The “What”:
JPMorgan Chase and D-Wave Quantum have recently made significant strides in quantum computing. JPMorgan demonstrated a real-world use case for certified randomness using a quantum computer, while D-Wave claimed quantum supremacy on a practical materials simulation problem.
The “So What”:
Quantum computing is no longer a theoretical exercise—it’s proving its value on real-world problems that classical supercomputers can’t handle. Financial institutions and tech companies alike are positioning themselves for a future defined by exponential leaps in processing power.
The “Now What”:
Executives must begin preparing their organizations now. From cryptographic overhauls to AI and simulation breakthroughs, quantum readiness is becoming a competitive advantage. Leaders need to understand the emerging landscape, assess impact on their industries, and formulate proactive strategies.
It’s easy to relegate quantum computing to the domain of scientists in lab coats and chalkboards filled with complex formulas. But if you’re an executive today, that mental model is becoming dangerously outdated.
In just the past few weeks, two major breakthroughs have redefined the stakes.
JPMorgan Chase: Banking on Quantum, Literally
America’s largest bank just published research in Nature where it achieved “certified randomness” using a quantum algorithm run on a Quantinuum machine. That may sound niche—but in cryptography, randomness is gold. It’s the backbone of encryption, the kind that keeps everything from your customer accounts to your trade secrets secure.
Marco Pistoia, head of Global Technology Applied Research at JPMorgan, is leading the charge. The bank is investing heavily in quantum—not just in research, but in real-world algorithm development, including quantum-accelerated training for large language models. While current quantum hardware still has limitations, JPMorgan isn’t waiting around. It’s preparing for a post-quantum world now.
Why? Because in cybersecurity, speed is measured in vulnerabilities discovered, not budgets approved.
D-Wave: From Hype to Practical Supremacy
Meanwhile, D-Wave Quantum says it’s achieved a long-coveted milestone: quantum supremacy, but not just on any problem—on a useful, real-world simulation involving magnetic materials. The kind of challenge that underpins advancements in everything from medical imaging to smartphones.
D-Wave’s system solved it in 20 minutes. A top-tier classical supercomputer? It would’ve needed nearly a million years.
That’s not a marketing spin. The results were peer-reviewed and published in Science. While some researchers have questioned the extent of D-Wave’s claims, the bigger point is this: quantum computing is now being applied to business-relevant challenges—not just theory, not just benchmarks.
And it’s not just D-Wave. Google, IBM, Amazon, and Microsoft are building competing approaches—some using gate-based systems, others like D-Wave pushing annealing-based machines. The competition is fierce, but the trajectory is unmistakable.
So, What Should Executives Be Doing Right Now?
Here are five clear actions leaders can take to avoid getting blindsided:
1. Start with Awareness
Quantum is now business-relevant. Make sure your board, C-suite, and technical leadership understand what quantum computing is, and how it may impact your industry. Host an executive briefing, or bring in external advisors.
2. Update Your Cybersecurity Roadmap
Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) is not optional. NIST has already published draft standards. Begin inventorying systems that rely on classical public-key cryptography and assess your vulnerability window.
3. Invest in Partnerships
You don’t need to build a quantum team in-house tomorrow. But you do need to build relationships—with quantum vendors, research labs, and cloud providers offering access to quantum simulators and processors.
4. Explore Use Cases in R&D
Materials discovery, risk modeling, optimization, drug development, and AI training are ripe for disruption. Encourage your innovation team to assess where quantum acceleration may eventually give you an edge.
5. Plan for a 5–10 Year Horizon
Pioneers like JPMorgan are betting on commercial viability by the end of the decade. That’s a blink of an eye in enterprise transformation timelines. Begin allocating resources and talent accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Quantum computing is crossing the chasm from theory to impact. The headlines from JPMorgan and D-Wave are your wake-up call.
Don’t wait for another “ChatGPT moment” to take action. The companies leading in quantum today will define the competitive landscape of tomorrow. Your job as an executive is not to predict the quantum future—but to prepare your business to thrive in it.
Ask me how I can help!
Related Articles
Related
Understanding the Timing of Quantum Entanglement at Attosecond Scales
TLDR; The "What":Scientists have, for the first time, tracked the speed of quantum entanglement between electrons at the attosecond scale—a billionth of a billionth of a second—revealing that even "instantaneous" quantum events unfold over measurable time. The "So...
Artificial Intelligence Index Report 2023
Shift in AI Development Leadership Historically, academia led in releasing significant machine learning models. Since 2014, the industry has taken the helm, producing 32 major models in 2022 alone, compared to just three from academia. This shift is largely due to the...
Generative AI is poised to dramatically enhance productivity
Generative AI is poised to dramatically enhance productivity, potentially adding up to $4.4 trillion annually to the global economy. This figure surpasses the entire GDP of the United Kingdom in 2021, highlighting the immense economic potential of this technology....