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A Strategic History of Quantum Technologies in the 20th & 21st Centuries: Assembled through the strategic lens championed by Brian Lenahan

by with No Comment Brian LenahanDanika HannonQuantum Strategy

NOTE: Brian Lenahan, Founder & Chair of QSI, is known primarily for his contributions to quantum strategy, AI, and emerging technologies, especially in the 21st century. His work focuses on bridging the gap between business and quantum innovation, including through the Quantum Strategy Institute (QSI) which he founded. The following is a compilation that uses Lenahan’s themes—especially around commercialization, strategy, and future applications—to frame a history of quantum technologies in the 20th century.

Introduction: Framing Quantum’s History with Strategy in Mind

Brian Lenahan’s work consistently emphasizes the importance of translating quantum potential into real-world value. In retrospect, we can apply this lens to the 20th-century evolution of quantum technologies—not simply as a chronology of scientific breakthroughs, but as a strategic progression: from theoretical foundations to industrial interest.

1900s–1920s: The Quantum Awakening

  • Max Planck (1900) introduced the concept of quantized energy, setting the groundwork.
  • Albert Einstein (1905) explained the photoelectric effect using quantized light.
  • Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg advanced early quantum theory.

Strategic Insight: At this stage, quantum theory had no commercial strategy—it was pure science, but the seeds were planted. Lenahan views this as a foundational “discovery phase”, where key paradigms emerge but value extraction is undefined.

1930s–1950s: Quantum Theory Matures

  • Development of quantum electrodynamics (QED) and the formulation of the Copenhagen interpretation.
  • Early applications began to appear in nuclear physics, radar, and solid-state physics.
  • Bell’s Theorem and hidden variable debates surfaced.

Strategic Insight: Here we begin the “validation phase”—Lenahan highlights this as a time when theoretical quantum principles began influencing macro-level technologies (like nuclear energy), even though “quantum” was not yet a commercial term.

1960s–1980s: From Physics to Engineering

  • The laser and transistor—products of quantum physics—saw mass adoption.
  • Quantum chemistry matured with computational methods.
  • IBM and Bell Labs initiated early quantum research.
  • Feynman (1981) proposed quantum computers.

Strategic Insight: This era represents what Lenahan calls a “hidden quantum era”—quantum was under the hood of many emerging technologies, but not yet branded or understood by the business world. He would stress this as a missed opportunity to create narrative and economic momentum.

1990s: Quantum Information Science Emerges

  • Peter Shor (1994) demonstrated quantum algorithms that could revolutionize computing.
  • Quantum cryptography and entanglement experiments gained traction.
  • The term “quantum advantage” entered the discourse.

Strategic Insight: Lenahan’s strategic lens saw this decade as the birth of quantum value narratives—when investors and institutions first saw glimpses of how quantum could disrupt entire industries (e.g., finance, cybersecurity). He referred to this as the “awakening of commercialization potential”, though actual business models remained speculative.

Foundations for the Quantum Century

By the year 2000, the scientific groundwork was laid. The next step—where Lenahan’s real influence begins—is the translation of theory into strategy. He argued that the 20th century’s main quantum legacy was knowledge without vision, and that the 21st century must focus on vision with execution.

Strategic Rise of Quantum in the 21st Century

The 21st century marks the transition of quantum technologies from academic curiosity to commercial momentum. Through the strategic lens of Brian Lenahan, this period can be seen as the realization of potential laid during the 20th century-where governments, enterprises, and startups begin investing heavily in quantum futures.

2000s: Foundations of a Quantum Ecosystem

Early 21st-century research expanded quantum computing architectures-trapped ions, superconducting qubits, and photonic approaches gained attention. Governments launched major initiatives like the EU’s Quantum Flagship and DARPA’s quantum programs.

Strategic Insight: Lenahan categorizes this as the ‘infrastructure and exploration phase’, with industry observing but not yet acting decisively.

