Quantum Technology Advances Toward Real-World Applications, but Widespread Use Still Years Away
December 4, 2025 — Quantum technology is rapidly evolving from a purely laboratory-based pursuit into tangible systems with early real-world applications, yet broad deployment of scalable quantum devices remains a challenge that will require years to overcome. A comprehensive new article published in Science by researchers from leading institutions including the University of Chicago, Stanford University, MIT, the University of Innsbruck, and Delft University of Technology outlines the current state of quantum information hardware and the major obstacles and opportunities in moving these technologies from the lab to practical use.
A Turning Point Reminiscent of Early Computing
Lead author David Awschalom, Liew Family Professor of molecular engineering and physics at the University of Chicago and director of the Chicago Quantum Exchange, compares this moment in quantum technology development to the early days of the transistor — the precursor to today’s modern computing. “The foundational physics concepts are established, functional systems exist, and now we must nurture partnerships and coordinated efforts necessary to achieve the technology’s full, utility-scale potential,” Awschalom states. The article discusses how challenges such as scaling and modular quantum architectures are now at the forefront.
Over the past decade, quantum systems have advanced beyond proof-of-principle laboratory setups to enable early applications in communication, sensing, and computing. This progress is credited largely to collaborative efforts among academia, government, and industry—an ecosystem reminiscent of the microelectronics revolution of the late 20th century.
Surveying Quantum Platforms and Their Readiness
The paper offers a detailed survey of six leading quantum hardware platforms: superconducting qubits, trapped ions, spin defects, semiconductor quantum dots, neutral atoms, and optical photonic qubits. To objectively assess their maturity, the researchers employed technology readiness levels (TRLs), a scale from 1 to 9 that measures how close a technology is to operational deployment. Intriguingly, they used large language AI models like ChatGPT and Gemini to synthesize and evaluate information on these platforms, providing a comparative snapshot of where each stands.
Despite some advanced prototypes demonstrating reliable system operations—even providing cloud-based public access to quantum resources—the authors emphasize that the raw performance capabilities remain in early stages. For instance, many envisioned meaningful applications, such as large-scale quantum chemistry simulations, will require millions of physical qubits and error rates far beyond what current technology can achieve.
Co-author William D. Oliver, MIT professor of electrical engineering and computer science and director of the Center for Quantum Engineering, clarifies the interpretation of TRLs in this context. “A high TRL today indicates a significant, yet modest, system-level demonstration, not that the end goal of large-scale quantum computing has been reached,” he explains. “Similar to early semiconductor chips, which were technologically advanced for their time but limited compared to modern integrated circuits, quantum technologies still need substantial improvements and scaling.”
Key Challenges and Historical Context
Among the platforms, superconducting qubits scored highest in readiness for quantum computing, neutral atoms for simulation, photonic qubits for quantum networking, and spin defects for sensing applications. However, the researchers highlight several overarching challenges:
- Materials and Fabrication: Producing consistent, high-quality quantum devices at scale demands breakthroughs in materials science and mass-producible manufacturing methods.
- Wiring and Control: A major engineering bottleneck is the requirement for individual control lines per qubit, which becomes impractical as systems scale to millions of qubits. This mirrors the “tyranny of numbers” problem faced by classical computer engineers in the 1960s.
- Power and Temperature Management: Efficient power delivery and maintaining the extremely low temperatures quantum devices require present ongoing difficulties.
- Automation and Calibration: Increasing complexity necessitates advances in automated system calibration and control.
The article draws lessons from classical computing history, noting that transformative developments such as lithographic fabrication techniques and new transistor materials took years or decades to transition from research labs into industry-wide use. The authors advocate for system-level, top-down design approaches, open-sharing of scientific knowledge to avoid fragmentation, and most importantly, patience.
“Patience has been a key element in many landmark developments,” the article states, “pointing to the importance of tempering timeline expectations in quantum technologies.”
Looking Ahead
While quantum technologies have moved decisively beyond the laboratory, the path to widespread, practical usage remains long and technically demanding. The community’s coordinated efforts across disciplines and sectors will be crucial to overcoming these challenges and unlocking the transformative potential promised by quantum computing, networking, and sensing.
More information:
Awschalom, D.D., et al. (2025). Challenges and opportunities for quantum information hardware. Science. DOI: 10.1126/science.adz8659
Provided by University of Chicago
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Photo Caption: A student holding a semiconductor chip with electron and nuclear spin qubits in the laboratory of Prof. David Awschalom at the University of Chicago. (Credit: Jean Lachat)
