As the founder and Honorary President of eco, Harald Summa once laid the foundations for the commercial Internet in Germany. Today, the pioneer of digital transformation talks about the future of quantum technology, explaining how qubits, quantum computers and new encryption methods could change our world in a sustainable way. In the interview, he highlights specific application scenarios, sheds light on the current state of research, but also reports on the hurdles that still need to be overcome for quantum technology to become widely available in industry and beyond.
Mr Summa, could you explain what quantum technology is in simple terms?
Harald Summa: Today’s computers are based on tiny electrical circuits that work in a binary system. This means that each of these circuits only recognises two states: “on” or “off” – similar to a light switch. These individual states are called “bits,” and they are the building blocks of a computer. To solve problems, a conventional computer proceeds step by step by switching these bits into the right positions sequentially. This sequential way of working means that each calculation is computed and processed.
Quantum computers, on the other hand, are based on tiny particles smaller than atoms – so-called quanta. These particles behave differently to ordinary objects. They can not only be “on” or “off”, but also at the same time, which we call qubits. In addition, quanta have a fascinating trait: they can exist in a state that allows them to be in two places at once. Or they can be so interlinked that a change in one particle immediately triggers a reaction in the other particle, even if far apart. This behaviour is what makes quantum technology so unique.
Why does quantum technology promise to be so much more powerful than conventional computers in certain areas?
Quantum technology uses qubits that can be in several states simultaneously. This allows quantum computers to carry out many calculations in parallel, tackling complex computations at a speed unattainable by classical computers. Another advantage is their ability to encode and optimise huge amounts of data – where conventional systems reach their limits. Quantum computers hold particular promise in fields such as drug discovery, optimising complex networks, and developing new materials.
However, quantum computers are extremely temperature-sensitive and require very low temperatures to keep the states of the qubits stable. Due to these limitations, quantum computers are not developed as universal household appliances, but rather for specific applications – they function more as a high-performance supplement to conventional computers.
Quantum technology is often seen as the next revolution in computer technology. Could you help us understand what makes this technology so special and what challenges and opportunities it brings for the future?
Development is progressing at a rapid pace worldwide. In an intense race, the major economic areas – the USA, China, Europe and Asia – are investing considerable financial and human resources in research and applications. Almost daily, there are new advances in specific areas and significant breakthroughs. The first quantum computers are already commercially available, either as devices or as cloud services. Over the next few years, we expect significant advances that will further increase usability and make the technology ready for specific applications in science and industry.
What specific application scenarios do you see for quantum technology in the near future, and in which sectors could it bring about the greatest changes?
Quantum technology shows great potential in areas that require extremely computationally intensive tasks. One example is the simulation of molecules in chemistry and medicine, which could accelerate drug development and improve efficacy predictions. With the ability to simulate molecules at the quantum level, quantum computers could potentially discover drugs and compounds that are difficult for classical computers to calculate.
The optimisation of complex logistics networks could also be taken to a new level with the help of quantum technology. For instance, transport routes and resource distribution could be adapted in real-time, which could increase efficiency and reduce costs.
Another important area is information security. Quantum computers have the potential to crack common encryption methods by decoding certain codes far faster than today’s computers. Researchers are therefore working on so-called “post-quantum-resistant” encryption methods that can withstand quantum computers attacks. There are already standardised algorithms considered particularly secure. However, we are already observing a phenomenon called “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” – i.e. the collection of encrypted data in order to decrypt it at a later date using high-performance quantum computers.
A technique based on symmetric key transmission through photons could provide crutial protection in the long term: Photons change their state when they are intercepted, making eavesdropping nearly impossible. These developments in Data Security promise a long-term high security for our digital infrastructures
How do you see the future of quantum technology – will it be accessible to the masses, or will it remain a specialised field?
Quantum computers will remain specific specialised computers, primarily in areas that require extremely high computing power – such as AI, chemistry or physics. As an individual quantum computer is not necessary but can be made accessible via “quantum-as-a-service” (QaaS) platforms, many innovative applications are conceivable that will be made available through the cloud.
The miniaturisation of semiconductor technology has allowed us to carry smartphones in our pockets. Why is this currently rather unlikely with quantum computers?
The miniaturisation of quantum computers is limited by the technical requirements. On one hand, low temperatures are essential for stabilising the qubits, and on the other hand, a quantum computer always requires a conventional computer for control. However, smaller quantum sensors for specific tasks could certainly be integrated into portable devices such as mobile phones or smartwatches.
What technical prerequisites must be met in order to bring quantum technology into everyday life and widespread industrial use, and what hurdles still need to be overcome?
A key step towards making quantum technology accessible is connecting classic devices to the cloud and providing access to “quantum-as-a-service” platforms. This would allow companies and users to access the technology without everyone having to work directly with their own quantum computer.
However, quantum technology is still in its infancy: Software development often lacks higher-level programming tools, and many applications currently remain research-oriented and highly specialised. A crucial challenge will be to train new specialists who understand both analogue and quantum-based systems from the ground up – this is the only way to fully exploit the potential of this technology in the long term.
What do you think: How important is the further development of quantum technology for Germany as a digital hub?
Germany has made a strong start in quantum research and is investing through central development centres in NRW, Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria and Berlin. However, there is a lack of a standardised national market and a high level of competitive pressure is noticeable. Instead of just promoting research, we should also increasingly support specific users in order to keep the location competitive. By providing targeted support for users, utilisation scenarios and young talent, we can play an active role in shaping the digital future.
Thank you for the interview!
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Quantum Technology – The Next Stage of the Digital Revolution