2010s: Momentum and Corporate Entry

Key developments include IBM’s quantum cloud access (2016), Google’s quantum supremacy claim (2019), and the formation of quantum startups like Rigetti, Xanadu, and IonQ. The rise of hybrid quantum-classical algorithms and increased funding put quantum on the business map.

Strategic Insight: This was the ‘commercial curiosity phase’, where strategic players began aligning roadmaps with quantum timelines. Lenahan emphasized education, awareness, and early ecosystem development.

2020s: Commercialization, Platforms, and Ecosystem Building

This decade sees explosive growth in quantum commercialization: IPOs (IonQ), cloud platforms (AWS Braket, Azure Quantum), and national initiatives (U.S. National Quantum Initiative, Canada’s NRC programs). Use cases in finance, pharma, and materials begin pilot testing.

Strategic Insight: Lenahan sees this as the ‘value extraction phase’. Strategy moves from observation to implementation. QSI and other cross-sector collaborations emerge to guide businesses on use cases, readiness, and ethical frameworks.

From Theory to Transformation

In the 21st century, quantum technology evolved from research labs into boardrooms. Brian Lenahan’s voice has been instrumental in helping organizations navigate uncertainty, define value, and take actionable steps. The strategic framing he champions turns a complex technology into a meaningful journey toward transformation.

Looking Ahead: 2030 and Beyond

As fault-tolerant quantum systems approach viability, the next decade will be about scalability, regulation, and societal integration. Strategy will focus on workforce development, responsible innovation, and hybrid architectures. Lenahan’s strategic foresight continues to inform these transitions.

How Brian Lenahan Extends This Legacy

  • Books like Quantum Boost and Quantum Strategy connect quantum science with practical applications.
  • His Quantum Strategy Institute (QSI) brings together cross-disciplinary experts to define roadmaps for quantum readiness and to unify scientists, entrepreneurs, and strategists.
  • Encouraged nations and organizations to prepare for the ‘Quantum Age’ with education.
  • Emphasis on SMEs and emerging markets, ensuring quantum is not just for tech giants.
  • He champions quantum education, preparing society for deep tech transitions through his Substack newsletter, Quantum’s Business

References:

Primary Quantum Science and History Sources

  1. Planck, M. (1901). On the Law of Distribution of Energy in the Normal Spectrum. Annalen der Physik.
  2. Einstein, A. (1905). On a Heuristic Viewpoint Concerning the Production and Transformation of Light.
  3. Bohr, N. (1913). On the Constitution of Atoms and Molecules.
  4. Heisenberg, W. (1927). The Physical Content of Quantum Kinematics and Mechanics.
  5. Dirac, P. A. M. (1930). The Principles of Quantum Mechanics.
  6. Feynman, R. P. (1982). Simulating Physics with Computers. International Journal of Theoretical Physics.
  7. Shor, P. W. (1994). Algorithms for Quantum Computation: Discrete Logarithms and Factoring. Proceedings of the 35th Annual Symposium on Foundations of Computer Science.
  8. Bell, J. S. (1964). On the Einstein Podolsky Rosen Paradox. Physics Physique.

Quantum Technology Development

  1. Gilder, L. (2008). The Age of Entanglement: When Quantum Physics Was Reborn. Vintage.
  2. Kumar, M. (2008). Quantum: Einstein, Bohr, and the Great Debate About the Nature of Reality.
  3. Deutsch, D. (1997). The Fabric of Reality. Penguin Books.
  4. Nielsen, M. A., & Chuang, I. L. (2000). Quantum Computation and Quantum Information. Cambridge University Press.

