Just like many cutting-edge technologies, the journey of quantum computers has been surrounded by a buzz of excitement. McKinsey has boldly labeled quantum computing as “one of the next big trends” in the tech realm, foreseeing substantial potential and an estimated contribution of around US$1.3tn in value by 2035. With numerous contenders striving for quantum supremacy, we explore the landscape by spotlighting 10 key companies driving its development.
1. IBM
IBM, a century-old technological pioneer, is at the forefront of the quantum computing revolution, leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics to solve complex problems. IBM Quantum, the company’s quantum computing division, leads the world in this field. Quantum computing utilizes subatomic particle behavior, including superposition and entanglement, with qubits as the basic unit of information. IBM Quantum provides real quantum hardware to developers, boasting the world’s largest quantum computing fleet and introducing Qiskit Runtime for executing advanced quantum programs. The platform has attracted a diverse community of 210+ Fortune 500 companies, academic institutions, labs, and startups. IBM Quantum is actively addressing the challenge of quantum-safe cryptography to ensure cybersecurity in a quantum future. As quantum computing becomes mainstream, IBM Quantum plays a central role in shaping the evolving ecosystem of suppliers, hardware, and software companies, driving the quantum revolution forward.
2. Google
Google is making remarkable strides in the realm of quantum computing, leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics to potentially transform various fields by solving intricate problems beyond classical computers’ capabilities. Google Quantum AI is dedicated to advancing quantum computing, developing tools for researchers to operate beyond classical limits. In 2019, they achieved “quantum supremacy” by performing a calculation in 300 seconds that would take a supercomputer 10,000 years. Google’s quantum computer has 70 operational qubits, enabling simultaneous representation of both states. The Quantum AI team has developed software libraries, including Cirq, OpenFermion, and TensorFlow Quantum. While quantum computing is still in its early stages, Google Quantum AI aims to build a fully error-corrected quantum computer and explore applications across diverse fields, positioning itself as a leader in the quantum computing revolution.
3. Microsoft
Microsoft Quantum is dedicated to creating the world’s first scalable quantum computing system, employing a full-stack approach from quantum physics to global solutions. They have achieved significant milestones, published a quantum supercomputer roadmap, and demonstrated the first milestone. Microsoft’s quantum machine operates on reliable logical qubits, the fundamental units of quantum information. Unlike classical bits, qubits can represent both states simultaneously due to superposition, enabling remarkable computational speeds. Microsoft Azure Quantum provides learning resources and software libraries like Azure Quantum Elements to accelerate scientific discovery. Despite being in the early stages, Microsoft Quantum is committed to building a fully error-corrected quantum computer and exploring quantum applications across diverse fields, establishing itself as a leader in the quantum computing revolution.
4. Amazon
Amazon fully managed quantum computing service, Amazon Braket, is designed to expedite scientific research and software development for quantum computing. Braket provides a consistent set of development tools, allowing users to build quantum projects on a trusted cloud with simple pricing and management controls. It offers access to diverse quantum hardware technologies, including superconducting qubits, gate-based ion-trap processors, and Rydberg atom-based quantum computers. The collaborative nature of Amazon Braket’s software development kit, pricing structure, and workflow management encourages rapid market entry for quantum applications. Additionally, Amazon’s commitment to quantum innovation is evident through the AWS Center for Quantum Computing, aiming to build a fault-tolerant quantum computer. In the quantum computing revolution, Amazon is not just a participant but emerges as one of the leaders, poised to remain at the forefront.
5. Alibaba
Through Alibaba Cloud’s Quantum Computing Cloud Platform, developed in collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, they offer an 11-qubit quantum computing service to the public. Alibaba is actively involved in hardware development, creating its own qubits, the fundamental units of information in quantum computing, allowing for simultaneous representation of both states. Their quantum researchers focus on superconducting qubits and are building a comprehensive quantum business stack, providing cloud access, algorithms, software, and consulting services. Despite quantum computing being in its early stages, Alibaba remains committed to innovation, investing in emerging technologies and exploring diverse applications for quantum computers. In the quantum computing revolution, Alibaba stands out as a leader, poised to remain at the forefront of this dynamic field.
