The next tech revolution is here—and it’s not artificial intelligence (AI). While AI is transforming how we analyze and leverage data, quantum computing is poised to surpass it, stepping into the spotlight with even greater potential. Industry experts predict that quantum technology could generate untold value within the next decade, with early impacts in chemicals, life sciences, finance, and mobility—sectors expected to gain up to $2 trillion from quantum advancements by 2035.1
Unlike traditional computers, quantum computing is built on the principles of quantum physics—a field that redefined science 100 years ago. To mark this milestone, the United Nations has declared 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology,2 celebrating its transformative impact across the past century and its potential for the future.
Quantum computing isn’t just the next step in the industry’s evolution; it’s a leap forward, capable of solving complex problems—including drug discovery and supply chain optimization—that classical computing simply cannot.
Why Is Quantum Computing So Different?
If you’ve seen the film Everything Everywhere All At Once, you’ve glimpsed the idea of navigating multiple possibilities simultaneously. Quantum computing works in a similar way. Traditional computers process data sequentially as 0s and 1s using “bits” while quantum computers leverage “qubits,” which can exist in multiple states at the same time.
This ability to explore countless possibilities simultaneously gives quantum computing its extraordinary power. Problems that would take classical supercomputers centuries to solve can be tackled in minutes or hours. Quantum supremacy refers to quantum computing’s ability to outperform traditional computing, with some estimates suggesting it could be up to 158 million times faster than today’s fastest supercomputers.3
Why It Matters to the World
Quantum computing isn’t just a technological breakthrough—it’s poised to reshape industries by solving previously unsolvable challenges. Here’s how quantum computing could define the world as we know it:
- Revolutionizing drug discovery: Simulating molecular interactions at an unprecedented level could dramatically accelerate the development of innovative medications and treatments, offering new hope for tackling diseases and addressing global health challenges.
- Optimizing supply chains: By solving complex logistical problems involving millions of variables, quantum systems can vastly improve food distribution and global operations. These advancements could even play a role in addressing world hunger.
- Advancing climate science: Modeling intricate environmental systems at a scale never seen before could unlock breakthroughs in understanding and mitigating climate change, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
- Transforming encryption: The ability to crack traditional cryptographic methods comes with a silver lining—the development of quantum-secure communication protocols to protect sensitive data in a digital-first world.
Why It Matters to Marketers
Marketers face their own “world hunger” challenges—problems so complex they seem impossible to solve. With its unparalleled processing power, quantum computing could finally tackle some of these long-standing hurdles:
- Crack the code to attribution: Unravel the puzzle of multi-channel customer journeys and pinpoint exactly which touchpoints drive conversions—no more guesswork.
- See customers like never before: Go beyond surface-level insights to uncover hidden patterns and predict not only what customers want now, but what they’ll need next.
- Make personalization effortless: Create hyper-personalized campaigns for millions of customers with ease, powered by real-time quantum data analysis.
- Supercharge campaign performance: Optimize every marketing dollar by simulating endless variables to find the perfect mix of platforms, audiences, and timing.
- Anticipate the future with precision: Stay ahead of the curve by using quantum computing to forecast customer trends and anticipate market shifts before they happen.
Are You Ready for a Quantum Leap?
Quantum computing is more than just a technological breakthrough—it’s a turning point that will redefine what’s possible across industries and disciplines. As this technology moves from concept to implementation, the opportunities it unlocks could be transformative, from accelerating breakthroughs in healthcare and climate science to reimagining how businesses approach optimization and personalization.
The question isn’t about when quantum computing will arrive—it’s about how prepared we are to adapt and leverage its power. Whether you’re a marketer looking for deeper customer insights or an innovator aiming to tackle humanity’s toughest challenges, the time to understand and explore quantum computing is now.
- McKinsey, Steady progress in approaching the quantum advantage, April 2024
- UNESCO, 100 Years Of Quantum Is Just The Beginning, accessed January 2025
- Accenture on YouTube, What is quantum computing, accessed January 2025
