Commercialising Quantum: Use case identification and application development are the roadmap for success
As interest in and adoption of quantum increases, truly understanding the technology remains challenging, especially recognizing its full capabilities and availability. The time is ripe for commercialisation of quantum computing due to critical progress that has occurred in recent years. Therefore, it is important to demystify the technology, cut through the hype, and provide clarity on how the technology can solve real-world problems, today.
First, let’s clarify that not all quantum is the same. There are two primary approaches to quantum computing: annealing and gate-model. Both are comprised of quantum bits, or qubits, which are quantum computing’s version of bits, classical computing’s most basic form of information. The quantum mechanical effects of qubits allow for greater and faster computational power and will be capable of tackling problems outside the reach of classical systems alone.
Each quantum system has unique strengths and is advancing along different timelines. “Quantum annealing is a type of quantum technology that can be used to find the best-fit solution for optimization problems,” noted by the IDC Spotlight paper, “Gaining Near-Term Advantage Using Quantum Annealing,” sponsored by D-Wave. In fact, applications utilising quantum annealing technology have already been built and deployed such as addressing supply chain, e-commerce and sustainability. Gate-model systems use a series of quantum gates, which when programmed at a machine level, manipulate qubits to yield computational results. These types of systems are further away from solving real-world problems but will be needed for solving problems such as quantum chemistry or material design. However, the current size of gate model systems lends them to research or experimentation vs. real-world applications.
It is also important to recognize the importance of hybrid compute resources. Not every part of a problem needs quantum computational power, and classical computation can only go so far. The value lies in quantum-classical hybrid applications, with quantum and classical computation working synergistically to solve problems. Hybrid applications break apart the problem and routes the parts best suited for classical computation, and the hardest parts to the quantum system. Many commercial applications are utilizing quantum-hybrid technologies. Our clients have built hundreds of applications solving a diverse array of computationally complex problems. For example, a Canadian grocery retailer uses quantum-hybrid applications daily to optimise their e-commerce grocery delivery service. Hybrid technologies combined with real- time cloud access to commercial quantum systems, make this a key inflection point for increased commercialisation focus.
Public and private sectors can benefit from today’s quantum
To expedite commercialisation of the quantum industry, governments and the private sector must prioritise initiating a quantum journey. Optimisation problems are ubiquitous across all sectors. Successful commercialisation hinges upon selecting problems best suited to benefit from today’s quantum technology.
Within the public sector, the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C)’s ‘QuEnergy’ report highlighted problems where quantum computing applications have significant impact for utilities, including energy market optimisation, fault prediction, integrated planning and optimization for grid reliability and resilience. Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) was the world’s first transport organisation to announce it was exploring how quantum applications can optimize its network. This collaboration project between the New South Wales (NSW) government and TfNSW demonstrates the wide-ranging benefits of these computational programs. There are many more potential uses for quantum technology in the public sector, especially within the fields of emergency management and response, sustainability, and supply chain. In the United States, the Port of Los Angeles used quantum applications to optimise a cargo pier to increase truck turnaround times by 12% and reduce crane movement, easing supply chain strain. In Japan, there is an application that optimised waste collection that also reduced carbon emissions by nearly 60%.
Additionally, the private sector can benefit from quantum technology. Various applications developed tackle wide-ranging commercial problems including optimising a construction site by up to 10%, and providing efficiency for autonomous vehicles on manufacturing floors by an average of 15%. An automobile manufacturer’s application reduced waste by nearly 80% in paint shop operations, and an application was developed to optimise complex staff scheduling. In life sciences, there is innovative work by start-ups using quantum computing for drug design and quantum powered protein design for drug discovery, as well as exploration by large pharmaceuticals for mRNA codon optimisation. Furthermore, quantum applications can be harnessed to assist national security and space and satellite industries.
Public and private sectors can benefit from quantum computing applications to address real-world problems. Choosing the best problems to tackle will be key to implementation and successful commercialisation.
