Quantum Computing: Hype or Reality?
We're at a turning point. Quantum computing is no longer science fiction — it's becoming reality. The clock is ticking.
Today is International Quantum Day. You may have already heard about it: Quantum Computing. Perhaps in an article or at a technology conference. Chances are it was about a new breakthrough, followed by a warning not to get too excited just yet. Often, the message is something like: "No, you won't be buying a quantum-enabled laptop in stores within five years." And that's true.
But it's risky to keep lowering expectations with statements like: "It will definitely take another ten years before we have a working quantum computer."
Because that statement is simply incorrect. There are already working quantum computers — not just one, but several. Moreover, technological breakthroughs are happening at a rapid pace. Research institutes around the world are competing for a place in the history of quantum computing. For them, this is the new frontier: hyper-complex technology that promises prestige and recognition.
The business world is also waking up. Many companies see quantum computing as the biggest leap since the development of the transistor processor. And we all know how revolutionary that technology turned out to be.
Recent Milestones in Quantum Computing
Take a look at a few recent developments:
- March 12, 2025: TU Delft, in collaboration with the University of Innsbruck and QuTech, announces the first operating system designed specifically for quantum computers: QNodeOS. What makes this OS unique is that it is hardware-independent, meaning it can work with different quantum architectures — a major step toward standardization.
- March 4, 2025: The University of California, Santa Barbara succeeds in cooling atoms to near absolute zero — on a chip scale. This eliminates the need for massive lab setups to cool quantum chips, removing a major barrier to widespread adoption.
- February 19, 2025: Microsoft introduces the Majorana 1 chip, based on an entirely new architecture using a topological superconductor. According to Microsoft, this makes it possible to produce significantly less error-prone qubits — addressing one of the biggest remaining hurdles in quantum computing. Google announced a similar development with its Willow chip in late 2024.
And these are just a handful of the many innovations currently happening in the quantum world — breakthroughs that are significantly accelerating the arrival of practical, usable quantum computers.s5.
Figure 1: The Majorana 1 chip (photo: Microsoft)
How Close Are We, Really?
At a conference last October, I still heard someone claim publicly that commercial quantum computers are at least ten years away. Jensen Huang (CEO of Nvidia) said in January that usable quantum computing might still be twenty years off.
But other voices are emerging. Chetan Nayak (Microsoft Technical Fellow, Quantum Hardware) says it's a matter of years, not decades. The company PsiQuantum even claims it will have a commercially deployable quantum computer by 2027.
"Why Should I Worry About This Already?"
That's what many will think: "I'll deal with it when it becomes relevant."
But that mindset is risky. Quantum computers won't just unlock new technological possibilities, such as:
- Faster development of medicine
- Advanced battery technologies (e.g., shorter charging times and higher capacities)
They also bring new risks.
One of the biggest threats? Security.
Due to their immense computing power, quantum computers could theoretically crack any current encryption — including blockchain-based networks.
Technology expert Jesse van Doren warned in an interview with Marc Hulzebos (Eurofiber Innovation Team): "The enormous computing speed brings security risks. With quantum technology, you can, in theory, crack any encryption. Even heavily secured networks based on blockchain technology can be breached using quantum computers." Belgium has, despite a good track record in cryptography, not been at the forefront of developing a national Quantum strategy. This lead to the installation of, among others, the Quantum Circle chaired by Jan Sonck.
The Urgency: Quantum-Proof Encryption
This is a critical concern for all IT leaders. Because 2027 is closer than it seems. Those who wait until quantum computers are actually on the market will be too late. And this is especially true for sensitive data being stored today.
From my own research (conducted in the context of NIS2), only 30-40% of respondents encrypt all their data. The majority either encrypts only partially, or not at all.
So why start thinking about quantum-proof encryption now?
Because any data that will still have value in 2027 or later — for example, personal data, intellectual property, or state-sensitive information — must already be protected against future quantum threats.
According to experts, criminal organizations are already adopting the strategy: "Store now, decrypt later." They are stealing encrypted data now, and will decrypt it once quantum capabilities make that possible.
Harry Coker (former U.S. National Cyber Director) issued this warning at the end of last year. High-ranking officials in BeNeLux National security services have confirmed it as well.
The (Quantum) Clock is Ticking
We're at a turning point. Quantum computing is no longer science fiction — it's becoming reality. The clock is ticking. Organizations that act now will be ready for the future.
Those that wait are taking serious risks.