Quantum
From research to reality: quantum is not AI
Reading time: 8 mins
Quantum’s year to shine? Why 2025 marks a defining moment for science, investment and real-world impact
UNESCO’s International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) sets the stage for 2025 to be quantum’s most defining year yet. But is the industry ready for take-off? Where is the smart money going, and which sectors will drive real adoption?
The signs are already there. Quantum tech development this year is going to keep attracting commercial and financial interest. We’ve already seen the likes of Google, Microsoft, and JPMorgan Chase ramp-up their quantum ambitions, with Google’s Quantum AI team backing QuEra’s neutral atom platform and Microsoft pushing its Azure Quantum Elements initiative.
Meanwhile, Nvidia’s Jensen Huang downplayed quantum’s immediate impact, arguing it’s still too niche compared to AI. But as 2025 unfolds, could Huang’s scepticism be tested?
Here we’ve put together some recent stats to illustrate how the quantum market is evolving. We’ve also converted US dollars to UK sterling using a rate of $1 to £0.88 where relevant.
Marc Ambasna-Jones / Editor-in-chief
Working as a technology journalist and writer since 1989, Marc has written for a wide range of titles on technology, business, education, politics and sustainability, with work appearing in The Guardian, The Register, New Statesman, Computer Weekly and many more.
