Quantum computing is an emerging technology that has the potential to revolutionize many industries.
With that in mind, it’s clear the field of quantum computing is nascent and exciting. Here the Investing News Network takes a look at what it is, its potential impact on several industries and how investors can get exposure to quantum computing through stocks, startups and exchange-traded funds.
In simple terms, quantum computing is a form of computing that harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics to process information. Unlike traditional computing, quantum computing does not use binary digits (either 0 or 1), or bits. Instead, quantum computing is based on qubits, which can represent much more information than bits can. Qubits can be both a 0 and a 1 simultaneously, which allows quantum computers to calculate larger datasets much faster than traditional computers.
Quantum computers can also explore several possible solutions at once. This gives them a distinct advantage in solving problems related to optimization, cryptography, machine learning and financial modeling. In addition, quantum computers have promising applications in chemistry and material science. For example, quantum computing can simulate how a chemical compound might react in various scenarios.
Quantum computing is based on the principles of superposition and entanglement. In quantum mechanics, superposition describes the ability of a system to remain in multiple states at the same time until it is measured. Measurement in this context refers to any interaction between qubits and an external system, such as a detector or sensor, that would cause the qubits to collapse from multiple states to a single state.
To understand the concept of superposition, it’s useful to imagine a coin spinning on its edge. When a coin is spinning, it is said to be in a state of superposition, meaning it is not defined as either heads or tails. However, if the coin is bumped or disturbed in any way, it will stop spinning and will end up displaying either heads or tails. In this analogy, the coin would be the qubits and the measurement would be whatever caused the coin to stop spinning.
Qubits are sensitive to interference from their environment and are usually stored at very low temperatures in computing devices to protect them from influences such as temperature fluctuations, electromagnetic fields and other particles.
For its part, entanglement describes a deep connection between two qubits, where the state of one qubit is directly dependent on the other qubit, no matter the distance between the two.
There are two key properties of entanglement that all applications derived from it depend on. The first one, the Monogamy of Entanglement, states that entanglement between two qubits cannot be shared with a third. The second property of entanglement is called Maximal Coordination — it posits that the quantum state of a system is a combination of all the possible states that the system could be in, and that each state is measured by its probability.
Maximal Coordination is an important feature of quantum mechanics that sets it apart from classical physics, and is what allows quantum computer systems to exhibit superposition and entanglement.
Quantum computing has been applied to developing machine-learning algorithms as well, a realm that is still in relatively early stages of development and is brimming with potential for groundbreaking advancements.
Quantum computing, together with artificial intelligence, will undoubtedly catalyze the development of solutions to some of the world’s most complex problems. However, like many emerging technologies, the unique properties that make quantum computing such a promising field also present challenges and risks.
For those wondering how to invest in quantum computing, the major tech firms discussed below offer an entry point, as do venture capital funds invested in private quantum computing companies. Accredited investors can purchase pre-IPO shares in privately held companies via online investment platforms such as Hive and EquityZen.
Microsoft has also made strides in quantum computing. Azure Quantum, a component of the company’s cloud-computing service, Azure, offers resources for users who want to learn more about quantum computing, including a development kit that can be used to custom-build quantum applications. Its chatbot, a quantum-focused version of Copilot, Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant, can explain unfamiliar concepts and help users navigate the world of quantum computing more easily.
As eager as the major tech companies are to advance the field of quantum computing, they are not alone. Several smaller startups have emerged throughout Europe, North America and Australia, including Q-Ctrl, Multiverse Computing, Universal Quantum, 1QBit and QC Ware, all of which are striving toward accessible quantum computing solutions.
Quantum computing is still in the early stages. However, as quantum computing continues to advance, investors considering getting exposure to this emerging technology will be able to choose between companies that are actively researching and developing quantum computing technology, as well as companies that are positioned to benefit from the adoption of quantum computing in their industries.
Securities Disclosure: I, Melissa Pistilli, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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