The Quantum Revolution: Tech Paradise or Apocalypse?

Quantum technology is about to unleash a revolution, comparable to the invention of the internet or the printing press. The computing power of qubits offers unprecedented possibilities, but also brings security risks. How do companies turn an impending apocalypse into a tech paradise? According to quantum experts Dimitri van Esch and Richard van Harderwijk, the solution is simple: prepare now.

“Many companies do not realize that our world will look completely different in ten years,” Dimitri begins. The IT specialist is the founder and CEO of Quantum Gateway Foundation, a startup that specializes in protecting electronics against quantum hackers. Together with program manager Richard van Harderwijk of the Quantum Delta foundation, part of the National Growth Fund, he will give a lecture on April 15 during the D&E event in Den Bosch.

Time for action
The ominous title 'Quantum Apocalypse' suggests the worst, but true optimists Dimitri and Richard see a bright future for quantum. "I hope that the lecture makes people aware of the opportunities and dangers of quantum. That they walk out with the realization that it is time for action. And that they know which steps to take," Dimitri explains.

Richard adds: “Quantum is much more than a super-fast computer. It is about a fundamentally different technology, the qubit. Our current computers are based on the binary system, so a 1 or a 0. The qubit is both.” Richard gives an example. “Suppose you travel by car from Morocco to Spain and there is no ferry available. A classical computer takes the long route along the Mediterranean Sea and passes countries such as Tunisia, Greece and Italy. So you go from country to country, just like a bit. A quantum computer, on the other hand, transforms your car into a hovercraft and takes you from Tangier to Malaga in a straight line.”

Global leader
The Netherlands is a global leader in quantum technology, and that is no coincidence, Richard proudly continues. “The Ministry of Economic Affairs is making no less than 615 million euros available to strengthen the quantum ecosystem in the Netherlands. We are doing this, among other things, by investing in the business community. Successfully, because the Netherlands now has more than 35 quantum startups. The aim is to increase this number to a hundred within ten years.”

Huge computing power
Richard, who trained as an electrical engineer himself, expects the electronics industry to be one of the first sectors to embrace quantum on a large scale. “Quantum sensors are currently the most mature and this offers great opportunities for product developers,” he explains. “Think of applications in medical electronics, the energy transition and machine learning. The possibilities are almost endless.”

The rise of quantum technology will not affect all companies equally, Dimitri qualifies: “We don’t have to use quantum for everything. We won’t get quantum mail or quantum iPhone. It’s only important for specific applications that benefit from the enormous computing power of this technology.”

Quantum-safe protocols
A new technology requires new protocols to ensure the safety of products and networks. Because cybercriminals also see the possibilities of quantum. The dangers are real and the Dutch government knows this. That is why the government has started a government-wide program under the name Quantum Safe Cryptpgraphy-NLIn addition, the AIVD, TNO and CWI developed a PQC Migration Handbook with valuable information. Dimitri: “The first steps are there. There is no legislation or regulation yet, but there is an important foundation.”

The IT specialist thinks it is a shame that many companies are adopting a wait-and-see attitude. “My advice is: don’t wait for the government, but prepare now. Make your company ‘quantum-proof’, also with a view to international regulations. Take quantum technology into account when developing new products or software. And make all components a size bigger, from the processor to the memory capacity, so that you can easily update existing software when quantum makes its entrance. This is particularly important for embedded software with a long lifespan.”

The clock is ticking
Safety also plays an essential role in making electronics quantum-proof. Dimitri: “The clock is ticking, especially in view of the current tense geopolitical climate. Collaboration between industry, government and knowledge institutes is crucial in the fight against quantum criminals. The basis of a quantum-safe infrastructure is PQC (post quantum cryptography). These are encryption algorithms that are resistant to quantum attacks. The goal is to implement PQC in all existing and future computers and embedded systems, before quantum is rolled out worldwide. By taking the right preventive measures, we prevent a technological apocalypse and pave the way to a quantum paradise.”

Knowing more?
Want to know how your company can prepare for the quantum revolution? Visit the D&E event and lecture on April 15 in Den Bosch. Registration is free via this link.