Which will we get first? Quantum Computing, Fusion, or GTA6?

Lisa Lang

2/20/2026

Quantum computing is a form of computation that uses principles from quantum mechanics. Traditional computers use bits, which exist as either 0 or 1. Quantum computers use qubits, which can exist in a state of 0, 1, or both simultaneously. Through superposition and a phenomenon called entanglement, quantum systems can represent and manipulate many possible states at once. This allows certain types of calculations to be performed at lightening speed relative to normal computers.

The foundations of quantum computing were laid in the 1980s by physicists such as Richard Feynman and David Deutsch. Experimental development has been underway for several decades, accelerating significantly in the past 15 years. Today, companies like IBM, Google, Microsoft, IonQ, and Rigetti are building quantum processors with up to over a hundred physical qubits. These systems are still considered noisy and error prone. While impressive breakthroughs have been demonstrated, consistent performance could still be distant.

Commercial use remains uncertain in terms of exact timelines. Many experts estimate that meaningful, large-scale commercial deployment could be years aways. Early commercial applications are likely to emerge in areas where quantum algorithms show promise, such as materials science, drug discovery, and complex financial modeling. Quantum simulations could help design new batteries, superconductors, fertilizers, or pharmaceuticals by modeling molecular interactions. Supply chains will also likely be an early main focus.

Nu Quantum is a UK-based quantum networking company, who have been recently in the public eye. Rather than constructing standalone quantum processors, they aim to link multiple quantum systems together, potentially enabling scalable quantum networks. They have recently received major investments to achieve this. Founder and CEO of the company, Carmen Palacios-Berraquero, believes quantum technology will be rolled out to the public before 2030.

One of the most discussed risks of quantum computing involves encryption. Many current cryptographic systems rely on mathematical problems that are difficult for classical computers to solve. A sufficiently powerful quantum computer could factor large numbers efficiently, potentially breaking widely used encryption standards. This risk has prompted global efforts to develop post-quantum cryptography, which is a new encryption method designed to resist quantum attacks.

Beyond encryption, other risks include global instability, especially if quantum advantage becomes concentrated in a few nations or corporations. There are also concerns about the “harvest now, decrypt later” strategy, where encrypted data is collected today in anticipation of future quantum decryption. Additionally, exaggerated claims of its capability could lead to an investor bubble, as appears to be the case with crypto.

In the medium term, achievements may include reliable quantum simulators applied to chemistry. In the long term, quantum systems could revolutionize science, energy, climate modeling, and artificial intelligence. However, quantum computing is not a universal replacement for normal computers. It will likely function as a specialized accelerator for particular categories of problems. The trajectory of the field suggests steady progress rather than sudden transformation, which means society will likely have to wait.

Lisa Lang

CyborgNews