Quantum Algorithms and their applications

February 15, 2021

That’s the name of the game when it comes to computers and computing! And the world is gearing up for the largest performance boost with quantum computing.

Quantum computing refers to the utilisation of quantum mechanical phenomena such as superposition, entanglement and more to derive increased computing power and performance, enabling faster computation and processing.

Until recently, quantum computing was merely a hypothesis, a dreamy utopia of a tech-enabled world that could solve the current generation’s major challenges. However, in the last half a decade, the field has made a ‘quantum leap’. With working prototypes, giants like IBM, Google, Airbus, JPMorgan Chase and others investing heavily in quantum technology, the treasure is in sight and it could open up endless possibilities and advancements in our existing paradigm, altering the way we live once and for all.

How will Quantum Algorithms and Quantum Computing be useful?

Cybersecurity and privacy: While many are aware that quantum machines will be able to decrypt hardened encryptions leading to exhaustive data  mining making ethical hacking truly joyous, it is also predicted that quantum machines will be able to create hack-proof replacements of existing firewalls and encryptions, lending true meaning to the word, privacy.

AI: According to experts, artificial intelligence is to the 21st century, what electricity was to the 20th. Right from home systems, automobiles, health care and technology, AI will have a lasting impact across all touchpoints and domains, and quantum machines will power the intelligence of AI-enabled systems.

Molecular Modelling: Molecular Modelling is a complex computational process that would take traditional machines a very long time to accurately compute. However, quantum machines, would not have any hassle in accurately modelling molecules based on their quantum chemistry and superposition properties. This will advance drug discovery by leaps and bounds, potentially curing many ailments.

Weather Forecasting: Globally, trillions of dollars are lost due to unfavourable weather conditions affecting food production, transportation, retail trade and more. Imagine saving this cost by accurately predicting weather conditions. Quantum computing enables accurate predictions by deciphering the wave-like formula of the weather and identifying patterns through the same.

Space research: What if we told you, quantum computing’s applications are out of the world? Well, quantum machines will be able to scan through galaxies and tons of unstructured data sent from satellites traversing the vast expanse of space to identify inhabitable planets, calculate probabilities of survival in different planets and optimize probabilities.

Better battery capacity for electric vehicles: With Tesla venturing into India, EV Tech is set to boom and quantum machines can help identify the most efficient way to derive maximum power output from batteries while not compromising on their charging capacity.

While quantum computers will create a paradigm shift in multiple domains, it will not make existing software systems a billion times faster. Quantum computers and algorithms, as explained above will be ideal to solve complex challenges plaguing the world for a long time without a solution.