Quantum computing is a technology that has tremendous potential to change life, society and the economy. The University of Bristol's Professor Jeremy O'Brien is set to present a working system that could be developed by 2020 in a talk today at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.

Professor O'Brien is the Director of the Centre for Quantum Photonics at the University of Bristol and will discuss the future of computing at the annual meeting.

As a technology, quantum computing has enormous potential that has thus far proved frustratingly elusive. The UK government has invested £270 million into the development of quantum technologies in the hope that the country will become the epicentre of the technology, with Professor O'Brien playing a leading role in that push.

“In less than ten years quantum computers will begin to outperform everyday computers, leading to breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, the discovery of new pharmaceuticals and beyond.



“The very fast computing power given by quantum computers has the potential to disrupt traditional businesses and challenge our cyber-security. Businesses need to be ready for a quantum future because it’s coming,” he says.

The talk will see Professor O'Brien outline the current state of play with quantum computing, before then touching on its potential applications. He will then outline a blue-print for how a photonic quantum computer could be manufactured and a roadmap to how such a machine could be practically made.

Quantum technology offers enormous potential in a range of areas, including incredibly secure communication, ultra-precise sensors and, of course, computing that has exponentially more power than is currently available in even the most powerful supercomputer.

Should they be achieved, they promise to fundamentally change our lives, and the first commercially available quantum devices are beginning to emerge in the marketplace.

The video below sees Professor O'Brien introduce his work in quantum computing.













If you would like to work with Professor O'Brien on this technology, contact him here.