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
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