Quantum-classical computers: Is there finally a way to commercialize quantum computing?

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• December 27, 2022

Insight summary

Even though large-scale quantum computers are not available to the public yet, some companies are helping businesses benefit from quantum technology by building hybrid systems. This technique allows existing computers to benefit from quantum-based solutions, including increased computing power. The long-term implications of hybrid quantum computers could include enhanced cybersecurity measures and smaller businesses struggling to invest in quantum computing.

Quantum-classical computers context

The constant influx of data swirling throughout the world’s digital economy is fueling public and private sector investments into ever larger computing capacity. This increased capacity can be achieved by utilizing a system that incorporates various types of distributed and diverse computing architectures, including the developing field of quantum computing.

Quantum computers have the potential to drastically speed up simulations, optimizations, and machine learning (ML) algorithms. However, many IT teams believe that they will only be able to access quantum computers through physical devices, either locally or in the cloud. According to tech manufacturer Dell, it’s possible to use classical resources to imitate segments of the quantum environment. 

This technique makes it less complicated for IT leaders who want to explore or enhance their algorithms. A simulator can recreate the quantum aspects of a system, or an emulator can recreate both the quantum and classical elements. An example is Dell’s hybrid emulation platform that uses IBM’s open-source service for quantum computers, Qiskit Runtime. This combination would allow the user to replicate and explore how quantum applications run on local devices using an emulator.

Disruptive impact

Several companies are further exploring merging quantum solutions with classical computing infrastructures. Qiskit Runtime’s environment can execute quantum hardware calculations in a single day that would have taken weeks before. Additionally, the project is open source, allowing third-party integrations and innovations to move the industry forward. The hybrid emulation platform will help make the developer ecosystem more accessible and accelerate use case exploration and algorithm development.

Startup Rigetti’s solution, implemented in Microsoft’s cloud service Azure, allows quantum-derived solutions to be shared with classical computer counterparts. Meanwhile, pharma company Merck partnered with another startup, Seeqc, to monitor how quantum technologies can be incorporated into Merck’s business processes. The company’s In Silico Research group is actively developing models that leverage data analytics and artificial intelligence to solve quantum problems in natural sciences, thereby reducing the time required for experimental work.

Seeqc is developing a system-on-a-chip design that combines classical and quantum computing architectures, allowing users to take advantage of the benefits of both approaches. The firm is not trying to build a quantum computer that does everything. It wants to construct custom-made computers for the specific problems clients need to be solved. And because Seeqc has its chip factory, it can make customized chips as they create different algorithms.

This business model will benefit industries that want to experiment with these hybrid solutions or are keen on discovering how quantum computing can boost their operations. The piecemeal approach can also encourage more research into the space as quantum startups develop better services and use cases.

Implications of combining classical with quantum computers

Wider implications of combining classical with quantum computers may include: 

• Large companies partnering with quantum computing startups to design hybrid solutions for their particular businesses, particularly in manufacturing and tech.


• Cloud service providers offering to host quantum features on the cloud for developers to explore and experiment on.


• Increased investments in bringing more practical applications of quantum computing to existing tech infrastructures.


• Quantum computing technologies eventually becoming relatively affordable as more companies use hybrid systems to explore how to commercialize their functionalities, and then start expressing interest in standalone quantum computers.


• Big tech firms racing to build the most comprehensive quantum hybrid products, leading to smaller firms struggling to compete.


• Educational institutions modifying curricula to include quantum concepts, preparing a new generation of tech-savvy professionals.


• Financial sector entities adopting hybrid quantum-classical computing systems, significantly speeding up complex calculations like risk assessment and algorithmic trading.


• Governments initiating funding and research programs focused on quantum computing applications in national security, potentially transforming cyber defense strategies.

Questions to consider

• If you work in the quantum computing field, how is your company exploring potential hybrid solutions?


• What are some limitations of fusing quantum computing with their classical counterparts?