Quantum technology sounds straight out of a science fiction movie, but, like many things throughout the years that seemed like impossible ideas that would never materialize, it is here and it not something limited to research papers, it is now in the real world. Like every new technology, there is a race going on to see who can make the most of the tech the fastest, and so the Quantum race is on and now we just have to establish a good finish line.
The last race, that has still not finished, is Artificial Intelligence race, and adding the Quantum race to the mix is only making countries try to rush and vie for crown that much more.
The Quantum race, a new measure of geopolitical power
This new race seems simple at the surface level, it is about building computers so powerful they could crack problems in seconds that would take today’s best machines thousands of years, and if that were the only metric, then it would be easier to gauge who is winning. But it is also about ultra-secure communication, next-level simulations of chemicals and materials, and a whole new kind of computing logic, which no country is going to admit to having, so it is back to a spy game to see who can do the most without it being copied or detected.
But it would not be a race if no one was competing, and the most brilliant minds around the world are engaged, so it stands to reason that they would want to see how they are doing, and thanks to the Quantum Index Report 2025 put together by MIT and Accenture we have an approximate idea of how the situation is developing.
China seems to be in the lead when it comes to quantum communication. They have rolled out the world’s longest quantum network, stretching over 12,000 kilometers, and hold 60% of all quantum-related patents. They have also launched a quantum satellite, and they publish nearly 40% of all papers in the field.
The U.S. seems to have taken the lead in quantum computing itself, with private companies like Google, IBM, Microsoft, and Amazon pushing the boundaries of what we think is possible, but they are also ahead in academic research and collaboration, with a national initiative that has funneled over $2.7 billion into the sector and partnerships with over ten countries.
Europe is not as flashy in its approach and is taking actions that are more coordinated and cautious but still significant. Countries like Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and France are key hubs. Programs like Quantum Flagship and Quantum Delta NL show their long-term strategy.
The most important thing still remains the application of the technology, because after all that is the benchmark with which we measure its success. In cybersecurity, quantum computers could break today’s encryption but also create codes no one can crack with the technology and vision that we have today. In medicine, they might simulate complex molecules to speed up drug discovery and in energy, they could revolutionize how we design batteries or solar panels. And one day, the internet may connect everything with security we have never seen before.
But with all the positives come the negatives, after all, while current quantum computers are still limited that will not always be the case, and this technology has a huge potential to be used for warfare. That is where most advancements tend to shine, and if only a few nations can control them and use them, where does that leave the rest of us?
As the report concludes, “Quantum computing represents a complex technology whose ultimate impact on society is still uncertain… but profound.” And we can only wait and see where we take this technology.