Call it reminiscing the good old times or me just getting old, but a guilty pleasure of mine is binging on classic TV shows while having dinner. I am currently on Season 3 of Quantum Leap and fully hooked. As I watched, Dr. Sam Beckett, leap through time, I couldn’t help but draw parallels with the current technological leap unfolding before us: the fusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Computing.

The power of quantum computing lies in its ability to solve complex problems that are now beyond the capacity of ordinary computers. Quantum computers, as opposed to classical computers, process information using quantum bits, or qubits. Qubits can exist in multiple states at the same time due to a property known as superposition. This allows quantum computers to process a vast number of possibilities at once, far outperforming regular computers in certain tasks.

Quantum computers, for example, already have the ability to crack encryption techniques, optimise complicated systems, and even predict the behavior of molecular and biological systems. Google’s quantum computer, Sycamore, attained ‘quantum supremacy’ in 2019 by completing a calculation in 200 seconds that would take the world’s most powerful supercomputer 10,000 years.

AI, with its ability to learn and adapt, is the ideal partner for quantum computing. Traditional computers are being pushed to their limits as the demand for more advanced AI and Machine Learning (ML) models develops. Quantum computers, with their ability to do multiple tasks concurrently, are ready to unleash the next generation of AI and ML models, much like Dr. Beckett did with each jump.

Quantum Leaps in various fields

Chemical and Biological Engineering: The capacity of quantum computers to execute sophisticated simulations has the potential to transform drug research and testing. This parallels Dr. Beckett’s forays into the lives of scientists and doctors, where he used his knowledge to create great advances.

Financial Investing: The financial market, with its plethora of affecting elements, is as volatile as the show’s leaps. Quantum computers, with its ability to model nearly unlimited possibilities, could deliver more precise forecasts.

Operations and Manufacturing: Quantum computers have the potential to improve manufacturing processes by simulating thousands of interconnected actions at the same time. This is similar to how Dr. Beckett’s understanding of many professions allowed him to optimise results in the lives he jumped into.

Climate Modelling: By simultaneously processing millions of variables, quantum simulations could deliver more accurate climate predictions. This is similar to the show’s overall theme of changing the future for the better.

While quantum computers will not replace traditional computers, they will augment them by solving issues that are currently beyond our capabilities. With the advancement of quantum hardware and AI, we must create new interdisciplinary education programmes that combine quantum & AI knowledge with domain expertise.

The route of quantum AI computing is as unpredictable as Dr. Beckett’s jumps. What was once a scientific fantasy is now becoming a reality. We are on the verge of a new era, and it is apparent that the future of technology is not only bright, but also quantum.