Quantum computing | What does it mean? Decoding commonly used phrases  

Quantum computing has the potential to transform industries from pharmaceuticals and logistics to material science and beyond – but it’s a complex topic to understand. Quantum computing introduces new concepts, tools and even ways of thinking. In this blog we will unpack some of the most relevant key terms and ideas, and explain how we’re supporting UK industry to prepare, and benefit from quantum computing

Quantum Computing 

“If quantum mechanics hasn’t profoundly shocked you, you haven’t understood it yet.”

Niels Bohr, Nobel Prize-winning physicist and pioneer of quantum theory  

Quantum computing is a fundamentally different model of computation from classical computing, including HPCs. Instead of using binary bits, the most basic unit of information classical computers use, which are either 0 or 1, quantum computers use qubits. Qubits can be a combination of 0 and 1 simultaneously in a probabilistic sense. This allows quantum systems to explore many computational paths at once, potentially allowing more efficient processing. 

Because of this ability to process such vast amounts of information, quantum computing holds promise for solving problems that are practically impossible for classical HPCs, particularly in areas like optimisation and molecular simulation. But while the theoretical potential is enormous, making quantum computing useful and reliable in practice is still an ongoing challenge.  

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Qubits, Superposition & Entanglement  

“Quantum mechanics is just completely strange and counterintuitive. We can’t believe that things can be here [in one place] and there [in another place] at the same time. And yet that’s a fundamental piece of quantum mechanics.”   

Seth Lloyd, Professor of mechanical engineering and physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology  

A qubit is the quantum version of a bit, but instead of being just a 0 or a 1 like a classical computer, it can be in a superposition of both at the same time. This lets quantum computers explore many possibilities at once.  

Things get even more powerful when qubits are entangled – a quantum phenomenon in which the states of qubits become correlated in such a way, that the state of one is dependent on and effected by another. This allows entangled qubits to work together in a coordinated way, enabling quantum computers to process complex problems much more efficiently than classical systems.  

These properties are what make quantum computers powerful, but also what makes them fragile. Quantum systems are highly sensitive to their environment, and managing error and noise is one of the field’s biggest technical challenges.  

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Quantum Advantage vs Quantum Utility  

“The disruptive potential of quantum technology will make the change of the Internet era look like a small bump in the road!”  

Kevin Coleman, visionary strategist, educator, and thought leader  

You may have heard the term quantum advantage, this refers to the point where a quantum computer can solve a problem that would be extremely difficult or infeasible for classical systems, even powerful HPCs.   

However, quantum utility is a more relevant target than quantum advantage for industry today. This is the point where quantum computers are not just faster, but actually useful, delivering solutions to real-world problems more efficiently and cost-effectively than classical approaches. It’s a closer, more practical benchmark, and one that requires not just standalone optimised quantum performance, but also smart integration into existing workflows.  

We help UK organisations to understand how quantum computing can be applied to their industry, and we are already using hybrid approaches to explore solutions to business challenges particularly with optimisation and machine learning challenges. 

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Hybrid Quantum-Classical Workflows  

“By letting the quantum computer do what it’s good at, and the classical computer do what it’s good at, you can get more out of both.”  

Matthew Keesan, VP of Product Development IonQ 

In the near term, quantum computers can operate alongside classical systems in hybrid architectures. These architectures split the work, for example, a quantum computer could handle the parts of a problem suited to their strengths (like simulation and optimisation), while a classical computer handles coordination of the workflow and data processing.  

This is where platforms like Qiskit come into play. Originally developed by IBM, Qiskit serves as a powerful quantum software development kit and simulator. It allows developers to test quantum algorithms on classical hardware, bridging the gap between theory and quantum hardware reality. We contribute to Qiskit through the development and maintenance of the Qiskit Machine Learning package, which we now co-own with IBM. This package supports many quantum machine learning algorithms including quantum neural networks and quantum kernels, and ensures compatibility with IBM’s evolving quantum devices.   

By actively contributing to the further development of Qiskit, we ensure that UK industry has access to the tools and expertise needed to explore and harness the potential of quantum technologies. As quantum computing continues to evolve, platforms like Qiskit are key to accelerating real-world applications and helping industries unlock new possibilities across sectors like materials science, energy, and beyond.  

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Responsible Quantum Application  

“Counteracting misleading information and engaging in responsible science communication are key dimensions of practicing responsible innovation in relation to quantum computing.”  

Mira Pijselman, Digital Ethics Leader at EY  

As quantum computing transitions from research to industry, the focus should also shift from developing standalone capabilities to fostering responsible application. This involves carefully considering the implications of quantum technology on data security, promoting fair access to quantum infrastructure, and ensuring that investment aligns with the current pace of technological progress.  

We promote evidence-based evaluation of quantum technologies, helping businesses cut through the noise, focus on meaningful use cases, and prepare for integration in a way that’s secure, scalable, and beneficial for society. Our research is not only supporting industry innovation, it’s shaping national policy such as the UK’s national quantum strategy, ensuring the UK leads the way in ethical and effective deployment of quantum computing. 

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