Quantum Technology Advances Beyond the Lab, but Widespread Use Remains Years Away
December 4, 2025 — Quantum technology is rapidly transitioning from experimental laboratory setups toward practical applications in everyday life, marking a pivotal moment reminiscent of the early days of classical computing. However, experts caution that although promising strides have been made, the widespread adoption of quantum technologies at scale is still several years down the road.
A recent comprehensive article co-authored by leading scientists from the University of Chicago, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of Innsbruck (Austria), and Delft University of Technology (Netherlands) was published in the journal Science. The paper assesses the current landscape of quantum information hardware, highlights major challenges, and explores opportunities critical to scaling quantum computers, networks, and sensors.
Quantum Technology at a Turning Point
"This transformative moment in quantum technology is reminiscent of the transistor’s earliest days," said David Awschalom, lead author and Liew Family Professor of molecular engineering and physics at the University of Chicago. Awschalom directs the Chicago Quantum Exchange and Chicago Quantum Institute. He stressed that though foundational physics principles are well established and functional quantum systems exist, the field now needs coordinated partnerships among academia, government, and industry to realize quantum technology’s full, utility-scale potential.
Over the past decade, quantum technologies have evolved from fundamental laboratory demonstrations into systems that enable early real-world applications, especially in communication, sensing, and computing. This rapid maturation has paralleled the growth trajectory seen in microelectronics, driven by strong collaboration between academic research, government programs, and industrial investment.
Surveying Leading Quantum Platforms
The article reviews six leading quantum hardware platforms:
- Superconducting qubits
- Trapped ions
- Spin defects
- Semiconductor quantum dots
- Neutral atoms
- Optical photonic qubits
To objectively compare development statuses, the authors utilized large language AI models—such as ChatGPT and Gemini—to estimate each platform’s technology readiness level (TRL). TRLs rate maturity on a scale from 1 (basic principles observed) to 9 (proven operational systems). Notably, a high TRL does not imply the technology is fully developed or ready for broad deployment but reflects significant system-level demonstrations.
Among their findings:
- Superconducting qubits scored highest in quantum computing TRLs.
- Neutral atoms lead in quantum simulation.
- Photonic qubits show promise for quantum networking.
- Spin defects rank highest in quantum sensing.
Despite advanced prototypes demonstrating operational capability and even public cloud access to quantum resources, the raw performance remains early-stage. Crucially, many envisioned applications—such as detailed quantum chemistry simulations—will require millions of physical qubits performing with error rates far better than current devices can achieve.
William D. Oliver, co-author and professor at MIT’s Center for Quantum Engineering, emphasized the importance of context when interpreting TRLs. “While 1970s semiconductor chips were TRL-9 back then, their capabilities were primitive compared to today’s integrated circuits. Similarly, a high TRL for quantum today signals a milestone but not the final goal,” he said.
Key Challenges to Scaling Quantum Systems
The paper identifies several fundamental hurdles on the path to scalable quantum technologies, including:
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Materials and Fabrication: Consistent production of high-quality quantum devices at scale requires breakthroughs in materials science and microfabrication techniques. Reliable, cost-effective foundry processes are essential.
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Wiring and Signal Delivery: Most quantum platforms depend on individual control lines per qubit. Scaling to millions of qubits faces the "tyranny of numbers"—a wiring bottleneck reminiscent of early classical computer engineering challenges from the 1960s.
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Power and Thermal Management: Delivering power and managing heat within complex quantum systems remains a significant engineering puzzle.
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Automated Calibration and Control: Sophisticated automation for calibrating and controlling large quantum systems is critical as systems grow in complexity.
Drawing historical parallels, the authors note that classical electronics innovations—from lithography to new transistor materials—required years or decades to mature from lab research into industrial-scale production. They argue that quantum technologies are likely to follow a similar incremental development path.
Looking Forward with Patience and Collaboration
The article advocates for system-level, top-down design approaches and stresses the importance of maintaining open scientific collaboration that avoids early fragmentation among research groups. Patience, they argue, is crucial, urging realistic expectations on the timelines for quantum technology breakthroughs.
"Patience has been a key element in many landmark technological developments," the authors write. "This perspective is vital for quantum technologies as well—to temper timeline expectations while continuing steady progress."
For further details, see:
David D. Awschalom et al., Challenges and Opportunities for Quantum Information Hardware, Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.adz8659
This article was prepared with contributions from the University of Chicago and peer-reviewed by experts to ensure accuracy and reliability.
