Quantum technologies are rooted in the principles of quantum mechanics, including phenomena such as quantum entanglement and superposition. While much of the twentieth century was devoted primarily to theoretical exploration, recent years have witnessed a transition from foundational experimentation toward practical implementation. Key areas of quantum technology include quantum annealing (based on the Ising model), gate‑based quantum computing, quantum communications, and quantum sensing. Quantum annealing and quantum computing demonstrate strong problem-solving capabilities, with the potential to advance artificial intelligence and high‑performance simulation. Quantum communications strengthen encryption mechanisms, while quantum sensing enables the acquisition of more precise data for medical and scientific research. This article reviews the technological developments and emerging application trends of leading enterprises, including IBM, Google, and Lockheed Martin.
Application Domain I: Quantum Computing
The core advantage of quantum computing lies in its utilization of qubits, which exploit the principles of superposition and entanglement to process large volumes of information in parallel. This capability enables quantum systems to address complex combinatorial optimization problems that are difficult for classical computers. Quantum
computing is therefore expected to improve the depth and efficiency of machine learning and artificial intelligence, with possible applications including:
Key Technological Advances in Quantum Computing and Development Strategies of Leading Enterprises
Quantum computing is advancing from laboratory research toward commercial deployment. Key technological approaches include superconducting circuits, photonic quantum systems, trapped-ion platforms, and silicon-spin technologies. The characteristics and remaining technical key challenges of these approaches are summarized in Table 1, with superconducting‑circuit and trapped‑ion systems currently receiving the greatest level of attention.
Representative enterprises in superconducting technologies: IBM and Google
According to its quantum development roadmap released in 2020, IBM unveiled the 433‑qubit IBM Osprey superconducting processor in 2022. In 2023, IBM further strengthened its cloud‑based development ecosystem through Qiskit Runtime and announced plans to deploy a system exceeding 4,000 qubits by 2025. This roadmap is supported by chip‑level short‑range couplers designed to enable scalable and modular quantum computing architectures. Google, meanwhile, announced its 70‑qubit Sycamore quantum processor in 2023,
demonstrating so‑called quantum supremacy by completing tasks in seconds that would require an estimated 47 years on classical supercomputers. Through its third‑generation Sycamore system, Google has reduced error rates to the range of10-4 and 10-3, while indicating that fully practical
applications are unlikely to be realized before 2030.
Representative enterprise in trapped-ion technologies: IonQ
IonQ focuses on trapped‑ion technology and has developed a reconfigurable multicore quantum architecture (RMQA) based on evaporated glass traps, enabling dynamic control of ion chains and enhancing computational capacity, system stability, and scalability.
Application Domain II: Quantum Communications
Quantum communications employ superposition and entanglement to encode information at the level of individual particles, such as photons. Quantum cryptography applies quantum principles to ensure encryption security, with quantum key distribution (QKD) representing the most prominent application by verifying quantum states, QKD ensures that information cannot be intercepted or altered without detection. Key application areas include:
Key Technological Advances in Quantum Communications and Development Strategies of Leading Enterprises
Representative enterprise: Quantum Xchange
U.S.‑based Quantum Xchange specializes in the B2B market and has established the first commercial quantum‑encrypted network in the United States. Its Phio system employs trusted‑ node technology to extend QKD transmission distances beyond 100 kilometers, providing solutions for long‑distance secure communications.
Application Domain III: Quantum Sensing
Quantum sensing leverages principles such as entanglement and superposition to detect extremely weak signals at the level of individual atoms, offering advantages in precision, non-
contact measurement, and miniaturization. Major applications include:
Key Technological Advances in Quantum Sensing and Development Strategies of Leading Enterprises
Conclusion
Quantum computing, quantum communications, and quantum sensing are advancing rapidly toward commercial deployment and are emerging as key drivers across industries such as artificial intelligence, healthcare, finance, defense, and materials science. Major enterprises, including IBM and Google, are actively expanding their quantum portfolios, while governments worldwide are supporting start‑ups and industrial value chains through national‑level initiatives. In Taiwan, quantum research is currently led by Academia Sinica and universities. Looking ahead, Taiwan can strengthen its integration into the global quantum technology value chain through international c ollabor ation, enhanc ed foundational research, active participation in standards development, and increased investment in critical components, advancing in parallel with leading players in the international quantum industry.