6. Atos
Atos Quantum Learning Machine (QLM) provides a dedicated on-premises environment with powerful hardware infrastructure, enabling researchers, engineers, and students to experiment with quantum software. Atos is actively involved in quantum hardware development, creating their own qubits that operate on the principle of superposition, allowing for simultaneous representation of both states. With a commitment to collaborative innovation, Atos’ quantum researchers focus on superconducting qubits, aiming to develop a comprehensive quantum business stack, including cloud access, algorithms, software, and consulting services. Despite being in the early stages, Atos remains dedicated to advancing quantum computing, investing in emerging technologies and exploring diverse applications. Positioned as a leader in the quantum computing revolution, Atos is poised to continue driving innovation in this dynamic field.
7. Baidu
Baidu cloud-based platform, Baidu Quantum, provides powerful quantum capabilities through Quantum as a Service (QaaS), aiming to make quantum computing accessible to everyone. Baidu is engaged in developing its own qubits, the fundamental units of quantum information, enabling computations at remarkable speeds due to the principle of superposition. With a focus on collaborative innovation, Baidu’s quantum researchers are working on superconducting qubits, developing a comprehensive quantum business stack that includes cloud access, algorithms, software, and consulting services. Despite being in the early stages, Baidu remains committed to investing in emerging technologies, particularly quantum computing, positioning itself as a leader in this transformative field. As quantum computing progresses, Baidu is poised to maintain its forefront position in driving innovation in the quantum computing landscape.
8. Intel
Intel is actively leading the charge in the quantum era, making notable advancements in quantum computing. Through their cloud-based platform, Intel Quantum, they provide robust quantum capabilities with Quantum as a Service (QaaS), aiming to make quantum computing accessible to all. Intel is engaged in developing its own qubits, the foundational units of quantum information, enabling simultaneous representation of both states and facilitating rapid computations. With a focus on collaborative innovation, Intel’s quantum researchers are exploring superconducting qubits, developing a comprehensive quantum business stack that includes cloud access, algorithms, software, and consulting services. Despite being in the early stages, Intel remains committed to investing in emerging technologies, particularly quantum computing, positioning itself as a leader in this transformative field. As quantum computing evolves, Intel is poised to maintain its leading role in driving innovation in the quantum computing landscape.
9. Quantinuum
Quantinuum, a quantum computing powerhouse formed by the merger of Cambridge Quantum and Honeywell’s quantum division, is actively advancing the quantum revolution. With a global presence, the company is building an extensive ecosystem of quantum collaborators. Notably, Quantinuum achieved a groundbreaking milestone by simulating a chemical molecule using fault-tolerant algorithms on a quantum processor with logical qubits.
In quantum hardware development, Quantinuum is creating quantum computers capable of tasks beyond classical hardware capabilities. They are actively involved in designing their own qubits, fundamental units of quantum information. Their unique full-stack approach allows their software and applications to operate universally on any quantum hardware, giving them a distinctive position in the quantum ecosystem.
Quantinuum is committed to accelerating quantum computing to address pressing global challenges, demonstrating its value in diverse fields such as cybersecurity, computational chemistry, machine learning, and more. As a leader in the quantum computing revolution, Quantinuum is well-positioned to continue shaping the future of this transformative field.
10. Toshiba
Toshiba is a prominent player in the quantum computing arena, demonstrating substantial progress in the field. With a focus on quantum-safe security solutions, Toshiba Quantum Technology specializes in Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), providing provably secure quantum solutions for seamless integration into current networks. Their two-decade-long quantum research sets them apart in the industry.
In quantum hardware development, Toshiba is actively engaged in creating its own qubits, the fundamental units of quantum information. Leveraging the principle of superposition, these qubits can represent multiple states simultaneously, enabling quantum computers to perform complex calculations at remarkable speeds.
Toshiba fosters collaborative innovation within the quantum community, particularly in superconducting qubit research. Their comprehensive quantum business stack, inclusive of cloud-based quantum computing access, proprietary algorithms, software, and consulting services, underscores their commitment to advancing quantum technologies.
As quantum computing evolves, Toshiba remains a leader, continually investing in emerging technologies and exploring diverse applications of quantum computers. Positioned at the forefront of innovation, Toshiba is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of quantum computing.