Deloitte's Scott Buchholz on the quantum evolution

Many organizations are beginning to explore the potential of quantum computing and other quantum-related technologies, though how soon these technologies work they way into real-world use remains to be seen.

Scott Buchholz, Global Quantum Lead, and CTO, Government and Public Services, Deloitte Consulting LLP, recently commented via email about his expectations and three key observations he has for the coming year. The following is quoted directly from that email.

Timeline for adoption is accelerating: As quantum computing continues to generate buzz in the media and with technology players, most businesses are still years away from seeing material value from the technology. Today’s machines are not robust enough to support production scale due to limitations with qubits counts, stability, and quality. However, developments over the past 12 months have accelerated our projections of when quantum computers may begin to find useful applications – there are things worth investigating today. We’ll continue to analyze key industry uses cases, benchmark performance, research error correction techniques, and conduct proof of concepts in the life science, financial services, government, and manufacturing industries. That said, there are quantum inspired or quantum adjacent technologies (quantum annealers) that are demonstrating some value today from optimization problems like logistics, routing, and complex scheduling to challenges that only a data scientist could love: building explainable ensemble machine learning models and downselecting key features.

A quantum workforce is top of mind: While building quantum computers is mindbogglingly difficult and requires an interdisciplinary approach, cutting across fundamental physics, computer science, hardware/software design, specialized communications, cryptographic implementation, engineering, and other skills typically found at PhD levels. So it’s no surprise that half of most quantum companies are hiring, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF). The good news is that quantum engineers don’t necessarily require advanced degrees in physics or mathematics. With a year or two of investment per individual, organizations can train up parts of their workforce to become quantum proficient. We believe a growth of Quantum Information Science (QIS) degrees and focus on STEM programs will be offered more widely across academia alongside quantum certification programs and trainings worldwide. And until a quantum-ready workforce begins to emerge, those who have the requisite combination of science, math, and computer science will continue to be in high demand.

Increased emphasis on quantum and cybersecurity threats: While at top of mind for several years, as quantum capabilities and number of usable qubits rapidly evolve, threats to some of our current encryption techniques are escalating. In a recent Deloitte poll, just over half (50.2%) of responding organizations considering quantum computing benefits believe their organizations are at risk for “harvest now, decrypt later,” (HNDL) cybersecurity attacks. Given the widespread nature of digital technologies, organizations need to prioritize understanding their quantum risks today and taking the steps to inventory the problem in order to transition to quantum-resistant cryptography as it becomes more widely available.