A quantum leap for the network

The quantum era is on its way promising exponential computing power and whole new ways of networking. In the latest episode of the Network Effect, Sonali Mohapatra, Quantum Innovation Sector Lead at the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC), discusses incredible business use cases in this brave new world.  

In the book "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," the supercomputer Deep Thought reveals the answer to "life, the universe, and everything" as 42, after forgetting the question during its 7.5 million years of number crunching. In our quest for answers, perhaps networking quantum computers could provide solutions more efficiently – and effectively.

"I get super excited about the use cases of quantum computing," says Sonali Mohapatra, the Quantum Innovation Sector Lead at the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) in Oxford, England. "Quantum computers can be used for transformative changes to the way we live and work in society."

Mohapatra tells The Network Effect that quantum computers excel in specific problems like simulations and complex optimizations, promising breakthroughs in fields from medicine to cryptography.

At the NQCC, Mohapatra and her colleagues tackle the challenge of scaling quantum computing and ensuring its practical adoption. The NQCC focuses on making quantum systems bigger, better, and more accessible.  She tells our host, Michael Hainsworth, that “multiple companies are coming up with their own (quantum computers), but how do we make them bigger and better for different people and industries? This is the challenge we are tackling.”

Practical quantum computing is still years away, requiring advancements in error correction and hardware. "We are still quite a few years away from that dream," Mohapatra acknowledges, though advancements are expected within the next decade.

The anticipated impact of quantum computing on enterprises is significant, with potential in supply chain management, financial portfolio optimization, and secure future cryptographic systems. The NQCC's hackathons have yielded promising use cases, including NHS bed and theatre allocation and optimizing aircraft container loading for fuel efficiency.

Collaboration and skill development are crucial for advancing quantum. "One of the biggest challenges is a lack of skills and talents. It's important to keep experimenting, be innovative, and challenge the current state of the art." The NQCC's programs bridge this gap, offering professional development courses and engaging with schools for early quantum education, benefiting from the Network Effect.

Networking quantum computers promises secure communications, enhanced medical diagnostics, and accurate environmental predictions. "The first benefit of a large-scale quantum network is secure global connections using quantum key distribution," says Mohapatra. This quantum internet could also connect quantum sensors, unlocking a new paradigm of computational power.

The future of networked quantum computing is bright, with endless possibilities for transforming industries and addressing pressing challenges. As we explore this technological frontier, we may find answers to big questions about our environment, our bodies, and the universe. And perhaps, we'll uncover the true question behind Deep Thought's enigmatic answer of “42”.