Innovation is advancing at remarkable speed, often in hard-to-see places. Quantum computing is one of those areas. Today’s classical computers calculate in bits, which can only have values of either 0 or 1. Quantum computers calculate in qubits, which can exist as 0, 1, or as a combination of both states simultaneously. Theoretically, quantum computers can solve problems too complex even for today’s most advanced supercomputers.
Many experts believe that quantum computers could help design new pharmaceuticals, better batteries, and advanced materials and help solve optimization tasks in logistics, finance, and engineering. Quantum computers could also be disruptive, potentially breaking current encryption technology and threatening cryptocurrency networks.
Luckily, we do not need to understand all the intricacies of quantum mechanics or forecast the next big discovery to benefit from these advances. All that is required is an awareness of innovation and its spillover effects on our investment decisions.
The summary of that awareness is that we are living in an era of remarkable technological innovation that can potentially grow the economy and boost business profits, improve health outcomes, advance scientific progress, and raise living standards. The timing of awareness is also important because, like where AI was five years ago, gains are largest for investors who are positioned before the innovation is apparent to everyone.