The world of business and technology operates in cycles, where new waves of innovation replace old ones. In the ‘90s, many CEOs were skeptical about the internet, questioning its relevance and benefits to their business. Today, the Internet has become an essential component of nearly every business. Similarly, quantum technology is on the verge of revolutionizing industries across the board, and it's time for businesses to take notice.
While commercially available quantum computers are still some years away, other quantum technologies like quantum sensing and quantum simulation and optimization are already impacting businesses by unlocking new possibilities. At the same time, post-quantum cryptography is helping organizations in all sectors secure valuable data and systems from threats to encryption. Quantum technology might sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but it has a wide range of very practical business applications. Those that invest in quantum now stand to become tomorrow’s leaders.
At SandboxAQ, when we talk about quantum technologies, we’re really talking about AQ technologies – artificial intelligence + quantum. The last year has seen AI greatly mature, and it is quickly establishing itself as a means for businesses across industries to gain a competitive advantage. Combining AI with quantum creates powerful new capabilities in both.
For example, in the case of our prototype magnetocardiography (MCG) device, AI is used to filter out surrounding environmental interference and analyze the vast amounts of data generated by extremely sensitive quantum sensors. The outcome is higher fidelity images, produced at less expense and with greater accessibility. These images can then be analyzed by AI to develop clinically important insights and predictions. We believe quantum sensors can also be used for improving diagnoses of conditions in other organs, such as the brain.
Satellite-based GPS is the established standard for navigation technology, but it is also susceptible to jamming and spoofing. Quantum navigation using magnetic anomaly mapping, on the other hand, measures the earth’s magnetic field using AI and physics to filter out interference and improve the navigation quality for a practical, reliable alternative to GPS. This has applications for aerospace and nautical guidance systems as well as autonomous vehicles.
Quantum sensing can also enhance underwater or underground mapping, mineral exploration, earthquake detection and more.
Quantum simulation and optimization combine quantum and AI-based computational methods to analyze extremely complex data sets, giving businesses valuable insights. This could include everything from financial modeling (e.g., portfolio optimization, risk mitigation, and fraud detection) to supply chain logistics to materials science (e.g., developing more efficient electric vehicle batteries).
One area quantum simulation excels in is molecular modeling. For example, in the life sciences, quantum simulation is being used to enhance new drug discovery. This will potentially shave years off the pharmaceutical R&D process and greatly improve success rates, resulting in billions of dollars in savings. It can also be used to identify potential off-label uses and enhance patient outcomes as we move toward a new era of personalized medicine.
The dramatic rise in cybercrime demands that organizations remain vigilant to stay ahead of evolving threats. However, cryptography is often opaque and hard-coded in systems, making it hard to eliminate vulnerabilities, difficult to show compliance, and complex to implement upgrades. We are in the midst of a generational shift in cybersecurity in anticipation of large fault-tolerant quantum computers that will pose a threat to current public-key cryptography.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is in the process of standardizing post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms designed to protect against quantum attacks. SandboxAQ was selected by NIST's National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence to help organizations transition to PQC, and we’ve also partnered with global systems integrators Deloitte and EY to help enterprise customers prepare for the quantum era.
The migration to PQC requires that organizations first become cryptographically agile, meaning that they are able to seamlessly upgrade to new cryptographic protocols and respond to ever-changing threats while staying compliant with evolving standards. The SandboxAQ Security Suite is an end-to-end cryptographic-agility platform that grants organizations full visibility of their cryptography, including vulnerability and compliance analysis, as well as a path to centrally managed, robust and agile cryptography.
Cryptographically agile businesses will be well equipped to protect their valuable data against current and future threats, securing their intellectual property, customer data, and systems, and minimizing fallout from data breaches.
Every innovation cycle comes with a learning curve, and embracing new technologies takes time. But, with the right mindset and team, businesses can stay ahead of the competition. In the case of quantum technology, there is no need to feel overwhelmed. Even those new to the AQ field can start exploring its potential. By surrounding yourself with experts in the field and partnering with trusted vendors, you can begin to unlock new business opportunities generated by AQ.
As Bill Gates once said, "If your business is not on the Internet, then your business will be out of business." The same holds for AQ. Businesses that fail to embrace new technologies risk falling behind the competition and becoming obsolete. So, let's take a lesson from history and embrace AQ to create a better future for our businesses and industries.
If you would like to learn more about how AQ solutions can unlock new possibilities for your business, get in touch with us.
