Quantum mechanics has long fascinated scientists, but for many outside the field it remains a mystery. The principles underpinning it, particles behaving unpredictably at the smallest scales, are notoriously difficult to grasp. Yet these same principles have opened the door to an entirely new realm of technological innovation, one that could eventually transform computing, security, and scientific research.
Its complexity is also part of the reason quantum technology has not captured public attention in the same way that artificial intelligence has. Despite recent announcements from major players such as Microsoft and Google, quantum remains a less visible but equally ambitious area of development.
Broadly speaking, artificial intelligence operates through software: algorithms trained on vast datasets, while quantum technology focuses on hardware, including advanced computers and sensors that operate at the level of subatomic particles. The two fields serve different purposes but could one day intersect, producing systems capable of processing information at speeds far beyond today’s limits.
Brian Hopkins, vice president and principal analyst for emerging technology at Forrester, describes the combination as promising but still theoretical. ‘The potential is there, but the jury is still out,’ he says. ‘Early experiments show encouraging results, but much more powerful quantum computers and further research will be needed before we can apply quantum effects effectively to AI.’
The Economics of Quantum and AI
In financial terms, both technologies are generating substantial interest. McKinsey estimates that the global quantum industry could reach $97 billion (£74 billion) by 2035. Artificial intelligence, by contrast, is already valued in the trillions and continues to grow rapidly as more sectors adopt automation and data-driven systems.
However, both exist under the shadow of hype. Analysts caution that inflated expectations could lead to corrections similar to past technology bubbles. In mid-October, several research groups warned that key quantum technology stocks could fall by as much as 62 percent, while investors continue to debate whether AI’s market momentum is sustainable.
Beyond the Hype
Hopkins admits that he once thought quantum computing was the most overhyped field in technology, until the AI surge began. Today, both sectors face the same challenge: translating extraordinary scientific promise into practical, reliable, and commercially viable outcomes. For now, quantum’s role may be to quietly advance in the background while AI dominates headlines. But over the next decade, as computing power expands and theoretical research matures, the two may converge; reshaping the technological landscape once again.