Brian Lenahan and Quantum Strategy

  1. Lenahan, B. (2020). Quantum Boost: Using Quantum Computing to Supercharge Your Business.
  2. Lenahan, B. (2021). Quantum Strategy: How to Realize Value from Quantum Computing.
  3. Lenahan, B. (2022). Leadership for the Future of Quantum Technology.
  4. Quantum Strategy Institute (QSI). Website: www.quantumstrategyinstitute.com
  5. Quantum’s Business substack: brianlenahan.substack.com

Supporting Themes and Strategic Insight

  1. Arute, F. et al. (2019). Quantum Supremacy Using a Programmable Superconducting Processor. Nature.
  1. National Quantum Initiative Act (USA, 2018).
  2. ETSI Industry Specification Group for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).
  3. McKinsey & Co. (2023). The Real Value of Quantum Computing for Business.
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Export Controls & Quantum Technologies

by with No Comment Brian LenahanNational StrategiesPetra SoderlingQuantum RiskQuantum Strategy

The Quantum Strategy Institute’s new report, by Petra Soderling and Brian Lenahan, analyzes the drivers and effects of introducing export controls in the quantum sector. As governments seek to safeguard national security and strategic economic interests, these policies can have far-reaching effects on global collaboration, innovation, and talent mobility.

The report explores the complex balance between protecting critical technologies and supporting a thriving, internationally connected quantum ecosystem, read it here: Export Controls & Quantum Technologies.

Report Authors

Petra Soderling

Petra Söderling, Head of Government and Consortium Relations at the Quantum Strategy Institute (QSI).

Petra Söderling has over 25 years of experience in the technology industry, having held key positions in standardization, open source, research, and product management at Nokia. She has an MBA from Helsinki University of Technology, and executive education from Harvard Business School and Stanford University.

Being Finnish-American, she has been instrumental in ramping up trans-Atlantic relationships in quantum since 2020. She is also a key contributor to EU’s quantum strategy, financing, standardization, and international relations.  Petra Söderling is the author of Government and Innovation – the Economic Developer’s Guide to our Future.

Brian Lenahan

Brian Lenahan, Brian Lenahan is Founder & Chair of the Quantum Strategy Institute and the author of seven published books on quantum technologies and artificial intelligence.

He is a recognized speaker and moderator at conferences around the world and a global consultant on the strategy of road mapping quantum and AI tech adoption. He is the author of Quantum’s Business Substack, enjoyed by thousands of readers in over 90 countries.

Brian is a three-time LinkedIn Quantum Top Voice. He leverages all of his media platforms to augment the work of QSI in accelerating the adoption of quantum technologies worldwide.

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QSI Report on National Strategies: What Goes into a Winning National Quantum Strategy?

by with No Comment Brian LenahanNational StrategiesPetra SoderlingQuantum Strategy

Quantum technology represents a significant leap in scientific and technological progress, holding the potential to significantly progress fields such as computing, cryptography, communications, and sensing. National quantum strategies are essential for countries aspiring to lead or maintain competitiveness in this transformative domain. A successful national quantum strategy involves a multifaceted approach that integrates research and development (R&D), education, industry partnerships, infrastructure, international collaboration, and policy frameworks. 

This report explores how countries can design and implement successful national quantum strategies to harness the full potential of quantum technology.

1. Comprehensive Research and Development Ecosystem

Investing in Fundamental Research

A robust R&D ecosystem is the cornerstone of a successful quantum strategy. Countries must prioritize sustained investments in fundamental research, which forms the foundation for technological advancements. Governments should fund academic institutions, research centers, and laboratories to explore various quantum phenomena and develop new theories and technologies while establishing milestones for key results against such funding. Establishing national quantum research institutes can centralize efforts and foster collaboration among top scientists.

Encouraging Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Quantum technology spans multiple disciplines, including physics, computer science, mathematics, and engineering. Encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration can accelerate innovation. Research initiatives should bring together experts from these diverse fields to address complex quantum challenges. For example, quantum computing requires insights from both computer scientists and quantum physicists to develop algorithms and hardware. Such collaboration can extend across geographical borders and should not operate in isolation from best practices of other successful groups.

Public-Private Partnerships

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can enhance R&D efforts by combining public funding with private sector expertise and resources. Governments should incentivize private companies to invest in quantum research through grants, tax breaks, and collaborative projects. For instance, tech giants like IBM, Google, and Microsoft have made significant strides in quantum computing through such partnerships, which benefit from both public research funding and private sector innovation capabilities. Once again these partnerships should be aligned with key result metrics and goals. 

