Quantum Technologies Key Opportunities for Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains 2025

Unlocking simulation and optimization at the atomic scale with quantum computing As industries evolve and product requirements grow more complex, traditional design tools are becoming increasingly inadequate and limited.12 One of the most compelling applications of quantum computing lies in molecular modelling, relevant to developing advanced materials like metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for carbon dioxide (CO2) capture. Leading firms in automotive, energy and materials science are already piloting quantum algorithms to guide experimental design and reduce R&D cycles. While today’s quantum computing hardware is still evolving and not yet ready for broad, production- scale deployment, quantum computing use cases scale favourably and are already unlocking new possibilities. Meanwhile, hybrid classical-quantum approaches are starting to bring measurable value. In this model, certain parts of a problem that are well-suited to quantum algorithms are processed on a quantum computer, while the remaining parts are handled by a classical computer. This approach is particularly useful today, as current quantum computers are limited in size and capability, making them most effective when used alongside powerful classical systems. Bringing new precision to engineering and testing through quantum sensing In the prototyping and testing phase of product development, quantum sensors offer an unprecedented ability to measure physical properties with extreme precision and stability over time. This need for precision and adaptability is particularly acute in sectors such as aerospace, automotive and electronics, which are leading adopters of advanced design and simulation tools. Enabling secure and collaborative R&D ecosystems with quantum security and communications Conventional encryption faces growing vulnerabilities from poor configurations, outdated protocols and weak key management. Quantum computing amplifies these risks, enabling retroactive decryption, compromising secure communications and threatening data privacy, operational continuity and global economic stability. As R&D ecosystems become more global and interconnected, protecting intellectual property (IP) and ensuring trusted collaboration is paramount. To retain security in the quantum era, there is room for several methods. Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) should be used globally to enhance the current cybersecurity infrastructure. For example, new post-quantum algorithms should be used in transport layer security (TLS) and other internet applications. Quantum random number generators (QRNGs) can be used to generate improved random keys for encryption. QKD can add an extra layer of security for applications requiring long-term security. These technologies are essential to secure data exchanges across research networks, test facilities or between industrial partners, especially in the face of future quantum-enabled cyberthreats. This is relevant in all manufacturing sectors, where embedding quantum-secure infrastructure now can de-risk future digital collaboration models and support more open, cross-disciplinary innovation. While today’s quantum computing hardware is still evolving and not yet ready for production-scale deployment, quantum computing use cases scale favourably and are already unlocking new possibilities. 9 Quantum Technologies: Key Opportunities for Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains