Quantum computing and AI: what could change and what is still hype

Quantum computing and artificial intelligence are two of the technologies generating the greatest expectations today. As is often the case with anything that promises to transform the future, they are also surrounded by exaggerated headlines, distant promises and considerable confusion.

Could quantum computers change businesses? Probably. Could it happen tomorrow? Probably not.

To understand the subject properly, it helps to separate what could genuinely change from what still belongs more to the realm of marketing than to business reality.

What is a quantum computer?

A traditional computer works with bits: zeros and ones. All information is processed using these basic units.

A quantum computer uses principles of quantum physics to work differently. Rather than being limited to processing information linearly, it may explore multiple possibilities much more efficiently for certain types of problem.

This does not mean that a quantum computer is better at everything. It means that it could be especially powerful for very specific problems.

Where does AI fit in?

Artificial intelligence needs data, models and computing power. The more complex the problems, the greater the need to process information quickly and efficiently.

In theory, quantum computing could help AI in areas such as:

• Optimising routes, resources or processes.
• Simulating complex scenarios.
• Analysing large combinations of variables.
• Improving certain predictive models.

What is still hype

The problem is that quantum computing is often discussed as though it were an immediate solution for any business. It is not.

Today, most companies do not need a quantum computer. They need something far more basic and much more urgent: to organise their data, automate processes, build effective dashboards and make decisions based on reliable information.

Before considering quantum computing, many businesses still need to answer questions that are much closer to their day-to-day operations.

• Where is my data?
• Is it reliable?
• Can I access it in real time?
• Do my teams make decisions using data or intuition?
• Do I have tools that turn information into action?

This is where today's AI is already having a real impact.

The real opportunity for businesses

Quantum computing could be revolutionary, but transformation does not begin there. It begins when a business stops seeing data as mere reports and starts using it as a competitive advantage.

AI that already exists today can detect anomalies, anticipate trends, automate analysis and answer business questions in seconds.