2. Building a Skilled Workforce

Education and Training Programs

Developing a skilled workforce is crucial for the success of any national quantum strategy. Countries should invest in education and training programs to produce quantum scientists, engineers, and technicians. Universities should offer specialized degree programs in quantum science and engineering. Additionally, governments can fund scholarships and fellowships to attract talented students to these fields.

Continuous Professional Development

Given the rapid evolution of quantum technology, continuous professional development (CPD) is essential. Providing opportunities for current professionals to upskill through workshops, short courses, and online programs can keep the workforce updated with the latest advancements. Collaboration with industry players to create tailored CPD programs can ensure that the training is relevant and practical.

International Talent Attraction

To build a world-class quantum workforce, countries should also attract international talent. Offering competitive salaries, research grants, and favorable immigration policies can help attract leading scientists and engineers from around the world. Establishing renowned research institutions can also serve as a magnet for global talent.

3. Developing Quantum Infrastructure

Quantum Computing Facilities

State-of-the-art quantum computing facilities are critical for advancing quantum research and development. Governments should invest in building and maintaining these facilities in-country, which include quantum computers, simulators, and related infrastructure. Ensuring access to these facilities for academic researchers, startups, and industry partners can democratize innovation and foster a collaborative environment.

Quantum Communication Networks

Quantum communication networks, particularly those using quantum key distribution (QKD), are increasingly essential for secure information transfer. Countries should invest in building and expanding these networks to protect sensitive data and communications. National initiatives could include creating a quantum internet, which leverages quantum entanglement for ultra-secure communication.

Standardization and Interoperability

Developing standards for quantum technologies is crucial for ensuring interoperability and facilitating widespread adoption. National bodies should work with international organizations to create and adopt standards for quantum hardware, software, and communication protocols. Standardization can also help reduce costs and accelerate market entry for new quantum products and services.

Countries considering the maturity levels of quantum technology should understand the array of data, like the tables and graphs produced by Global Quantum Intelligence, to understand, in particular the eras of quantum evolution and how that impacts research and commercialization opportunities.

4. Promoting Industry and Innovation

Supporting Quantum Startups

Encouraging entrepreneurship in the quantum sector can drive innovation and economic growth. Governments should create supportive ecosystems for quantum startups, including providing seed funding, incubation facilities, and mentorship programs. Establishing innovation hubs and clusters can facilitate collaboration among startups, academic institutions, and established companies.

Technology Transfer and Commercialization

Effective technology transfer mechanisms are essential for translating research breakthroughs into commercial products. Governments can support this process by establishing technology transfer offices (TTOs) within universities and research institutions. These offices can help researchers patent their discoveries, navigate the commercialization process, and connect with potential industry partners.

Market Incentives and Demand Creation

Creating market incentives for adopting quantum technologies can stimulate demand and drive industry growth. Governments can implement policies such as tax credits for businesses that integrate quantum solutions or procure quantum technologies for public sector use. Public sector procurement can serve as a catalyst for early-stage quantum technologies, providing companies with the necessary market validation and revenue.

5. International Collaboration

Bilateral and Multilateral Agreements

International collaboration is vital for advancing quantum technology, given its global nature and the significant resources required. Countries should engage in bilateral and multilateral agreements to share knowledge, resources, and expertise. Collaborative projects with leading quantum research nations can accelerate progress and avoid duplication of efforts.

Supply chains.

Many countries seem much more open to collaborating with each other. As computers get more mature and being used for real use cases by real companies, people realize ” our system is only as strong as the weakest link in our supply chain” (quote from one Cleveland Clinic doctor).

Export control and standards.

Again, like-minded countries want to collaborate more with example such as AUKUS  mentioned and NATO. Also, implementing the concept of free trade zones in friendly countries that could freely exchange products, people and intellectual property. 

