The Year in Quantum: Preparing for the Quantum Revolution
On June 7, 2024, the United Nations officially declared 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ). This global initiative aims to raise public awareness about the transformative power of quantum science and its applications.
The timing is no coincidence—2025 marks 100 years since the groundbreaking development of quantum mechanics, a field that has reshaped our understanding of the universe and continues to push the boundaries of innovation. Today, companies like IBM and Google are racing to harness its potential, striving for “quantum supremacy.”
The IYQ initiative put out a call to action to “help aid the mission of the International Year by facilitating the creation of events or resources that will help others to improve their understanding of the importance and impact of quantum science and technology.”
To say MIT is heeding the call is an understatement. Quantum computing, a subset of quantum mechanics, began in the summer of 1981 at a gathering hosted at MIT’s Endicott House. Since then, our institution has been at the forefront of quantum computing developments. Currently, MIT xPRO offers two separate programs, with two courses each: Quantum Computing Fundamentals and Quantum Computing Realities.
As the world celebrates a century of quantum breakthroughs, there’s no better time to explore what quantum computing means for the future—and how your organization can harness its potential.
Now Is the Time to Learn Quantum Computing
Quantum computing is poised to reshape industries, with applications spanning drug development, supply chain optimization, finance, and even the future of cybersecurity. It promises performance advantages that aren’t possible to achieve with classical computing.
The race is on to leverage this transformative technology. But here’s the catch: organizations face a shortage of quantum computing experts. This gap between potential and readiness presents an opportunity for professionals who want to skill up and organizations willing to invest in employees’ professional development.
Why not make 2025 the year you position yourself (and your organization) as a leader in this emerging field?
First Things First: Learn the Basics
If you’re just dipping your toes into quantum computing, you’ll want to start by developing a basic understanding of linear algebra, vector and matrix multiplication, and quantum mechanics.
Linear algebra
Linear algebra is a foundational branch of mathematics focused on systems of linear equations and the properties of matrices. Its concepts and operations, including vector and matrix multiplication, are widely applicable across disciplines, including physics, economics, engineering, and the natural and social sciences. Linear algebra is at the core of quantum computing algorithms.
Quantum mechanics
A fundamental branch of physics, quantum mechanics explores the behavior of matter and energy at the scale of atoms and subatomic particles. It introduces concepts like wave-particle duality, superposition, and entanglement, which challenge our classical understanding of the universe. Quantum mechanics forms the foundation for many modern technologies, including quantum computing.
Next: Discover the Business and Technical Implications of Quantum Computing
Once you’ve covered the basics, a great next step is learning about quantum computing’s business and technical implications. In other words: How can you apply quantum computing within your organization? This is where MIT xPRO's Quantum Computing Fundamentals program picks up.
“We created [the program] in large part to help educate professionals on the fundamentals and essentials of quantum computing,” explains Professor Will Oliver, faculty director for the program.
Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect to learn from the program, with the caveat that these explanations have been simplified quite significantly for the purposes of this article.
Differences between quantum and classical computing
Classical computers rely on bits as their basic unit of data, which can represent either a 0 or a 1. These bits are processed using deterministic algorithms. Classical computers excel at tasks like word processing, basic calculations, and even complex simulations within certain limits.
Quantum computers use quantum bits or qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously. As a result, quantum computers can explore many possible solutions at once, enabling them to solve specific problems much faster than classical computers.
Challenges and opportunities associated with quantum computing
Understanding the challenges and opportunities is essential to fully grasping the potential of this transformative technology.
Quantum computing promises significant performance advantages that could revolutionize many industries. However, developers face substantial engineering challenges, from meeting the technical requirements needed to run realistically large quantum algorithms to overcoming the scientific limits of these algorithms in practical applications.
Building functional quantum computers also demands advanced technology to ensure stability and precision, highlighting the complexity of turning this promise into reality.
What a quantum computer can and can’t do for your organization
Quantum computing headlines often tout groundbreaking discoveries, but not every advancement translates to immediate business value.
As Professor Oliver emphasizes, organizations must filter out the hype and focus on developments with actual business implications. That means having quantum-smart people in the workforce. Building this expertise now will ensure that professionals are ready to lead and that organizations stay ahead of the curve.
Ready to Join the Quantum Revolution?
The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology serves as a powerful reminder that quantum computing is not part of some distant future—it’s happening right now. Professionals and organizations have an opportunity to get ahead in an emerging field that promises to reshape industries and redefine what's possible.
At MIT xPRO, we’re committed to empowering professionals with the skills they need to thrive in the quantum revolution. In fact, a recent survey revealed that 42% of participants in our Quantum Computing Fundamentals program reported gaining new job responsibilities, landing roles at other companies, or earning promotions.
Whether you’re looking to broaden your knowledge or position your organization as a leader in quantum computing, now is the time to invest in your future. With the right skills, you can help drive meaningful innovation and turn the potential of quantum computing into real-world impact.
Enroll in Quantum Computing Fundamentals today.