Embracing the Quantum Economy 2024

The chemicals and advanced materials sector is experimenting with new approaches to tackle the huge sustainability challenges coming up ahead. Quantum technologies will aid in the reinvention of the supply chain process, discovery of new materials and solution of new computational problems. The use cases are summarized here: 1. Investing in quantum sensing (QS) devices to obtain improved supply chain quality control (use case 5) by considerably decreasing the costs of detecting disruptive faults in the supply chain. These devices will also have a huge impact in the R&D labs pushing the limits of precise measurement and improving quality control (use case 4). 2. Developing proofs-of-concept for quantum chemistry, taking advantage of natural quantum physical properties and new computational methods of quantum computers to address problems that are currently intractable. To capture value from the quantum era, organizations must invest in their teams and technologies early on. Quantum computing, by discovering new catalysts (use case 2) and remediating PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) (use case 9), can enable the discovery of new fertilizers that boost agriculture while reducing its carbon footprint. Quantum computing will also allow businesses to discover new pharmaceuticals (use case 3) that have the same quality as their predecessors but come at lesser cost.3. Prioritizing PQC algorithms can offer increased protections against future quantum computers in two ways: (1) protecting data that is stolen today from being decrypted later and (2) protecting future systems from being impersonated once a cryptographically relevant quantum computer (CRQC) is available to break encryption. Using PQC algorithms or QRNG devices (use case 6) to protect these data is of high value for business and the industry should start implementing these pilots now. 4. Develop a communication strategy that incorporates QKD, recognizing that this technology is still in its early stages of development. Chemical and advanced material companies need to understand where and how to apply QKD devices to secure their internal communications (use case 8). This is a strategic investment for the long term to have next- generation infrastructures. According to Stefan Hartung, chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch, which has been exploring quantum technologies for nearly a decade, “Quantum technology will be a game changer in many areas – truly an ‘invented for life’ technology. It’s important that we open industrial areas of application and develop business models without delay.” By carefully considering timing and implementation, organizations can fully leverage the competitive advantages these technologies offer to the ecosystem. Embracing the Quantum Economy: A Pathway for Business Leaders 35