Quantum Technology Moves from Lab to Life, but Widespread Use Remains Years Away
December 4, 2025 — Quantum technology is making significant strides beyond the laboratory, edging closer to practical, real-world applications. However, experts emphasize that achieving widespread, scalable use of quantum systems is still years away. A recent comprehensive assessment published in Science highlights the current landscape, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of quantum information hardware.
A Turning Point Comparable to Early Computing
The article, co-authored by leading scientists from the University of Chicago, Stanford University, MIT, the University of Innsbruck, and Delft University of Technology, positions today’s quantum technology landscape as a pivotal moment reminiscent of the infancy of modern computing. Just as early transistors paved the way for today’s integrated circuits, foundational quantum systems now exist but require coordinated effort and innovation to fulfill their transformative potential.
David Awschalom, lead author and professor at the University of Chicago, remarked, “The foundational physics concepts are established, functional systems exist, and now we must nurture the partnerships and coordinated efforts necessary to achieve the technology’s full, utility-scale potential.” Awschalom also directs the Chicago Quantum Exchange and the Chicago Quantum Institute, institutions at the forefront of this cutting-edge research.
Progress and Tri-Sector Collaboration Fuel Rapid Advancement
Over the past decade, quantum technologies have evolved from theoretical experiments to early-stage systems that support applications in communication, sensing, and computing. This rapid advancement has been driven by strong collaborations across academia, government, and industry—paralleling the tri-sector synergy that enabled the rise of microelectronics in the 20th century.
The article surveys six prominent quantum hardware platforms:
- Superconducting qubits
- Trapped ions
- Spin defects
- Semiconductor quantum dots
- Neutral atoms
- Optical photonic qubits
To evaluate these platforms’ maturity, the authors utilized AI language models like ChatGPT and Gemini to estimate their Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). TRLs range from 1 (basic principles observed) to 9 (technology proven in operational environments). Notably, even the highest TRLs indicate that quantum technology is still in relatively early stages compared with mature classical technologies.
William D. Oliver, co-author and professor at MIT, cautioned, “A high TRL for quantum technologies today does not indicate that the end goal has been achieved, nor that only engineering remains. Rather, it reflects meaningful system-level demonstrations that still require substantial improvement and scaling.”
Current State: Promising, Yet Early Days
The study found that superconducting qubits currently have the highest readiness for quantum computing, neutral atoms lead in quantum simulation, photonic qubits show promise for quantum networking, and spin defects are furthest along in quantum sensing. Despite these advances, substantial gaps remain.
Meaningful applications like large-scale quantum chemistry simulations will require millions of physical qubits with error rates far below what current technology supports. The current devices provide proof-of-concept but lack the scale and reliability for many anticipated real-world uses.
Overcoming Engineering Bottlenecks
Scaling quantum systems is hindered by several engineering challenges. Key among them is the complexity of wiring and signal delivery. Most quantum platforms presently require individual control wires for each qubit. As the number of qubits grows, this approach becomes impractical—a problem historically known as the "tyranny of numbers" encountered by computer engineers decades ago.
Additional challenges include:
- Power delivery and thermal management, as many quantum systems operate at cryogenic temperatures
- Automated calibration and system control to maintain qubit fidelity
- Manufacturing reproducibility and materials quality to support mass production
The authors argue that advancements in materials science, fabrication processes, and system-level, modular design strategies will be critical to overcoming these barriers. They emphasize the importance of open scientific collaboration and patience, noting that historic technological revolutions in classical electronics sometimes took decades to mature from laboratory breakthroughs to commercial realities.
Lessons from the Past Guide the Future
The article draws a parallel between the evolution of quantum technology and the history of classical electronics. Landmark achievements like photolithography and novel transistor materials took sustained effort before becoming mainstream. Quantum technology is anticipated to follow a similar, gradual path.
“The development of these technologies demands patience and a tempering of timeline expectations,” the authors write. “Progress will be driven by collaborative, coordinated research and engineering innovation.”
Looking Ahead
As quantum technology edges closer to practical deployment, the scientific community remains optimistic while realistically acknowledging the work yet to be done. The coming years promise exciting developments in quantum computing power, secure quantum communications, ultra-sensitive sensors, and other transformative applications.
For more detailed information, readers can access the full research article:
Awschalom, D.D., et al. "Challenges and opportunities for quantum information hardware," Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.adz8659
About the Author: Meredith Fore is a science writer affiliated with the University of Chicago. The article was edited by Stephanie Baum and reviewed by Andrew Zinin. It reflects an extensive peer-reviewed and fact-checked analysis of the state of quantum information hardware.
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University of Chicago – Chicago Quantum Exchange
Jean Lachat, Photography Credit
Phys.org – www.phys.org/news/2025-12-quantum-technology-lab-life-widespread.html
