By: Tom Christensen, Head of Thought Leadership - Nordics, LTIMindtree

In the evolving landscape of technology, the rise of quantum computing stands out as a frontier that promises to transform industries and redefine business possibilities. While many are aware of its potential, the path from awareness to adoption remains less clear. This blog sheds light on which business sectors are likely to benefit and how organizations can transition from simply understanding quantum computing to integrating it into their operational fabric, thereby unlocking added value.

The rise of quantum computing

It’s essential to begin by pointing out that quantum computing isn’t about replacing existing classical systems like traditional computers and high-performance computing (HPC); it’s about supplementing and vastly enhancing our capabilities to solve complex problems that are beyond the reach of classical systems. The core difference between classical systems and quantum computers lies in their unique ability to process information in fundamentally different ways. Classical systems handle information in bits, representing either 0 or 1. Quantum computers, on the other hand, work on qubits, which can represent both 0 and 1 simultaneously. This phenomenon, known as superposition, enables quantum computers to explore multiple outcomes and process them simultaneously, offering exponential speed, scale, and efficiency.

Advantages of quantum computing over classical systems

• Handling complexity: Quantum computers can process vast amounts of data simultaneously through superposition and entanglement, allowing them to solve complex problems that would take classical systems an impractical amount of time. This capability is particularly beneficial in fields like optimization, simulation, and even machine learning, where classical systems struggle with the scale of computations required.
• Speed: Quantum algorithms can outperform classical algorithms for specific tasks. For example, quantum computers can factor large numbers exponentially faster than classical computers, which has significant implications for security and encryption.
• Scale: As quantum technology progresses, scalable quantum computers can transform various industries by tackling bigger problems and by processing more tasks simultaneously than classical systems can handle.
• Integration with HPC: There is a growing interest in integrating quantum computing with classical HPC systems. This hybrid approach utilizes the strengths of both technologies, enabling more efficient problem-solving by switching between quantum and classical resources as needed.
• Energy consumption: For certain workloads, quantum computers will transform the decarbonization of data centers. For instance, quantum-inspired software algorithms, called tensor networks enhance the computational efficiency of energy-heavy training processes for machine learning models while maintaining accuracy.¹

The workload of these algorithms consumes less energy; according to an article from California Review Management, Chat-GPT (GPT-3) used 1287 MWH and emitted 552 tons of CO2 during training. Using tensor networks could reduce energy costs to 437 MWH (a 66% reduction) and emissions to 187 tons, saving 365 tons of CO2 per training.²
Quantum computing provides a groundbreaking method for solving certain problems that classical systems cannot address. The key approach lies in integrating the strengths of all technology platforms to boost future workloads.

Fields where quantum computing adds value

Quantum computing is set to transform various business sectors by addressing complex challenges in optimization, machine learning, simulation, and security.

Here’s how it adds value in these areas:

• Optimization problems: Quantum computing excels at solving optimization problems that involve numerous variables and constraints. Businesses in logistics, finance, and manufacturing can leverage quantum algorithms to optimize routes, scheduling, financial portfolio, supply chain management, and allocation of resources. This leads to significant cost reductions, higher returns and improved efficiency, as quantum computers can evaluate many possible solutions simultaneously, finding the best one much faster than classical systems. Optimization problems are an area where classical computers often struggle due to the vast number of permutations, making it challenging to find optimal solutions quickly.
• Machine learning: In the realm of machine learning, quantum computing can enhance data processing capabilities, enabling better model training and improved accuracy. Quantum algorithms can analyze large datasets more efficiently, allowing businesses to extract insights and classify the data with greater precision. This is particularly beneficial in the fields like finance, where it can enhance fraud detection accuracy. In healthcare, it aids in the precise classification of medical data of patients’ for better diagnosis. For the insurance sector, this technology can improve risk assessment and policy personalization by analyzing complex datasets more efficiently
• Simulation: The rise of quantum computing offers unparalleled advantages in simulating complex systems, such as chemical reactions or financial markets. Businesses can use quantum simulations to model scenarios that are too intricate for classical computers, leading to better decision-making and innovation in product development. For instance, in pharmaceuticals, quantum simulations can accelerate drug discovery by predicting molecular interactions more accurately.
• Security: The exponential computing power of quantum computers presents both opportunities and significant security challenges, particularly in quantum computing cybersecurity. Traditional encryption methods that protect personal communications, financial transactions, and more could be at risk due to quantum capabilities. As quantum computers advance, they may break existing cryptographic standards, leaving sensitive information exposed. Quantum-resistant cryptography (or post-quantum cryptography) includes algorithms designed to withstand the quantum threat, ensuring robust data protection for the future. Additionally, advancements in quantum key distribution (QKD) offer a nearly unbreakable encryption method, leveraging quantum mechanics to securely share cryptographic keys, further enhancing quantum computing cybersecurity.