Participation in Global Initiatives

Active participation in global quantum initiatives, such as the Quantum Flagship in Europe or the National Quantum Initiative in the United States, can provide countries with access to cutting-edge research and funding opportunities. Consortiums like QED-C and Europe’s QuiC are also extending membership beyond national borders. These initiatives often involve cross-border collaborations and offer platforms for sharing best practices and standardization efforts.

Addressing Ethical and Security Concerns

Quantum technology raises significant ethical and security concerns, particularly regarding quantum computing’s potential to break current cryptographic systems. International collaboration is essential to address these issues through the development of new cryptographic standards and ethical guidelines. Countries should work together to ensure that quantum technologies are used responsibly and for the benefit of all.

6. Policy and Regulatory Framework

Strategic Roadmaps and National Policies

A clear and comprehensive policy framework is essential for guiding national quantum strategies. Governments should develop strategic roadmaps that outline their vision, goals, and priorities for quantum technology. These roadmaps should be regularly updated to reflect technological advancements and changing global dynamics. National policies should also address funding allocation, regulatory standards, and public-private partnerships.

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Protection

Protecting intellectual property rights is crucial for fostering innovation in quantum technology. Governments should ensure that robust IPR frameworks are in place to protect the discoveries and inventions of researchers and companies. Simplifying the patent process and providing support for navigating IPR issues can encourage more entities to invest in quantum research.

Ethical and Security Regulations

Developing ethical guidelines and security regulations specific to quantum technologies is essential. Governments should establish regulatory bodies to oversee the ethical use of quantum technologies and ensure compliance with security standards. These bodies can also address potential misuse of quantum technologies and safeguard national security interests.

How Do We Define “Winning”?

The only relevant definition of success is the one created for oneself. As a nation, each country determines its priorities, strategies and tactics to achieve those priorities. So, when we considered winning strategies for quantum technologies, we recognize our readers will argue that their quantum choices must be viewed within the context of their overall priorities. 

To win in quantum, we will look at a number of factors, including level of investment, 

Innovation and talent.

Measuring the Top Countries

In order to assess the progress of national strategies, QSI has worked with data providers, The Quantum Insider and their Quantum Intelligence Platform ©, and Qureca, using the following metrics:

  1. Government Funding Commitment
  2. Quantum Companies
  3. Quantum Involved Universities
  4. Investors
  5. Enterprise Users
  6. Patents
  7. Research papers

Government Funding:

The top 15 countries have committed anywhere between $250 million to $4 billion over various time periods (excluding the often disputed $15 billion committed by China). The UK leads with over $4 billion committed though the US $3.1 billion which excludes a significant Department of Defence spend. 

Quantum Investment by Country (Updated to June 2024)

The graphic below, aggregated by Qureca, identifies the investments by country to June 2024 totaling $42 billion worldwide.

Quantum Companies:

The United States leads by a long way with 459 quantum companies of all modalities with 36% of the total of the top 15 countries. 

The number of quantum involved universities has flourished in the past decade with the top 15 countries being home to 453 institutions devoting time and resources to quantum in their curricula.

Quantum Universities

For those countries looking to establish a quantum ecosystem through private investment, they would be wise to look to the US, UK and Japan for models given the material number of quantum investors today. 

Quantum Investors

Amongst the top 15 countries for quantum enterprise users, Japan has an outsized role relative to other metrics with the second-most number of organizations. 

Quantum Users

The United State leads quantum users environment by a significant margin and would be a reasonable locale to look for best practice opportunities. 

Quantum Patents

Over 67,000 patents have been registered for quantum technologies with half coming from China. The World Intellectual Property Organization and the European Patent Office are actively involved  in quantum technologies today with 16% of total quantum patents. 

The world of quantum research has blossomed over the last decade with researchers devoting their time to every aspect of quantum physics, mechanics and technologies. China and the US from the beginning have led the research effort. 

