The Quantum Factor Behind AI's Rise
AI is everywhere now. Here in New York, I see references to AI everywhere—on bus stop ads, in news stories, and in casual conversations.
While most people recognize AI as a transformative force, fewer are aware of one of the key technologies quietly fueling its progress: quantum computing. Though it’s largely confined to discussions among researchers and tech insiders, quantum computing is shaping the future of AI behind the scenes. Many governments and tech giants see it as the next frontier—one that could supercharge AI’s future capabilities.
Quantum computing is unlike anything we’ve seen before. Instead of using bits (0 or 1), like conventional computing uses, it relies on “qubits,” which can be 0 and 1 at the same time. That trick means a quantum computer could handle multiple calculations in one go. In practice, a standard computer tests possible solutions in a long, linear marathon, while a quantum computer sprints through them in parallel. Problems that might stymie a normal supercomputer for millennia could, in theory, be solved by a quantum machine in hours or even minutes.
Though practical quantum computers are still in the early stages, governments, tech giants, and startups alike are investing enormous sums to speed progress. IBM, Google, Microsoft, and others have launched well-funded projects to push quantum hardware beyond small prototypes. In Chicago, for example, a company called PsiQuantum is building a large-scale, 300,000-square-foot “Quantum Park” in partnership with the Chicago Quantum Exchange, aiming to construct one of the country’s first fully error-corrected machines. Similar moves are underway worldwide, including in Europe, China, and Australia—all keen to establish themselves as leaders in quantum technology.
Can Security Keep Up? The Challenges of Transitioning to Quantum-Safe Cryptography
Yet, for all its potential, quantum computing also introduces new considerations for cybersecurity. Today’s encryption relies on mathematical puzzles—like factoring very large numbers—that are nearly impossible for classical computers to solve quickly. A future quantum computer, however, could tackle these same challenges more efficiently, which could call into question the durability of current encryption standards.
Right now, these machines aren’t yet powerful enough to threaten mainstream cryptographic systems. But experts are preparing for the day when “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks become feasible. That would mean hackers collecting encrypted data now, then decrypting it later using a sufficiently advanced quantum machine. To counter this, organizations such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have been identifying and standardizing new, “quantum-resistant” encryption methods. Transitioning global infrastructure to these updated standards is a process that could take several years.
How Washington is shaping quantum tech
Enter the current U.S. political landscape. Since President Donald Trump’s second inauguration last month, there’s been a considerable push for deregulation on Capitol Hill. New executive orders demand agencies remove multiple regulations for every new one they propose. On the one hand, fewer constraints might spur quantum innovation—companies could move faster, test more freely, and bring new technologies to market without extensive red tape. On the other, a lighter regulatory touch could mean less oversight and fewer coordinated policies to ensure data protection standards keep pace with rapidly evolving quantum capabilities. The policies enacted now may have long-term implications for both technological leadership and cybersecurity.
International competition adds another layer of complexity. U.S.–China relations have been tense in high-tech industries, and quantum computing is no exception. During Trump’s previous term, policies limited China’s involvement in sensitive technologies such as 5G.
A similar or even stronger stance could now emerge around quantum, making this technology a key battleground between the United States and China. While the United States aims to stay at the forefront of quantum development, balancing open collaboration with national security concerns is an ongoing challenge.
Why does it matter to you?
Most of our digital services, from online banking to social media, rely on encryption that could be vulnerable in a post-quantum era. Although serious threats may be several years away, planning ahead is critical. For now, the path forward involves refining quantum hardware, developing quantum-safe encryption, and ensuring that policy choices keep pace with the technology’s rapid evolution.
Quantum computing remains a remarkable frontier—it’s rich in opportunity and worthy of thoughtful oversight. As the field matures, the choices made by researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers will shape not only new breakthroughs in science and technology, but also the security of our data and communications in the decades ahead. It’s an exciting time to watch, and a critical time to prepare.