By harnessing the unique capabilities of quantum computing, businesses can not only solve existing challenges more effectively but also unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation across various sectors.

Challenges and considerations for quantum adoption

As organizations embark on the journey toward quantum computing, they face several challenges and considerations that must be addressed to ensure a successful transition.
Skill gap: The evolution of quantum technology necessitates specialized skills that are currently in short supply. Organizations must invest in training and development to build awareness and a workforce capable of leveraging quantum computing effectively.
Uncertainty in use cases: Many organizations struggle to identify relevant use cases for quantum computing that align with their business objectives. This uncertainty can lead to hesitation in adopting the technology.
Integration with existing systems: Integrating quantum solutions with classical systems poses technical challenges. Organizations need to develop hybrid workflows that can seamlessly combine both technologies.
Cost and resource allocation: The financial investment required for quantum computing infrastructure and talent can be costly. Organizations must carefully evaluate their budgets and resource allocation to support this initiative.
Security concerns: Quantum computing has implications for cybersecurity, particularly regarding encryption. Organizations must consider how to protect sensitive data in a post-quantum world.

The journey towards quantum adoption

As the technology is fast evolving and requires highly specialized skills, organizations often find themselves uncertain about where to begin their journey into quantum computing. To effectively navigate this landscape, organizations can leverage a structured journey.
Phase 1: Quantum awareness
Start by enhancing the quantum literacy across key stakeholders in the organization, performing business impact assessments, identifying use cases, clarifying concerns, and understanding quantum computing’s potential and impact on their business.
Phase 2: Quantum preparedness
Moving to building the necessary capabilities, expertise, identify the right technology partners, start working on pilot projects with real data and strategically position themselves to extract the most value from quantum as the technology evolves.
Phase 3: Exploring incremental quantum value
This is the phase where organizations can begin exploring incremental quantum value by identifying and integrating quantum-classical hybrid workflows. This strategy enables companies to start small and scale as technology matures and becomes more accessible.
At LTIMindtree, we have created a jumpstart framework and extensive expertise across diverse platforms, partner ecosystems, and industry-focused research, enabling us to help any organization accelerate on this journey efficiently.

Conclusion

The transition from awareness to the adoption of quantum computing is a complex yet rewarding endeavor. By following a structured approach, enhancing awareness, preparing the organization, and exploring incremental value, businesses can position themselves at the forefront of this technological revolution.
At LTIMindtree, we are ready to lead the way in quantum computing transformation, helping organizations move from awareness to practical adoption. Our structured approach—covering awareness, preparedness, and incremental value exploration—ensures that companies can effectively leverage the transformative power of quantum computing. By utilizing our extensive expertise and strategic partnerships, we enable organizations not only to address current challenges but also to discover new opportunities for innovation and growth. As we approach this technological frontier, collaboration will be essential to navigate the evolving landscape of quantum computing, ultimately redefining possibilities across various industries.
Ready to explore the future of quantum computing? Connect with us today to begin your quantum transformation.

Citations

1. Quantum-Inspired Tensor Networks Offer New Hope For The Climate Crisis, Sam Mugel, Forbes, June 29, 2023:
   https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2023/06/29/quantum-inspired-tensor-networks-offer-new-hope-for-the-climate-crisis/
2. Quantum Communication: A Game-Changer for Delivery Units, Krishna Jagannathan and Namrata Sharma, LTIMindtree, March 23, 2023:
   https://www.ltimindtree.com/blogs/quantum-communication-a-game-changer-for-delivery-units/