National Quantum Strategies*

   Latvia                                     2016                                          1                                                   No                             Signed 

   Lithuania                             2023                                          No                                               No                             Not Signed

   Luxembourg                     2021                                          10                                                No                             Signed

   Malta                                     2016                                          No                                               No                             Not Signed

   Netherlands                     2018                                          1                                                   Yes                            Signed

   Norway (EFTA)                 2019                                          No                                               No                             Not    Signed

   Poland                                  2019                                          No                                               No                             Signed

   Portugal                               2019                                          No                                               No                             Signed

   Romania                              2022                                          No                                               No                             Signed

   Slovakia                               2021                                          No                                               No                             Signed

   Slovenia                               2016                                          No                                               No                             Signed

   Spain                                     2019                                          No                                               No                             Signed

   Sweden                                2020                                          No                                               Yes                            Signed

Case Studies: National Quantum Strategies

United States

The United States has implemented a comprehensive national quantum strategy through the National Quantum Initiative (NQI). The NQI Act, passed in 2018, established a coordinated approach to quantum research and development across multiple federal agencies. The strategy includes significant funding for quantum research, the establishment of Quantum Information Science (QIS) Research Centers, and strong public-private partnerships. Additionally, the U.S. focuses on international collaboration, participating in global quantum initiatives and fostering bilateral agreements.

European Union

The European Union’s Quantum Flagship initiative represents a long-term, large-scale research program aimed at advancing quantum technologies. With a budget of over €1 billion for the first ten years, the Quantum Flagship supports a wide range of projects across quantum computing, communication, simulation, and sensing. The initiative emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, industry participation, and international cooperation. The EU also prioritizes standardization and the development of a skilled quantum workforce through education and training programs. 

China

China has made significant strides in quantum technology, driven by substantial government investment and strategic planning. The country has established leading quantum research institutions, such as the Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale. China’s national quantum strategy includes developing a quantum communication network, advancing quantum computing capabilities, and fostering a skilled workforce. The government’s commitment is reflected in significant funding allocations and the establishment of dedicated quantum research programs.

Canada

Canada’s national quantum strategy is characterized by strong government support, world-class research institutions, and a vibrant quantum ecosystem. “The NQS revolves around three key pillars: research, talent and commercialization.” The country invests heavily in fundamental research through organizations like the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) and the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo. Canada’s strategy includes fostering industry partnerships, supporting quantum startups, and promoting international collaboration. The government also prioritizes education and training to build a skilled quantum workforce.

Conclusion

A successful national quantum strategy requires a holistic approach that encompasses research and development, education and training, infrastructure development, industry support, international collaboration, and a robust policy framework. By investing in these areas, countries can position themselves at the forefront of the quantum revolution, unlocking new economic opportunities and addressing critical societal challenges. The examples of the United States, the European Union, China, and Canada illustrate different pathways to achieving success in the quantum domain. Ultimately, the collaborative and strategic efforts of nations will determine the global landscape of quantum technology in the coming decades.

Stratethon: A Unique Approach to Building Quantum Planning Skills

by with No Comment Brian LenahanDanika HannonQuantum Strategy

Hackathons represent an exciting educational experience for programmers, coders, data scientists and other pursuits and have become ubiquitous globally in the last decade.

Quantum technologies, while nascent compared to other IT fields, hold hackathons as well. Quantum Futures & CERN hold their hackathon over a weekend dedicated to “hacking on quantum computers at the Fields Institute in Toronto, the world’s most renown mathematics institute.”

MIT annually holds IQuHack (interdisciplinary Quantum HACKathon) for high school to early career participants “to explore improvements and applications of near-term quantum devices.” Winners in 2023 are listed here along with their GitHub links.

The ICTP-Quantinuum Quantum Hackathon invites 18 international teams of students to the International Centre for Theoretical Physics “to learn and develop quantum algorithms and apply them in the context of real-world use-cases with leading industrial partners.” The hackathon starts April 5, 2024.

Strategy

Strategy can be defined as “a plan of action or policy designed to achieve a major or overall aim.”

Strategy includes diagnosing the problem to be solved, establishing a guiding policy to address that problem and then propose a set of coherent actions which will deliver that policy. Strategy and strategic planning can leverage a similar approach to hackathons. By bringing together people from multiple disciplines, strategic plans can be made more robust. Through a stratethon, quantum strategists can practice this process in a risk-free environment.

