By: Shivaramakrishnan Iyer and Hakimuddin Bawangaonwala

Quantum has emerged as a buzzword among IT experts and fresh graduates alike. As the world enters the quantum decade, businesses are also eyeing the business potential of Quantum Technologies, especially Quantum Computing. As we move ahead in this new era of computing, we will witness a shift from quantum science towards quantum readiness, with quantum computers becoming available via the cloud. We foresee a significant computing revolution over the next few years that could significantly disrupt traditional business models and create new industries.

According to Statista, the Quantum Computing market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 43% in the current decade. The global quantum computing market could reach $9 Bn in revenue by 2030, compared to $260 Mn in 2020. Quantum Computing could create value between $450 Bn to $850 Bn in the next 15 to 30 years. BCG estimates that quantum optimization applications in finance, logistics, and aerospace alone could generate up to $220 Bn in annual revenue once the quantum computing technology matures.

The workforce must be continuously developed to meet quantum-related industrial demands and problems. The next generation of workers is being skilled via a certification program in quantum computing and machine learning offered by various top universities and industries.

To embark on a quantum-computing journey, you will require exposure to various overlapping disciplines. If you are a fresh engineering graduate or a young professional wondering how you can become a part of the quantum revolution or shift from business professional to quantum engineer, this blog answers these questions.

Scope in Quantum

Solving complicated computational issues on a classical computer is like running through a maze. A conventional computer travels through each path sequentially and then reaches the exit. In retrospect, a quantum computer travels through all the routes simultaneously, solving problems more quickly than a classical computer. The banking and financial sectors, as well as the healthcare, defense, manufacturing, and high-tech research businesses, will radically change because of quantum computing.

We are currently in the Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) era, where the number of qubits is small (100-150 qubits) and lacks error correction to perform complex computations is large enough to demonstrate the quantum advantage. In 2021, IBM unveiled its 127-qubit Eagle quantum computer. They are the first to break the 100-qubit barrier mark.

The development of IBM’s quantum computer highlighted the shortage of skilled quantum computing specialists that can assist in setting up quantum labs and map application use cases. Like Artificial Intelligence (AI), there aren’t enough skilled people to move the technology from research to development. Even though quantum computing is in the nascent stages of industrial adoption, a significant skill gap intensifies the demand for specialists.

Future Roles in Quantum Computing

Experts are in high demand as the sector moves closer to commercialization. The person who makes a wise decision and masters Quantum Computing while it is still in its infancy will win the race. Below are some of the positions that are already swimming in the business:

Quantum Research Scientist

This vocation is gaining traction, and several discoveries are being made in this subject, necessitating skilled and enthusiastic individuals. A quantum research scientist is a broad stream with sub-specialties, including materials and surfaces, design and simulation, device manufacturing, and quantum algorithms.

Quantum Computing Engineer

Quantum mechanics, electrical and electronic engineering, systems engineering, and computer science are all part of a quantum computer engineer’s job description. One path to becoming a quantum computer engineer is attending graduate school, getting engaged in projects, and working your way up the ranks.

Quantum Software Developer

As a quantum software engineer, you will be responsible for refining quantum processors’ control schema and automating the design process steps. You will work on all parts of the software development life cycle, including design, coding, testing, integration, and system operations.

Other roles include Qubit Researcher, Quantum Computer Architect, Quantum Cryogenic Researcher, Quantum Algorithmic Researcher, Quantum Microwave Engineer, Quantum Control researcher, and Quantum User Experience Designer. Because the industry is still relatively young, there aren’t many employment opportunities available right now. However,  as the sector expands and grows over time, additional opportunities will emerge.

Need for Quantum Experts

Innovation is the key to the future, and given the rapidly changing technological landscape and the numerous breakthroughs occurring in all fields, it is crucial for an organization to assess the effects of technological advancement on its operations and business and to make strategic decisions about how to best use it to create a better future.

Quantum Computing holds the potential to revolutionize critical industries such as IT and communication. It can possibly alter the way we use daily devices such as our mobile phones, GPS, and other devices. This technology is critical in vital domains such as defense and data security.

However, Quantum Computing is an emerging technological discipline that integrates hardware and software computer engineering, quantum physics, and mathematics. It can only thrive if enough individuals are interested in it as a topic of study. And, because of its transdisciplinary nature and other practical restrictions, there is an increasing demand for experts who understand how quantum algorithms work.

To get a career breakthrough in Quantum Computing, you might want to explore specific topics such as quantum physics, linear algebra, electronics, probability theory, software development, and quantum machine learning techniques. A thorough Quantum Computing course will assist you in comprehending these subjects in tandem.

Gartner rates Quantum Computing as the decade’s most disruptive technology and believes that 40% of large companies are planning to create initiatives around Quantum Computing by 2025. Quantum Computing and its solutions will provide critical breakthroughs in areas such as AI, Machine Learning, Cryptography, Optimization, and so on.

The hardware and software are currently available only from select vendors. However, with advances, these services will soon be cheaper, opening new avenues of career opportunities for fresh talent who is well-versed in the above topics.

The Quantum Technologies Learning Curve

You might think, “I don’t know much about quantum physics, but how can I get started?” If you had asked this question a decade ago, the path to working in quantum would have been narrow and tight, but with recent advancements, it has widened and branched into several entrance points. These entry points include a variety of professions and techniques. This expansion of access points into quantum computing, together with the move from quantum research to quantum readiness, creates several chances to contribute to the future of quantum computing. Here are a few ways to help you get started on Quantum Computing.

Quantum-related technology courses

• Python – As most of the libraries developed by software providers are based on Python, it is essential to use it to program quantum systems.
• Qiskit.org – Qiskit is a Python library developed by IBM to program quantum computers. The website Qiskit.org provides users with comprehensive course material on programming quantum computers using Python.
• Cirq/ Quantum AI – Latest Quantum Computing tools and techniques to prepare them to join the future quantum workforce.
• Quantum Information and Mechanics – It is vital to understand quantum mechanics as quantum systems are based on their principles.
• Linear Algebra – To build quantum algorithms, it is necessary to have a thorough understanding of linear algebra.
• Quantum Composer – Tool by IBM enabling users to start building quantum circuits (algorithms) in an easy-to-use drag and drop manner. IBM provides free access to its 5-qubit machines on which users can build circuits and experiment.

Industry Certifications

• IBM Quantum Consultation for Business – This certification course helps to gain foundational knowledge on core quantum computing concepts. It also helps us understand the business value of quantum computing by introducing industry applications.
• IBM Certified Associate Developer – Quantum Computation using Qiskit v0.2X: An IBM Qiskit Developer is an individual who demonstrates fundamental knowledge of Quantum Computing concepts and can express them using the Qiskit open-source Software Development Kit (SDK).

Conclusion

Active involvement from the industry will not only accelerate the development of quantum use cases but also meet skillset generation and retention goals. Quantum technologies will influence computing, networking, sensing, and the security paradigm, and the right boost to the start-up ecosystem will lead the way.

Scaling might remain a persistent issue, but new application areas will emerge over the next decade. Low-cost quantum devices, such as quantum random number generators, which can detect and turn random quantum events into a stream of binary digits, may experience tremendous growth in the next few years.