As 2024 draws to a close, the quantum technology landscape has made groundbreaking strides, unlocking new possibilities for computation, sensing, security, and communication. From record-breaking advancements in quantum hardware to transformative real-world applications, this year has laid the foundation for the next phase of the quantum revolution.
At QURECA, we’ve been at the forefront of the ecosystem, curating insights and supporting collaborations to bring the quantum future closer. Here’s a recap of the most remarkable highlights from this year — the best of 2024!
1. Quantum Computing Breakthroughs
2024 showcased extraordinary advancements in quantum computing capabilities:
- PASQAL set an ambitious trajectory, loading over 1,100 neutral atoms in a single shot and advancing toward its 10,000-qubit roadmap by 2026.
- Researchers at the California Institute of Technology achieved a remarkable 6,100 highly coherent atomic qubits, pushing coherence times to 12.6 seconds, a historic milestone in quantum stability.
- IBM Quantum demonstrated utility-scale quantum computing with its Heron processor, performing 5000 two qubit operations — a critical step toward quantum advantage.
In a major collaboration, Microsoft and Atom Computing combined Atom’s 1,200-qubit neutral atom system with Azure Quantum, bringing scalable and reliable quantum solutions closer to reality.
The announcement of Willow, a new quantum initiative promising significant advancements in quantum analogue computation, further underscored the field’s accelerating momentum.
2. Quantum in Industry: Real-World Applications
Quantum technology drove measurable impact across diverse sectors:
- Multiverse and BBVA achieved a 60% ROI in portfolio optimization, leveraging quantum algorithms to solve problems involving billions of combinations in minutes.
- In life sciences, Menten AI accelerated peptide drug design for COVID-19 using hybrid quantum solutions.
- Tokyo’s waste management systems saw a 57% reduction in CO₂ emissions and improved efficiency with quantum-hybrid logistics.
Mastercard and D-Wave expanded their quantum collaborations to combat fraud detection, anti-money laundering, and loyalty program optimization, underscoring the tangible business potential of quantum technologies.
3. Quantum Sensors and Communication
Quantum sensing and communication reached unprecedented milestones:
- Tokyo Tech developed millimetre-scale magnetoencephalography sensors that eliminate the need for magnetic shielding, revolutionizing brain mapping for medical applications.
- Toshiba Europe extended Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) to over 300 km of fibre without repeaters, advancing secure communications.
- NASA launched space-based experiments to enable the first steps toward a global quantum internet, securing communications on a worldwide scale.
4. Global Innovation and Momentum
From Europe to Asia, quantum technologies achieved global collaboration and expansion:
- The EU Quantum Flagship announced progress toward a 100-qubit cloud-accessible computer by 2026.
- Hamburg solidified its position as a quantum innovation hub with a €17 million investment in regional quantum initiatives.
- Canada led advancements in quantum communication with collaborations between TELUS and Photonic, while D-Wave expanded quantum annealing to the Middle East.
- China completed upgrades to its Wukong superconducting quantum computer, accelerating cross-border quantum tasks in over 133 countries.
Partnerships like QuEra and Google focused on building fault-tolerant quantum solutions for materials science and pharmaceuticals.
5. Quantum Security for Tomorrow
With post-quantum threats looming, the race for quantum-safe security continued to gain urgency:
- In the UK, BT Group, Toshiba, and Equinix delivered the first quantum-secure data centre-to-data centre connection, protecting sensitive business data.
- Quside and Altech brought quantum-hardened security solutions to Asia, safeguarding critical communications infrastructure.
Looking Ahead: The Future is Quantum
2024 has been a monumental year for quantum technology, marked by real-world applications, industry collaborations, and advancements in computing and sensing. These achievements prove that quantum is no longer a far-off dream but an evolving reality.
At QURECA, we’re excited to continue championing global quantum education, training, and innovation. As we look forward to 2025 — the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, we anticipate even greater milestones and opportunities for collaboration.
Together, let’s shape the quantum future and make the second quantum revolution a reality.