Blue Chip Issue 96

BLUE BLUECHIP

BLUE BLUECHIP CHIPINVESTMENT | TechnologyQuantum leap:how quantum computersare rewriting the rules of techThe growing demands of AI, data science and global complexity are pushing classical computingto its limits. In response, quantum computing is emerging – a breakthrough as transformative asthe telescope was to the naked eye when trying to map the universe. In this article, we focus onthe development of quantum computing and explore the impact it can have across industries.Back in the 1980s, home computing was just beginning tocatch on. A popular device at the time was the Sinclair ZXSpectrum, good for tape-fed video games and not muchelse. Fast forward to today, and computers are literallyprocessing data millions of times faster! Even a typical smartphoneholds over four-million times the amount of storage than thehumble Spectrum. You needed to plug the memory into the backeach time you used it.This leap in performance has largely been driven by Moore’sLaw, an observation made by Intel co-founder Gordon Moore in1965. He noted that the number of transistors [1] on a microchipdouble approximately every two years, effectively doublingcomputing power. While this trend has begun to slow, it pavedthe way for tremendous technological progress. Now, we’reapproaching the limits of what classical computing can do – andthis is where quantum computing comes in.Image generated using Google Gemini AI,developed by Google DeepMind [June 2025].30 www.bluechipdigital.co.za

INVESTMENT | TechnologyBLUECHIPexciting avenues to expand how we can process information andin turn develop new opportunities spanning most industries.Classical vs quantum computing: a simple analogyClassical computing = one traveller, one route. Imagine tryingto find the fastest way to get from London to Tokyo. A classicalcomputer is like a single traveller who tries one route at a time,checks how long it takes, then tries another.As the technology matures,it’s important to be positionedacross the full spectrum ofinvestment opportunitiesQuantum computing = millions of travellers exploring all routesat once. A quantum computer is like sending millions of travellersout at the same time, each testing a different route instantly – byplane, boat and even time zones – until the best path is found.These unique properties [2] give quantum computers the abilityto process vast combinations of data simultaneously. By contrast,modern computers use light-switch-style resistors that processinformation in a linear sequence. In a world increasingly defined bydata and what we can do with it, quantum computing is openingTransforming industriesQuantum computing holds promise across several fields, withthe potential to transform major sectors in practical andprofound ways:Pharmaceuticals. Traditional drug discovery is a slow, expensiveprocess involving trial and error. Quantum computers couldsimulate molecular interactions at an atomic level, drasticallyreducing the time needed to identify potential drug candidatesand enabling more targeted therapies for complex diseases.Materials science. Designing new materials with tailoredproperties could be revolutionised. For example, researcherscould create superconductors that work at room temperature ordevelop ultra-light but strong materials for use in aerospace andconstruction, all by simulating atomic structures more accuratelythan ever before.Logistics and transportation. Quantum algorithms can optimisecomplex logistical networks such as global supply chains, airlinescheduling and urban traffic systems. This could mean fasterdelivery times, lower fuel consumption and better contingencyplanning in case of disruptions.Cybersecurity. Quantum computing is a double-edged swordin this area. It could break many of today’s encryptionmethods, but it could also enable next-generation quantumencryption that is theoretically unbreakable, enhancing datasecurity across industries.Artificial Intelligence and machine learning. AI and machinelearning require processing huge volumes of data to identifypatterns and make predictions. Quantum computing could speedup model training, improve pattern recognition and enhancedecision-making capabilities. It could lead to more intuitiveAI, capable of learning from fewer data points and adapting inreal-time, transforming industries from finance to healthcare.As the world converges towards AI in both physical and dataforms, the case for more powerful computing is clear to see.Where are we now? The long road to quantum supremacyDespite its promise, quantum computing is still in its early stages.Current machines, built by companies like IBM, Google andstartups such as Rigetti, have demonstrated basic functionalitybut are still prone to errors and instability. These machines requirenear-absolute-zero temperatures and specialised environmentsto operate.Why is progress so slow? Unlike classical computers, whichevolved through decades of commercial demand and consumeruse, quantum computers require breakthroughs across physics,engineering and materials science. It’s not just about writing bettercode – it’s about redefining the hardware from the ground up.www.bluechipdigital.co.za31