How close are we to actual quantum computing?

Are we nearing an era where fully functional quantum computers are an everyday reality?

Quantum computing has long seemed like a technology of the distant future. But recent advancements are bringing it closer to reality.

In fact, practical quantum computers capable of solving real-world problems are on the horizon, according to Christian Weedbrook, founder and CEO of quantum computing startup Xanadu.

You may have encountered Xanadu when the company made headlines in 2020 for achieving “quantum supremacy”. Its quantum computer solved a mathematical problem that would take the world’s fastest supercomputer seven million years.

While this doesn’t directly translate to business applications yet, it shows the vast potential, argued Christian. And the improvements made while achieving quantum supremacy will soon be able to help solve customer problems in “a couple of years”.

Photonics over electronics

This is all being done using a photonic approach, rather than electronic. This means that no cooling is required for the computational part.

“I’d say approximately 70 percent of the computer doesn’t need any cooling. [And due to photonics], we can use it with the silicon-based processes that … exist today. It’s also compatible with telecommunications technology; we didn’t have to invent a laser or fibre optics.”

On the software side, Xanadu’s PennyLane platform is becoming a widely used standard for quantum machine learning and computing. The company is working closely with industry leaders to develop real-world applications in pharmaceuticals, logistics, finance and battery design.

“One of our theses for quantum computing … is you go back in 100 years at the end of this century, and you’ll think: ‘where would we have been without quantum computing in terms of drug discovery, in terms of material design, and new products?’” said Christian.

Christian Weedbrook, founder and CEO of Xanadu, was speaking on FullSTK at Collision 2023.

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Main image of Christian Weedbrook, founder and CEO of Xanadu: Lukas Schulze/Web Summit (CC BY 2.0)