Technology Convergence Report 2025

Page 53 of 60 · WEF_Technology_Convergence_Report_2025.pdf

Convergence transformation Companies are preparing for quantum technological breakthroughs to accelerate quantum adoption and disrupt industries such as energy, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, material science, transport and others. This transition from high R&D costs primarily supported by public funding to a medium- to long-term strategy driven by private and venture capital investments highlights the need for a value- led approach. The current maturity level of these technologies indicates that significant investments are still required to accelerate their impact on industries and economies. This is evident from the substantial fundraising rounds secured by companies like Quantinuum and Rigetti Computing, as well as the considerable investments made by major corporations such as Microsoft, Google, Amazon and NVIDIA.31 CASE STUDY 11 SandboxAQ Traditional AI relies on vast amounts of training data, making it inefficient for applications where complexity, uncertainty or atomic-level precision is required. SandboxAQ is closing this gap by integrating quantum science with AI to create large quantitative models (LQMs). At its core, SandboxAQ’s ecosystem is a continuous learning loop: quantum-driven simulations or inputs from quantum sensors create better data, which enhances AI models, which then improve real-world applications, generating even more refined data. Whether in biopharma (faster drug discovery), materials science (next-gen energy storage) or aerospace (GPS-free magnetic navigation), each breakthrough strengthens another, pushing the boundaries of computational accuracy. By structuring its tech stack around cross-industry convergence, SandboxAQ is not just applying quantum and AI to solve today’s problems, it is designing an ecosystem where compounding effects drive exponential advancements, setting the foundation for the next era of precision- driven intelligence.Quantum enhanced next-gen energy storage Using LQMs, NOVONIX and SandboxAQ reduced the time needed to predict lithium-ion battery end-of-life by 95%, with an unprecedented 35 times greater accuracy and 50 times less data than traditional approaches, reducing the time for cell testing from months or years to just days. Quantum measurement for navigation AQNav combines LQMs with quantum sensing capabilities tuned to the Earth’s crustal magnetic field to enable passive, dual-use magnetic navigation in GPS-denied environments. The US Air Force is using AQNav to rapidly enable critical operations ensuring a strategic advantage and enabling mission continuity and safety. Quantum simulation for drug discovery One biotech institution increased the chemical exploration space from 250,000 molecules to 5.6 million by using SandboxAQ’s platform. They identified candidate molecules faster and more efficiently with a 30-times-greater hit rate. On the horizon Quantum technology components remain largely in the genesis and custom-built maturity stages, but their transformative potential is already taking shape. As quantum advancements continue, their early impact is becoming evident across various industries. The adoption of quantum sensing systems is advancing, with breakthroughs in photonics, materials science and control systems driving their development. Unlike quantum computing, quantum sensing does not require perfect coherence, making it more viable for near-term applications. For example, quantum-enhanced MRI could drastically improve imaging resolution while integrating with existing hospital equipment. Additionally, photonics- driven quantum sensors enable more precise control and transmission of quantum information, enhancing accuracy, miniaturization and compatibility with optical networks. These advancements are unlocking new possibilities across healthcare, navigation and environmental monitoring. Beyond sensing, quantum technology convergence represents an early but significant effort to translate fundamental physics into practical applications. The impact extends beyond enhancing existing methods – quantum technologies are poised to enable entirely new capabilities. In fields such as secure communications, drug discovery and optimization, quantum technologies could introduce breakthroughs that redefine industry standards. While many challenges remain, particularly in scaling quantum systems and overcoming decoherence, ongoing advancements in hardware and software integration are laying the foundation for a new era of quantum-enabled solutions. Technology Convergence Report 53
Ask AI what this page says about a topic: