To many, quantum computing is a complex, futuristic concept. To computer science enthusiasts, however, it could hold an opportunity to become an industry pioneer.
Quantum computers promise next-level computational power — Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are all in on the game. Google recently demonstrated quantum supremacy, which proves the power and potential of this hybrid technology.
Just what is quantum computing, and how can you break into this fast-developing industry? Watch Google scientists explain it in the video below.
According to TechHQ, quantum computing will have “outgrown its infancy” and be able to help solve real-world problems by 2025 — at which point the industry will be worth US$5.8 billion.
It holds the potential to realise green solutions towards carbon neutrality and smart city infrastructure. It is even being used to find a cure for COVID-19.
What do I need to study quantum computing?
As opposed to digital computers,quantum computers are based on transistors. They use the principle of superposition to encode quantum bits, instead of binary digits.
Therefore to study quantum computing, you will require a background in physics, mathematics, and computer science. This includes knowledge of exponents, vectors, sine waves, linear algebra, as well as probability and stochastic processes.
You should also be familiar with basic quantum mechanics, computational physics, Fourier transformers, and algorithms. For a beginner’s introduction to quantum information science, check out “Quantum Computation and Quantum Information”by Nielsen and Chuang.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai poses with one of the company’s quantum computers in the Santa Barbara lab. Google proved quantum supremacy in 2019. Source: AFP Photo/Google/Handout
What will I learn, and where can I learn it?
A quantum computing course includes modules on quantum principles, algorithms, chemistry, and hardware. You will also dive deep into machine learning, involving the concepts of superposition, entanglement and interference.
Online courses may be a good place to start your quantum education.First, check out this FutureLearn course developed by Keio University in Japan, or this introductory course on Udemy. Next,this two-
Besides that, Imperial College London, the University of Warwick, and the University of Kent all have quantum computing modules.
An illustration of a quantum processor in Google’s Sycamore machine. This quantum computer can execute what classic computers would take 10,000 years to complete in just 200 seconds. Source: AFP Photo/ Google/ Handout
What are my career opportunities?
Graduates can explore a bright future in several industries.
IBM Q is now working to develop quantum applications in over 100 organisations. Its 53-qubit system is put to use in airlines, automotive, banking, finance, energy, insurance, materials, and electronics.
For example, companies like Volkswagen and Daimler are already using quantum computing to research ways to improve the chemical composition of their electric car batteries. Delta Airlines is developing blueprints for its applications in the airline industry.
Tech giants have chartered clear career pathways for developers, engineers, architects, and researchers in the current quantum research environment. Graduates can pursue impactful careers in these fields and many yet to be discovered.
We have a glimpse at the future of work, and you can prepare for it now.
As a quantum computing enthusiast with a deep understanding of the field, I can attest to the transformative potential of quantum computers and the exciting opportunities they present. Quantum computing is not just a futuristic concept; it's a rapidly evolving field that has already achieved significant milestones.
One notable achievement is Google's demonstration of quantum supremacy, a testament to the computational power of quantum computers. This breakthrough, achieved in 2019, showcased the ability of quantum computers to perform calculations that would take classical computers an impractical amount of time. Google's Sycamore quantum processor, as mentioned in the article, executed a task in 200 seconds that would take traditional computers 10,000 years.
The article correctly highlights the involvement of major players like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon in the quantum computing race. Quantum computing is poised to outgrow its infancy by 2025, becoming a $5.8 billion industry, according to projections from TechHQ. The technology holds promises not only for enhanced computational capabilities but also for addressing real-world problems, including contributing to green solutions, smart city infrastructure, and even finding a cure for diseases like COVID-19.
To break into the quantum computing industry, the article rightly suggests that individuals need a solid background in physics, mathematics, and computer science. Quantum computers, unlike their classical counterparts, are based on the principles of superposition, and understanding quantum bits (qubits) involves knowledge of exponents, vectors, sine waves, linear algebra, probability, and stochastic processes. Moreover, a grasp of basic quantum mechanics, computational physics, Fourier transformers, and algorithms is essential for anyone looking to delve into quantum computing.
For those interested in learning about quantum computing, the article provides valuable information on available courses. Institutions like Keio University in Japan, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Imperial College London, the University of Warwick, and the University of Kent offer courses covering quantum principles, algorithms, chemistry, and hardware. Online platforms like FutureLearn and Udemy also provide introductory courses for beginners.
The career opportunities in quantum computing are vast and expanding. Major companies like IBM Q are actively developing quantum applications across various industries, including airlines, automotive, banking, finance, energy, insurance, materials, and electronics. Notably, companies like Volkswagen and Daimler are leveraging quantum computing to enhance their electric car battery research, while Delta Airlines is utilizing quantum computing for applications in the airline industry.
Tech giants are paving the way for quantum computing careers, offering clear pathways for developers, engineers, architects, and researchers. Graduates in these fields can expect impactful and groundbreaking careers, contributing to the ongoing quantum research environment. The future of work is unfolding in the realm of quantum computing, and individuals can prepare for it by gaining the necessary skills and knowledge today.
