By: Manish Potdar and Divya Cinto

In today’s fast-paced world, where instant outcomes are the norm, Quantum Technologies have the potential to solve problems exponentially faster. Quantum Technologies have the potential to implement scenarios needing high-sensitivity measurements made possible by the principles of quantum physics. These precision measurements create sensors that can beat classical sensors in their detection abilities. However, the mass adoption of such technologies requires dedicated, skilled resources, scientists, and physicists. Quantum Technologies today show immense opportunities for future-ready jobs in the market.

he wave-particle of quantum systems gives rise to unique features that can be exploited to gain a technological advantage, generally referred to as Quantum Technology. Quantum Technology is set to provide the next wave of technological development in society. It has the potential to solve many complex scientific and engineering problems otherwise impossible with classical technologies that are being widely used now. It can also provide solutions to societal issues of concern like resource depletion, energy consumption, reaching net-zero/minimal carbon emissions, and climate change.

The increasing interest in Quantum Technologies and their ecosystem of technologies is pushing enterprises to focus on developing novel Quantum technologies. This phenomenon is bringing in a revolution – “The second quantum revolution,” which will introduce new technologies not available so far.

North America is expected to be the most profitable worldwide market share and income potential for Quantum technological services and solutions.

74.7% of the market share in quantum technologies is predicted to be captured by North America, while there is a 26% expected demand growth in quantum cryptography in Canada by 2031.

The Quantum technology market in China is set to reach $5.41 Bn by 2030, India to reach $310 Bn, and Germany touted to reach $3.6 Bn by 2027.

Coveted areas in Quantum Technology for future jobs

Quantum Computing

The strength of Quantum Computing lies in its algorithms and hardware. There is a massive demand for skilled talent who can help develop quantum algorithms and design and manufacture components for quantum hardware. Another related requirement would be creating unique interfacing software (for example, QISKIT for IBMQ, Pennylane for Xanadu) to utilize the quantum algorithm in the quantum hardware and API and specific packages for different applications like machine learning.

Quantum Communication 

The attraction that industry, governments, and enterprises have towards Quantum Communication is its inherent capability to transmit messages in a highly secure way that is not susceptible to eavesdroppers.In the next few years, quantum teleportation and cryptography experts will be in high demand.

Governments, businesses, and consumers all place a premium on secure communication. Quantum communication has already demonstrated efficiency through several laboratory experiments and satellite-based communication. Market leaders like ID Quantique have received significant financing in the application software sector. Several established businesses like Cisco and startups like nodeQ have forayed into the quantum communication and networks field. Despite its early success, quantum communication remains a new sector that should be studied since the market may alter if universal quantum computers are accessible. The market for quantum networks is expected to reach $5.5 Bn by 2025.

Quantum Sensing 

Quantum sensors are entirely new commercial products. For example, a new class of medical imaging devices, defense-related imaging devices like a radar for detecting stealth aircraft, finding hidden tunnels under the earth’s surface, and industrial detection of minute cracks in metals and surfaces used in high technology devices like aircraft. Quantum Sensing shows the potential to set up new industries in the next decade.

Out of all the investment activities, more than 65% is allocated to hardware manufacturers like Google, IBM, Xanadu, etc. Venture Capital firms, public entities like governments, sovereign wealth funds, universities, angel investors, accelerators/incubators, and private entities carry out investment activities. Out of all these investments, venture capitalists’ share of investment is the largest, with more than 50% of the total investment. In addition to the funding raised in the previous years, additional funding exceeding $2.1 Bn was announced in 2021.

Experts believe that advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Cryptography, Edge Computing, Blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Optimization might also provide some critical breakthroughs in Quantum Technology. Talented individuals with knowledge in quantum and other advanced areas would be ideal candidates for every company and firm.

The need for talent

In the future, Quantum software will play a key role in exploiting Quantum Technology’s potential. Unfortunately, today’s software development methodologies and techniques are not suited to quantum computers due to essential differences between the nature of the classical world and that of the quantum world. To lay a solid foundation for tomorrow’s quantum software development techniques, it is critically essential to pursue systematic research into quantum programming. 

Research is being done considering the concept of quantum literacy to address the transdisciplinary nature of lex problems like global sustainability issues. With governments and enterprises needing talented individuals with deep knowledge of quantum, multiple measures are being taken to enable quantum literacy. This includes access to vital information that should be more accessible to a diverse range of learners, i.e., students and professionals, throughout their lives.

Quantum Technology information must be more inclusively available to individuals who deal with real-world applications. Tech companies are collaborating with universities and laboratories to address this issue. For instance, TensorFlow Quantum (TFQ) is an open-source toolkit for quantum machine learning developed by Google in partnership with the University of Waterloo, Xanadu, and Volkswagen. 

Individuals who are early in their careers and looking to make a foray into the area of Quantum Technologies should work on developing skills such as:

• Python – As most of the libraries developed by software providers are based on Python, it is essential to use it to program quantum systems.
• 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.

There are also Industry certifications available, offered by vendors like IBM, which will help build a foundational understanding of the core concepts. Some of them are:

• IBM Quantum Consultation for Business – It helps to 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).

Although Quantum Technology is still an emerging field, exciting career prospects are opening up.Individuals can look at roles such as Quantum Research Scientist, specializing in different areas such as design and simulation, device manufacturing, developing quantum algorithms, etc. Other roles include computer engineer, quantum software developer, and architect. Individuals with business acumen could also look at the business side of things. In addition, more opportunities are likely to emerge as the sector grows and matures.

Conclusion

As the race to implement Quantum Technology accelerates, mass production of quantum computers, quantum simulators, quantum communication protocols, devices, and sensing materials will be made possible over time, making it reachable and affordable to small businesses and the masses. To achieve this vision, a solid understanding of quantum applications today is crucial for positioning enterprises to reap the benefits and avoid potentially catastrophic situations arising out of data volumes, data fragmentation, the growing number of variables involved in computing parameters, and the need for more accurate and reliable computing models. Significant investments in people, processes, and technology, as cited in the document, are being made by various governments, IT companies, and other corporate houses worldwide and will define a new paradigm shift in our way of living.