Microsoft and startups like QUBT represent key players in quantum computing development. As quantum technology matures, these companies are positioned to lead the quantum revolution.