Organizations that use the power of quantum computing could help humanity solve some of the world’s biggest problems and make breakthroughs in critical areas, from drug research to global agriculture and beyond.
As of 2025, quantum computing is in an experimental phase as the industry is still learning how to implement it on a mass scale. Companies such as Google, IBM and Microsoft are experimenting with this new technology to understand its potential uses. Data center admins should stay up to date with quantum computing as they will inevitably have to adapt to it.
Potential uses for quantum computing
Classical computing processes data in a binary space, which limits the volume of data it can handle and the decisions it can produce. This is also known as serial processing. Quantum computing, however, uses multidimensional processing.
Serial processing checks every combination of that data one at a time to arrive at the correct result. Multidimensional processing is layered, unlike the binary approach of serial processing, which uses bits. This accelerates the delivery and accuracy of computations and enhances the diversity of the results, which means that quantum computing can deliver better quality results faster.
Below are seven practical applications of quantum computing that are foreseeable with future technological development.
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1. AI and machine learning
The capability of calculating solutions to problems simultaneously, as opposed to sequentially, has huge potential for AI and machine learning (ML). Organizations today use AI and ML to discover ways to automate and optimize tasks. Optimization can happen much faster and at scale when combined with quantum computing, especially when processing and analyzing highly complex or even unstructured big data sets.
2. Financial modeling
With the modeling capabilities of quantum computing, financial organizations could use the technology to better model the behavior of investments and securities at scale. This could help reduce risk, optimize large-scale portfolios and help financial organizations better understand the trends and movements of the global financial economy.
3. Cybersecurity
Quantum computing could have a direct affect on privacy and encryption. Given the rapidly evolving nature of the cybersecurity landscape, quantum computers could help keep data encrypted while in use, providing both in-transit and at-rest protection.
4. Route and traffic optimization
Optimal route planning is key to smooth supply chain logistics and transportation. The biggest challenge is harnessing all the real-time data — from changing weather patterns to traffic flow — that affects this planning. This is where quantum computers can excel. They could process all that data in real time and adjust routes for an entire fleet of vehicles simultaneously, putting each on the optimal path forward.
5. Manufacturing
Quantum computers can run more accurate and realistic prototyping and testing. In the manufacturing space, this could help reduce the cost of prototyping and result in better designs that don’t need as much testing.
6. Drug and chemical research
Quantum computers can create better models for how atoms interact with one another, leading to a superior and more precise understanding of molecular structure. This might directly affect drug and chemical research and how new products and medicines are developed. The predictive power of quantum computers could also provide foresight into how chemical compounds and drugs would develop, evolve and interact with other elements over time.
7. Batteries
Quantum computing could help manufacturers better understand how to incorporate new materials into products such as batteries and semiconductors. This could provide more insight into optimizing batteries for longevity and efficiency. Quantum computing can also help manufacturers better understand lithium compounds and battery chemistry. For example, quantum computing could tap into how the docking energy of proteins works, which results in better batteries for electric vehicles.
How data centers can adapt as quantum computing becomes mainstream
It will take time before organizations can apply quantum computing to their operations on a wider scale — anywhere from five to 10 years — but it’s never a bad idea to keep an eye on trends and advancements as the technology develops. Data center admins should watch the thought leaders in the space and note the risks and opportunities of quantum computing.
Data centers and administrators can also partner with quantum computing players or recruit quantum computing talent to prepare. The latter is especially worthwhile as even a few quantum experts can help organizations explore potential uses. They can also track industry developments and identify opportunities where quantum computing can be beneficial.
Data center admins should focus on further digital transformation. They should continue building out digital infrastructure and scaling data sets to eventually transition to or adopt quantum computing workflows in some capacity. When it’s feasible to invest in the hardware and expertise needed, organizations can get quantum computing up and running as soon as possible.
A future powered by quantum computing holds great promise, enabling the ability to tackle some of humanity’s most significant challenges more quickly, efficiently, accurately and on a larger scale.
Editor’s note: This article was updated by the site editor to update the list of quantum computing uses.
Jacob Roundy is a freelance writer and editor specializing in a variety of technology topics, including data centers and sustainability.
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