Quantum computing is coming. It will deliver extraordinary benefits

The United States is experiencing a once-in-a-century acceleration in technological innovation. The artificial intelligence revolution began about three years ago with Nvidia’s accelerated computing platforms. Now, the nation stands at the dawn of the Quantum Computing revolution. Within the next two to three years, quantum computing systems are expected to conduct commercially valuable research with practical, real-world applications.

President Donald Trump and senior members of his administration strongly support the quantum computing industry, the AI revolution, and the development of advanced semiconductors. The administration is investing capital and implementing policies designed to accelerate innovation across all three technologies.

Last month, the president issued two executive orders intended to strengthen America’s leadership in quantum computing while hardening the nation’s infrastructure against future quantum-enabled cyber threats. Executive Order 14413 is designed to supercharge domestic quantum science. Under the order, quantum computing, together with artificial intelligence and advanced semiconductors, will become pillars of future technological innovation in the U.S. Similarly, Executive Order 14412 directly addresses the risk that foreign adversaries are collecting encrypted U.S. data today with the intention of decrypting it once practical quantum computers become available.

Earlier this week, during a closed-door meeting at the White House, the administration established a public-private partnership to build a large-scale quantum computer at a Department of Energy laboratory. For the administration, speed is essential in developing commercially viable quantum computing systems. At the private White House meeting, officials also emphasized the importance of creating a secure domestic manufacturing network for quantum computing technologies.

Why is quantum computing so important?

Fundamentally, quantum computing matters because it can solve extraordinarily complex mathematical problems that would require traditional supercomputers thousands of years to complete. A sufficiently powerful quantum computer could solve many of those problems in minutes. Quantum computers are designed for massive, highly complex simulations. They achieve this by exploiting the principles of quantum mechanics, particularly superposition, which allows them to process enormous numbers of possible outcomes simultaneously, and entanglement, which enables quantum particles to share information in ways that today have no scientific equivalent.

Quantum computers will simulate molecular behavior with unprecedented precision, dramatically accelerating the discovery of new drugs to treat diseases such as cancer. They will also enable scientists to develop lighter, stronger, and more durable materials for applications ranging from aerospace to advanced manufacturing. These systems will optimize global logistics, including airline scheduling and shipping networks. They will also improve the efficiency of electric power grids, an increasingly important capability as AI data centers consume ever larger amounts of electricity.

Quantum computers will analyze complex financial risks and identify market anomalies by evaluating vast numbers of variables simultaneously. They could significantly improve risk management and help financial institutions better prepare for extreme market events. In an era of increasingly destructive weather events, quantum computing also promises to improve long-range weather forecasting, allowing governments and businesses to prepare more effectively for natural disasters.

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The technology also presents serious national security challenges. The computational power of quantum systems will eventually enable both the U.S. and its adversaries to break many of today’s encryption models. As a result, the U.S. is engaged in a global race to develop quantum-resistant cryptography capable of protecting military, government, financial, and commercial communications.

Leaders in quantum computing include technology giants IBM, Alphabet, Microsoft, and Amazon. Smaller companies such as IonQ, Rigetti Computing, D-Wave Quantum, PsiQuantum, and Quantinuum are also at the forefront of the industry. Most importantly, however, the quantum computing sector remains largely unprofitable. Investing in these companies requires patience and a long-term investment horizon, as economic returns remain several years away.

The writer owns shares in Alphabet.

James Rogan is a former diplomat who later worked in law and finance for over 30 years. Today, he writes a daily note on markets, economics, politics, and social issues. He can be reached at Roganjames8202@gmail.com