Optum, a United Health Group company, has held a stratethon over 4 seasons for 150 schools across India, Philippines and Singapore that “brings some of the best minds together to solve very real and current health care related problems byt also lets them battle it out with each other to identify the most innovative solution that could help improve the lives of millions around the world.”

Quantum Strategy Institute recently announced the International Quantum Strategy Day (IQSD) incorporating a stratehon model leveraging a compelling case study.

Here’s the call out for participants:

Calling all quantum strategists: on Friday, April 19th, the Quantum Strategy Institute is holding its second stratethon to celebrate people like you, the quantum strategists who are driving the adoption of quantum computing!


🌍 We’re looking for up to 5 teams of two to five people to put their skills to the test and create recommendations for how Indigo Strategies (a fictional, Indian consulting company) can bring quantum into its business. 


🌍 You can get a jump start by checking out Indigo Strategies’ quantum Case Study and Strategy Assessment at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1X7o52TYtDp8LWKRPq6eTTPsm0s_pMWt2?usp=sharing


🌍 All backgrounds and skill levels are welcome, you can register your interest here: https://lnkd.in/gGxAXDah

Registration for the IQSD closes on Friday, April 5th.

Given the complexity of quantum technology, we should expect to see more quantum stratethons in the future, and more quantum strategists joining the workforce.

Exploring Quantum 01

Quantum Roadmap Series: How to build your own quantum roadmap

by with No Comment Brian LenahanQuantum Strategy

Roadmaps offer an invaluable structure to the evolution of technology and technology deployment. Incorporating a complex technology such as quantum requires even greater diligence through roadmaps. In this article, we cover five types of roadmap: security, simulation, communication, standards and sensing.

Security Roadmap

With the maturity of quantum technology, and the approach of Y2Q, where can CxO’s look for information to build out their own #quantum security roadmaps? Below are some of the key players with updated links:

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

Quantum Security Alliance

European Quantum Industry Consortium (QuIC)

The following is one summary for #CEOs to follow:

*CEOs should increase their engagement with post-quantum standards developing organizations.

* Organizations should inventory the most sensitive and critical datasets that must be secured for an extended amount of time.

* Organizations should conduct an inventory of all the systems using cryptographic technologies for any function to facilitate a smooth transition in the future.

* Cybersecurity officials within organizations should identify acquisition, cybersecurity, and data security standards that will require updating to reflect post-quantum requirements.

*Organizations should identify where and for what purpose public key cryptography is being used and mark those systems as quantum vulnerable.

*Prioritize one system over another for cryptographic transition based on the organization’s functions, goals, and needs.

* Using the inventory and prioritization information, organizations should develop a plan for systems transitions upon publication of the new post-quantum cryptographic standard.

Simulation Roadmaps

A 2022 quantum simulation roadmap paper in Nature led by researchers from University of Strathclyde, “explores near- and medium-term possibilities for quantum simulation on analog and digital platforms to help evaluate the potential of this area.”

Quantum simulation occurs where problems not tractable for classical computers, model the quantum properties of microscopic particles. 

Simulating electromechanical behaviour for battery development, molecules in life sciences/pharma, and materials are evolving areas of quantum simulation with dozens of quantum simulators in existence today according to The Quantum Insider.

Where can one find out more? At #summerschool2022, and #conferences. 

Quantum simulation promises to be an important part of organizational research efforts and roadmaps going forward. 

Communications Roadmaps

The field of applied quantum physics closely related to quantum information processing and quantum teleportation, quantum communication is most often associated with protecting information channels against eavesdropping via quantum cryptography.

Establishing roadmaps is one activity participants in this field are aggressively addressing. In 2018, QuTech researchers introduced a roadmap for quantum internet development in six phases. The first phase included “simple networks of qubits that could already enable secure quantum communications” – today’s reality – ending with networks of fully quantum-connected quantum computers. Check out QuTech‘s website for the latest updates including QuTech, Eurofiber and Juniper Networks partnering to deploy a Quantum testbed in The Netherlands.

