Will Quantum Computing Re-Write the Future of Technology?

Technology has proved itself as a core component of our lives in almost every industry, so it’s a great route to take if you’re after a future-proof career. 

When we think about what has cracked the code in the technological world, our fingers point to artificial intelligence (AI). From something that originated in the science industry to increase the speed of procedures using machinery, it is more commonly being rolled out as an art. Just look at new AI systems such as ChatGPT, the new chatbot being used on companies’ websites and social media channels. Additionally, look at Jasper.AI; a writing assistant tool aimed at conveniently producing AI-generated written content.  

However, one form of technology that is setting the scene to take the computing industry by storm is Quantum Computing. This blog explores it in more detail and explains how a computing degree could be beneficial to keep you up-to-date in a high-growth sector. 

What is Quantum Computing? 

We can’t be in a position to dictate whether quantum computing could re-write the future of technology if we don’t know what it is. According to global giant IBM, it is a rapidly emerging technology that harnesses the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems that are too complex for traditional computers.  

We already know that quantum computing has a bright future. 2022 saw major breakthroughs such as the investment of the first quantum computer from the UK Ministry of Defence and the launch of the world’s first quantum computer that is capable of gaining an advantage over the cloud. 

The Future of Quantum Computing 

There’s a lot we still don’t know about quantum computing. The World Economic Forum has already established a Quantum Computing Network that facilitates collaboration with global companies such as Amazon, IBM, and Microsoft, as well as academic institutions and governments. 

However, the most exciting thing about quantum computing is how it’s expected to impact our lives in the future. Take a look at its top five future applications:  

1. Improving cancer treatment – Quantum computing has identified a new technique that uses quantum annealing computers that will allow for radiotherapy to be optimised three to four times quicker than on a regular computer  

2. Improving traffic flow – Are you bored of rush hour traffic jams? Quantum computing can help using a Quadratic Unconstraint Binary Optimisation (QUBO) technique that finds the optimal routes for a select number of cars and possible routes to consider  

3. Better mobile data coverage – Sick of slow Wi-Fi? The QUBO technique could have the solution by helping to find the optimal satellite coverage position required  

4. More human-like AI – Quantum computers are proving to be the perfect fit for the neural networks that are incorporated into AI. This is why Google has been investing in quantum computer research to improve Google AI  

5. Gaming with quantum computers – A few games have started to be developed to utilise quantum computers. For example, Microsoft has been working on a programming language called Q#, using both classical and quantum hardware to compute. Watch this space, maybe we will be playing Call of Duty Q one day! 

When will Quantum Computing Start Impacting our Daily Lives? 

For something that is building such a profound presence in the technology world, it’s natural to wonder when it will start factoring into our daily lives. Studies have reported that quantum computing is set to become a multi-billion-dollar industry by 2030. 

If you’re someone that is looking to embark on your technological journey, there’s no better time to start your computing degree. You could be one of the first in the computing industry to be using this on a daily basis! 

Why Study Computing? 

There’s no more relevant subject to study than computing; it opens the doors to several career paths. At the University of Bolton, BSc (Hons) Computing students benefit from studying in the Centre for Applied Computer Science, teaching them the up-to-date industry skills they need to enter the dynamic and evolving digital technology world. Whether you’re pursuing a career in software engineering, computer programming, or cloud infrastructure industries, we are proud to offer a positive and supportive learning environment to help you achieve your ambitions. Let’s look at some of the course highlights: 

- We were the first UK university to become a RedHat Academy, incorporating RedHat Linux into our modules 

- Our computing courses have been voted first for Student Satisfaction* 

- Our experienced lecturers love to share their wealth of knowledge with students; it’s their passion that has helped us become first for Teaching Quality** 

- Our computing courses are regularly monitored to ensure they are up-to-date with current and ever-changing computing issues. This means our students’ learning experience remains aligned with technological advances and innovations  

- We have a dedicated Careers and Employability Team who are committed to helping enhance our student’s employability. This means that students are encouraged to attend guest lectures from industry professionals  

Interested in finding out more about the BSc (Hons) Computing degree from the University of Bolton? Click here to see our full course details. 

For more information, contact us at enquiries@bolton.ac.uk or call on 01204 903807. 

Come and enjoy #UniAsItShouldBe; where putting students’ needs first is at the heart of everything we do. 

*Complete University Guide – Student Satisfaction – Northwest – 2023, 2022 

**The Times and Sunday Times, Good University Guide – Teaching Quality – Northwest - 2023