Identify and Evaluate Quantum Computing Use Cases

Vendor and industry buzz have anointed quantum computing as a potential Next Big Thing in future tech. Yet many CIOs and CTOs still aren’t sure how the technology works or whether it can add strategic value to their organizations. Use our practical three-step framework to understand the types of problems quantum computing solves best, identify potential use cases, and assess the feasibility of leveraging this emerging technology in your organization.

With a growing number of vendors making claims about their solutions, how do you separate potential quantum computing benefits from practical use cases for your own organization? Avoid getting caught up in FOMO and rushing into a vendor solution. Instead, focus on gaining a clear grasp of quantum’s real-world value proposition, then gauge your organization’s readiness to turn quantum computing opportunities into value-driven outcomes.

1. Quantum annealers can provide value today.

Most of the discussion around quantum computing focuses on gate-based quantum computers that require fault tolerance to deliver value. But annealing, another type of quantum computing focused on optimization problems, is already being deployed and providing value.

2. Feasibility depends on organizational readiness.

Assessing vendor solutions isn’t the same thing as ensuring your organization is ready to leverage quantum computing. If you’re not ready to act on the opportunity when it arrives, you’ll already be behind the competition.

3. Think of quantum computing’s value in dollar terms.

Assign a market value for your potential use case. That’s the simplest way to convert quantum computing capability into a clear opportunity for your organization to act on.

4. Commercialization is still years away

Industry hype might make it seem like widespread commercialization is around the corner. In reality, government bodies don’t expect significant commercial breakthroughs until 2032 to 2035. Even after quantum advantage is achieved, it will take years for enterprises to learn how to use it to solve their problems.

Use this framework to cut through the hype and understand quantum computing’s real-world value proposition for your enterprise.

Our approach provides clear use case analysis of quantum computing technology, plus a practical supporting tool to translate your knowledge into strategic action for your organization. This framework was developed in collaboration with industry experts from Amazon Braket (AWS), XPRIZE For Quantum Applications, D-Wave Quantum Inc., PsiQuantum, and Enterprise Quantum. Use this methodology to:

• Understand quantum computing. Create a customized quantum computing glossary.
• Identify use cases for quantum computing. Describe your business problem’s quantum relevance.
• Evaluate use cases with a practical approach. Assess your quantum use cases and estimate feasibility in your organization.