Mohsen Rasavi from the University of Leeds School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering issued a roadmap document in 2021 “to address this subject from the viewpoint of deploying quantum key distribution (QKD) systems across our communications networks.”

The May 2022 paper in ResearchGate titled “Propagating Quantum Microwaves: Towards Applications in Communication and Sensing” suggests a growing interest in quantum microwaves and offers a roadmap to that end.

The roadmap to a quantum communications future is uncertain yet compelling in its possibilities. 

Standards Roadmaps

Today’s quantum standards, compliance and regulatory environment is often referred to as the ‘Wild West’ of technology for its lack of documentation and enforcement. Not surprising given the maturity of the technology, and lack of convergence as of 2022. If you lead an organization – with old and new devices – you need to think about this environment for your organizational roadmap in at least the following ways:

Internal – developing internal (inside organization) standards is far from new, yet applying an immature technology set such as quantum can be daunting to those expecting certainty. By ring-fencing quantum (via pilots, siloed units, POC’s, low-risk applications), standard-bearers and compliance leaders can monitor the opportunities and implications of #quantumtechnologies. Jack Hidary and the SandboxAQ team discuss standards for organizations to consider in their July 2022 in Nature titled Transitioning Organizations to Post-Quantum Cryptography.

National – New requirements are being generated. The US government now requires each agency to address the quantum threat and protection measures for example. How soon before individual organizations take the same stance? 

International – With so many #quantum modalities (photonics, superconducting, ion trap, etc) in the market today, what are the implications for #quantumhardware, software, services and their international standards? Organizations like IEEE, and European Information Technologies Certification Institute are addressing such global quantum standards evolution. 

The field of quantum has a long runway ahead in terms of #standards so it remains important for organizations to monitor their internal efforts in generating quantum standards #roadmaps as national and international standards evolve. 

Sensing Roadmaps

Visual imaging for vehicles, quantum clocks, gravity surveys, navigation, analyzing the human body or searching for lost treasure or oil & gas – #quantumsensing will be part of the toolkit in the future. For example, vehicles depend increasingly on being able to visualize their environment accurately. Quantum Computing, Inc. (QCI) recently competed in the BMW Group Sensor Challenge engaging their Entropy Quantum Computer. Here’s a video link for QC’s solution – I recommend watching all the way to the end.  QCI’s quantum roadmap can be found here.

#Roadmaps are being actively developed and updated such as “Quantum Technology Roadmap Europe 2030“, “A roadmap for quantum technologies in the UK“, “IBM Quantum’s Development Roadmap, Building The Future of a Nascent Technology“, the Australian Army’s Quantum Technology Roadmap and many more.

#Quantumsensing promises to be one of the leading uses of #quantumtechnologies given the diversity of applications and their roadmaps will be compelling guideposts we watch over time. 

The 5-Part Quantum Roadmap Series is copyright (c) Aquitaine Innovation Advisors

QSI-Brian-Lenahan-Quantum-talent-shortage-tactics

Quantum Talent – Shortages and Tactics

by with No Comment Brian LenahanQuantum StrategyQuantum Talent

The quantum industry is experiencing the successes and growing pains faced by so many other past technologies. Momentum however remains on quantum’s side in 2021, so consider the positives. According to a 2021 IDC survey, “The number of organizations [commercial end users or CEU’s] allocating more than 17% of their annual IT budgets for this technology [quantum] are expected to rise from 7% in 2021 to an estimated….

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Quantum Evolution: Approach with Caution

by with No Comment Brian LenahanDanika HannonQuantum Strategy

You approach an intersection on any road. Something one might do every day. The light turns yellow. Society’s universal social contract requires you to clear the intersection by slowing down or, if in the midst of the intersection, continue through. Yellow lights universally suggest caution.

As a businessperson first, technology enthusiast second, I have always approached new technology ideas with caution ensuring a primary focus on…