In a recent discussion with Finextra, Anders Indset, a business author and investor based in Frankfurt, Germany, shares his insights on the future of quantum computing and its potential to revolutionise industries. He discusses the evolution of the quantum
economy, highlighted the rapid advancements in quantum technology, and shares his thoughts on the trajectory of the field. His insights shed light on the growing investments, the implications for security and energy, and the potential business opportunities
that lie ahead.
Current state of quantum innovation
The quantum computing landscape has advanced significantly beyond the headlines of tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. While these companies continue to dominate the space, there is increasing attention on the software and application layers
of quantum computing. Indset highlights the potential of hybrid quantum-classical computing, where quantum theory is used alongside conventional computing to tackle complex problems in real-time.
He reflects on his vision for the quantum economy, which he first shared in his 2019 book
The Quantum Economy: “I envisioned a world in which many scientists transition from academia to business, bringing with them significant investments that accelerate economic and technological progress. This shift, moving from the old economy to the
new economy, holds immense potential for humanity.”
The UN’s declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology underscores the growing global interest in quantum technologies. This heightened awareness is expected to further catalyse innovation, with investors increasingly looking
for promising quantum breakthroughs.
The implications of quantum computing on security and energy
One of the most critical concerns surrounding quantum computing is its potential to disrupt security systems, especially in terms of encryption. Indset warns that once stable quantum computers are achieved, they will pose significant risks to current security
frameworks: “If anyone thinks that there will be a stable quantum computer out of the many promising fields [...] you basically have an immediate security risk today.”
He discusses the urgent need for post-quantum cryptography, highlighting that companies worldwide must begin upgrading their cryptographic systems to protect data from quantum threats. The US government, for example, has identified over 250,000 companies
that need to migrate to post-quantum secure environments.
Beyond security, Indset points out the transformative potential of quantum technologies in the energy sector. “The progress that can come on material design, or the progress that you can get out of these machines, these special-purpose machines, to help
us create better batteries [...] is a huge, huge possible opportunity to tackle some of the biggest challenges within climate.” Quantum computing could drive advancements in energy storage and distribution, addressing global energy challenges and helping to
tackle climate change.
The future inflection point of quantum computing
Indset predicts that the quantum computing industry will reach a pivotal inflection point by 2029. He believes that, similar to the advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing will experience exponential growth as more scientists, entrepreneurs,
and investors enter the field. He notes, “I think we’re looking, you know, typically towards 2029, as a point where you could have those artificial general intelligence moments [...] that would be my guess.”
This inflection point, Indset suggests, will lead to significant breakthroughs in AI capabilities, with quantum computers playing a major role in optimising complex systems like financial portfolios or simulations. Quantum’s ability to enhance business optimisation
and accelerate computational models could provide a considerable competitive edge for companies across industries.
Quantum computing and business optimisation
Indset also emphasises the role of quantum computing in business optimisation. He envisions a future where quantum algorithms and approaches can significantly enhance financial systems, leading to improved portfolio optimisation and more accurate simulations
for businesses in sectors like finance, logistics, and healthcare. He explains: “If these algorithms and these approaches to optimize financial systems […] you can envision portfolio optimisations and simulations on Monte Carlo [...] to be of huge, huge competitive
advantage.”
As quantum computing evolves, businesses will need to find ways to leverage these technologies to stay ahead. Indset advises investors to focus on companies with real-world use cases and the potential for acquisition by larger tech firms. “I would be looking
for companies that can be acquired by the larger companies [...] companies that have a high likelihood of solving actual business use cases,” he suggests.
Investment opportunities in quantum technology
For investors, the rapidly evolving quantum space presents unique opportunities. Indset advises a strategic focus on companies that are likely to be acquired by large corporations or those that have already secured substantial agreements with industry giants.
Companies such as Tera Quantum, which focuses on cryptography and has developed platforms for building quantum programs, are prime candidates for investment due to their specialised expertise and growth potential.
Investors should look for companies that are solving real-world business problems in sectors such as cryptography, sensing, and material design. With the increasing demand for quantum capabilities in industries like healthcare, finance, and energy, companies
with strong business use cases and strategic partnerships will be the ones to watch.
The quantum economy and its impact on society
Indset concludes with a powerful perspective on the quantum economy’s broader societal impact. He argues that the functioning economy is crucial to addressing global challenges, stating, “If the economy is functioning [...] at least the potential is there
to become more social. And I think that any ecological challenge or diseases [...] we can only tackle those if it's tied to the economy and a capitalistic model where the investment drives change.”
He predicts that within the next decade, advancements in quantum technologies could dramatically reduce the marginal cost of energy, making it a critical driver of new business models. “I predict that the marginal cost of energy, with the progress of these
technologies, will plunge towards zero within the next decade, and that will obviously shape a lot of new business models,” he concludes.
Quantum computing’s potential to drive economic efficiency, tackle global challenges, and revolutionise industries positions it as one of the most exciting frontiers of the coming decade. As we look ahead to 2029, investors, businesses, and policymakers
alike must prepare for the profound shifts that quantum technologies will bring.