Proven commercialisation process
There is a proven four-step process for integrating any new technology, and it is no different for quantum. To best integrate quantum computing into a complex organisational challenge, organisations should follow these steps:
This process works whether you’re a start-up, a multinational corporation, or a government entity. Throughout the four steps, there are professional service teams that possess quantum expertise to expedite quantum application development and integration. Quantum computing companies have their own professional services teams to help customers, but there is also a growing number of start-ups and quantum consultants to assist clients along their quantum journey.
Real-time cloud access, advancements in hardware and software, and the growing number of professional services teams with quantum expertise supports commercialisation with quantum technologies. The move to using the technology to tackle real-world problems is evident in the latest United Kingdom Quantum Strategy, which incorporated commercialisation. This approach is also gaining traction in other regions including the European Union, Canada, Japan and Australia, among others.
The key takeaway is that you do not have to wait to start benefitting from quantum computing technology. Commercial cloud quantum computing solutions are readily available today. Posing the question "what problems do we struggle finding answers to?" is the first step. Likely, quantum can play a role in finding better, faster solutions today.
techUK – Unleashing UK Tech and Innovation
The UK is home to emerging technologies that have the power to revolutionise entire industries. From quantum to semiconductors; from gaming to the New Space Economy, they all have the unique opportunity to help prepare for what comes next.
techUK members lead the development of these technologies. Together we are working with Government and other stakeholders to address tech innovation priorities and build an innovation ecosystem that will benefit people, society, economy and the planet - and unleash the UK as a global leader in tech and innovation.
For more information, or to get in touch, please visit our Innovation Hub and click ‘contact us’.
Tech and Innovation Summit, 6 Nov (rescheduled date)
Emerging technologies will be debated and explored at our annual Tech and Innovation Summit, taking place on 6 November. This campaign week will directly feed into the themes discussed at the Summit.
techUK’s flagship Tech and Innovation Summit returns to traverse the extraordinary and ground-breaking discoveries made possible by the application of emerging and transformative technologies.
Upcoming events:
Gaming & Esports Technologies of the Future
National Videogame Museum, Sheffield Panel discussion
A Black Lens: Exploring Representation In The Future of Extended Reality (XR)
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Sprint Campaigns
techUK's sprint campaigns explore how emerging and transformative technologies are developed, applied and commercialised across the UK's innovation ecosystem.
Activity includes workshops, roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, and flagship reports (setting out recommendations for Government and industry).
Each campaign runs for 4-6 months and features regular collaborations with programmes across techUK.
This campaign explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of space technologies and ultimately realise the benefits of the New Space Economy.
These technologies include AI, quantum, lasers, robotics & automation, advanced propulsion and materials, and semiconductors.
Activity has taken the form of roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and a report.
Get in touch below to find out more about techUK's ongoing work in this area.
Event round-ups
Report
Insights
Get in touch
Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse.
This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/
This campaign has explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of the technologies set to underpin the Gaming & Esports sector of the future.
These include AI, augmented / virtual / mixed / extended reality, haptics, cloud & edge computing, semiconductors, and advanced connectivity (5/6G).
Activity has taken the form of roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, and thought leadership pieces. A report featuring member case studies and policy recommendations is currently being produced (to be launched in September 2024).
Get in touch below to find out more about contributing to or collaborating on this campaign.
Upcoming events
Gaming & Esports Technologies of the Future
National Videogame Museum, Sheffield Panel discussionEvent round-ups
Insights
Get in touch
Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse.
This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/
Running from July to December 2024, this campaign will explore how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of web3 and immersive technologies.
These include blockchain, smart contracts, digital assets, augmented / virtual / mixed / extended reality, spatial computing, haptics and holograms.
Activity will take the form of roundtables, workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions, tech demos, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and reports.
Get in touch below to find out more about contributing to or collaborating on this campaign.
Upcoming events
Event round-ups
Guest insights
Get in touch
Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse.
This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/
Campaign Weeks
Our annual Campaign Weeks enable techUK members to explore how the UK can lead on the development and application of emerging and transformative technologies.
Members do this by contributing blogs or vlogs, speaking at events, and highlighting examples of best practice within the UK's tech sector.
Summits
Tech and Innovation Summit 2023
Tech and Innovation Summit 2024