The history of quantum computing can be traced back to the early 1980s, to Richard Feynman, noted American theoretical physicist and Nobel Prize recipient who was lecturing on the potential advantages of quantum systems. His work was followed by David Deutsch, a British physicist at the University of Oxford who discussed the idea of universal quantum computers, and is referred to as the father of quantum computing. The first commercial quantum computer was released by D-Wave in 2010. The current leaders in quantum computers based on various competing specifications are Quantinuum Helios, IBM Condor and Kookaburra, Google Willow, and Microsoft’s Majorana chip. But what really is quantum computing, and what does it mean?
In simple terms, within our current classical computer environment, computers process information in bits, which can be either 1 or 0 — on or off. Quantum computers, on the other hand, use quantum bits, or qubits, which are based on the behavior of subatomic particles and can be either 0 or 1, on or off, or both at the same time. This allows the qubits to offer multiple states simultaneously, allowing for impressive parallel processing. These multiple states in quantum physics are described by three core principles: superposition, entanglement and quantum interference.
PILLARS OF QUANTUM COMPUTING
Pillar I: Superposition
This is a fundamental characteristic of quantum computing — the condition in which a quantum system can exist in multiple states and configurations simultaneously.
This occurs when two or more qubits of the same origin become entangled, form a connection and always stay together, even if separated by time or space. As NASA explains, “Even if they separate and move far apart in time and space, they continue to share something beyond a mere bond — they shed their original quantum states and take on a new, united quantum state which they maintain forever. This means if something happens to one particle, it affects all the others with which it’s entangled.”
Pillar III: Quantum Interference
As described by Microsoft’s website, quantum interference is a phenomenon which occurs “from the wave-like nature of quantum particles such as electrons and photons. When a particle is in a superposition of multiple states, these states can interfere with each other leading to constructive or destructive interference.” This occurs when subatomic particles interact and influence each other and other particles.
QUANTUM COMPUTING IN PRACTICAL TERMS
After understanding these three pillars, the question is, what do they translate into, in more practical terms? The power of quantum computing is its ability to solve problems exponentially faster than our current computers. In artificial intelligence, quantum computing has the potential to help scientists and researchers develop AI systems that are faster, more intelligent and more powerful. This could greatly benefit business, government and higher education. Quantum computing could be much faster and more powerful in designing innovative drugs and advanced materials, for example, and offering better protection from global cybersecurity breaches. In a guest column for Forbes in October 2024 titled “The Next Breakthrough In Artificial Intelligence: How Quantum AI Will Reshape Our World,” author Bernard Marr wrote, “The implications of this technology are profound and far-reaching” and will revolutionize industries from health care to finance, and beyond.
INVESTMENTS IN QUANTUM COMPUTING
Throughout the world, even with breathtaking investments in AI, public and private investments in quantum computing are expected to increase. According to a report last year published by McKinsey & Company, within the next decade, the quantum computing market is expected to reach $100 billion. In early 2025, Japan’s investment in quantum computing amounted to nearly 75 percent of the global public investment. Universities throughout the world have also begun developing research groups. Some of the common universities mentioned with robust quantum computing programs include Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford, UC Berkley, University of Waterloo in Canada, Oxford in the U.K., TU Delft in the Netherlands, California Institute of Technology and the University of Chicago-Argonne National Lab. The news website Quantum Computing Report by GQI provides a comprehensive list of hyperlinks to universities that have quantum computing research groups.
BREAKTHROUGHS FOR HIGHER ED
While quantum computing might be seen as potentially eclipsing today’s news and narrative on AI, in reality they will simply coexist. While fully developed large AI and quantum modeling is still being developed, a 2025 blog post on the website for the European company IQM Quantum Computers said, “early-stage applications are already being explored on many fronts. Hyperion Research predicts that 18 percent of quantum algorithm revenue will come from AI by 2026. Several companies and research institutions are investing heavily in Quantum AI.”
In the education space, quantum computing could usher in an entirely new generation of customized AI tutoring, analyzing data to help understand a student’s personal motivations and emotional states more quickly. This dynamic process could help build an entirely customizable learning structure for each student and be quickly modified based upon their specific needs. Individualized learning would be transformed.
QUANTUM RISKS IN EDUCATION
While there are many advantageous uses of quantum computing, experts are also sounding the alarm on its potential risks. With the sheer power of ultra-fast and multifaceted processing, quantum computing can pose risks of following our keystrokes, emotions and leaning profiles. In addition, quantum computing could make faulty predictions on what learners should learn, dehumanize the learning process, or create inequality of scoring or ranking of specific learners.
In a 2025 column on quantum computing and the future of education, education consultant John Moravec outlined these concerns by describing three specific risk areas: surveillance and control, dehumanization, and inequity and exploitation.
Moravec provided optimism but also cautioned, “Quantum computing will reshape the logic, governance and experience of education. Whether it amplifies human flourishing or entrenches new forms of control will depend on the institutions, norms and values that frame its integration. Education systems have a narrow window to engage this emerging domain with clarity, foresight and purpose.” The next generation of computing may allow us to make impressive leaps in education, but it will be on us to utilize the technology with care, caution and clear ethical purpose.
