Skip to main content

Talks From the Future - A beginner's guide to QUANTUM COMPUTING

By

Talks from the future: A beginner's guide to Quantum Computing 

"A beginner's guide to quantum computing | Shohini Ghose. TED Talk"


What is quantum computing?
Quantum computing is a type of non-classical computing based on the quantum state of subatomic particles. It differs fundamentally from classic computers, which operate using binary bits. Quantum computing uses quantum bits, or qubits. One qubit can represent a range of values, which is known as ‘superpositioning’.

Superpositioning grants quantum computers speed and parallelism, since each  individual qubit can represent a quantitative solution to a problem. Qubits can also be linked together (known as “entanglement”). Each entangled qubit adds two additional dimensions to the system. Combined with superposition, quantum computers are capable of processing a massive number of possible outcomes at once. The number of high-quality qubits necessary to make a viable quantum computer depends on the problem.

The ability for a quantum computer to outperform a classical computer is called “quantum supremacy.” Experts forecast that quantum supremacy will become a reality within a matter of years for a limited number of computing problems. 

Potential applications of quantum computing

Since general-purpose quantum computing is unlikely to ever make economic sense, applications for the technology will be narrow and highly focused. Nevertheless, the technology does hold the potential to revolutionise certain industries. Quantum computing could enable breakthroughs in:
  • Machine learning: Improved ML through faster structured prediction. Examples include Boltzmann machines, quantum Boltzmann machines, semi-supervised learning, unsupervised learning and deep learning;
  • Artificial intelligence: Faster calculations could improve perception, comprehension, and circuit fault diagnosis/binary classifiers;
  • Chemistry: New fertilisers, catalysts, battery chemistries will all drive improvements in resource utilization;
  • Biochemistry: New drugs, tailored drugs, and maybe even hair restorer;
  • Finance: Quantum computing could enable faster, more complex Monte Carlo simulations; for example, trading, trajectory optimisation, market instability, price optimisation and hedging strategies;
  • Healthcare: DNA gene sequencing, such as radiotherapy treatment optimisation/brain tumour detection, could be performed in seconds instead of hours or weeks;
  • Materials: super strong materials; corrosion proof paints; lubricants and semiconductors;
  • Computer science: Faster multidimensional search functions; for example, query optimisation, mathematics and simulations.
The risk of ignoring quantum computing
While many aspects of quantum computing’s future remain uncertain, such as the physics, materials, and controls, multinational organisations such as IBM, Google, Intel and Microsoft are already investing heavily in the hardware and software.
CIOs should consider quantum computing technology as a competitive advantage, as new quantum-inspired algorithms could produce innovative solutions and novel approaches to product development. It could also significantly reduce time to market, as well as optimising customer delivery.
Moreover, ignoring quantum computing may well place intellectual property (IP) and patent portfolios at risk: early adopters will enjoy a competitive advantage by patenting quantum-inspired innovations within specific domains. For example, a competitor might develop a quantum-based solution to improve Monte Carlo simulations by 1,000%, or a pharmaceutical company might significantly reduce the time to market for new drugs.

CIOs should focus on business value, and expect results to be at least 5 years out
Advertisement
By 2023, 90% of enterprise quantum computing investments will engage quantum consulting organisations to help shape problems that can leverage quantum algorithms. Knowing how to identify and extract business value from a quantum computing initiative is a key skill to develop. CIOs should look for potential opportunities from quantum computing and be ready to help the business leverage them.
These opportunities will need to be fully integrated with traditional IT, and will require new cross-collaboration from research scientists, computational data scientists and quantum data scientists. This new development paradigm is vital to the success of any quantum program.

Comments

Post a Comment

We are happy about any feedback. Just leave it here!

Popular posts from this blog

Brace yourself! You will be hired by computers now...

By
Estimated Reading Time: 1 minute There was a time when humans made computers and ensured that they constantly kept evolving it; after all, it was just a machine. However, times have now changed. Human is no longer the smart ones, and how could they be when a computer is used to hire them? Doesn't feel nice right? Imagine a computer deciding if you are capable enough for anything or not!! However weird it sounds, it is the reality of modern-day HR. We thought that AI was only helpful for big analytical and number related stuff. However, this isn't true anymore. Computers have been making decisions for us for quite some time now, and computer-based hiring is just a step ahead! From taking online standardised tests to appearing for computer-based behavioural interviews; the world has come a long way. As if beating people in Poker wasn't enough, AI has crept its way in here too. The future of HR is both digital and human as HR leaders focus on optimizing the combinatio...
Post a Comment
Read more

Let AI Save the Environment

By
Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes The environment today needs our help! While a major chunk of our race has been busy degrading it, there is also a part which is focused on helping the Earth survive! Greta Thunberg, the crusader for the green mission has now and then focus on how the current generation has become overly dependent on technology, in fact so much so that it has started spoiling the environment so much! Even though I find nothing wrong in what she said, it is after all true. However, every coin has two sides, and this situation to has a side which has to be discussed and embraced for all the good. It is true that now the world cannot function without technology, and anything devoid of it is obsolete. however, it is this technology which comes in handy a lot of time, especially when it comes to saving our environment. There are several technologies which are currently being used to safeguarding the environment and helping in a variety of ways. Even educ...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Luke Arm: How Star Wars Inspired the Prosthetic Arm of the Future

By
The history of prosthetics is a long and oftentimes curious testament to the creativity and resilience of humanity. We first find records of them around the year 1500BC when Egyptians took it upon themselves to craft fiber-based prosthetics, some of which are even thought to have been functional. Since then, the history of prosthetics has moved from semi-functional fiber to solely aesthetic metal limbs, to legs made out of various materials attached to harnesses that allowed limited movement, passing through the well-known peg legs and hooks. Post-World War II heavy investment and technology innovations have produced radical improvements that have made prosthetics more functional, comfortable, and realistic. Researchers have struggled with providing prosthetics with a sense of touch, but not anymore. Over the past fifteen years, a biomedical engineering team at the University of Utah have developed a prosthetic arm that allows users to feel what they are touching inspired by ...
Post a Comment
Read more