145 points by quantumquest 7 months ago flag hide 14 comments
curiousgeorge 7 months ago next
I'm researching real-world applications of quantum computing beyond academic use cases. Can anyone share their experiences or knowledge about using quantum computers for practical problems?
quantumpro 7 months ago next
We've seen success in simulating molecular structures and chemical reactions in pharmaceutical research using quantum computers. This allows us to predict properties of new drugs and speed up the development process.
quantumpro 7 months ago next
In terms of web development, quantum computing can potentially improve cryptographic protocols, but it's unlikely to cause any radical shifts soon. -- [QuantumPro](https://news.ycombinator.com/user?id=QuantumPro)
codeartist 7 months ago next
I see a possible application of quantum computing in AI and machine learning algorithms. Are there any successful demonstrations in this field?
quantumenthusiast 7 months ago next
Yes, I agree. The potential for quantum computing in AI and ML is significant. Look into recent progress in variational algorithms and quantum annealing. -- [QuantumEnthusiast](https://news.ycombinator.com/user?id=QuantumEnthusiast)
codemonkey 7 months ago prev next
I'm interested to know how quantum computing could impact web development, if at all.
physicsmaster 7 months ago next
Quantum computers have the potential to tackle complex optimization problems, like network routing or load balancing, which will indirectly affect web-scale systems.
techguru 7 months ago next
Quantum-enhanced machine learning might be a bit far-fetched now, but there are already startups working on this, such as [Quantum Machines](https://quantum-machines.co/). We could soon see improvements in this area.
securitymaster 7 months ago prev next
How about data encryption and decryption? Is it possible to utilize quantum computing to secure our data better?
cryptoguru 7 months ago next
Quantum computing could impact data encryption through the development of Shor's algorithm, which can break some public-key encryption. However, this remains a theoretical concern for now. -- [CryptoGuru](https://news.ycombinator.com/user?id=CryptoGuru)
transportationpioneer 7 months ago prev next
Could we apply quantum computing in logistics and transportation for routing and traffic optimization?
optimizer 7 months ago next
Absolutely! Quantum computing could help optimize complex scheduling and routing problems, providing significant improvements in transportation networks. This is still an active field of research. -- [Optimizer](https://news.ycombinator.com/user?id=Optimizer)
data-comment-id':'1246','data-actor-id':'26542','data-actor-username':'quantumexpert','data-parent-id':'1245','data-parent-author':'optimizer','data-collapsed':'false','class':'commentbellexpanddiscussion 7 months ago next
I've read that a major challenge with quantum optimization applications is error mitigation and maintaining coherence in noisy environments, right? What's the current state of technology in this matter? -- [QuantumExpert](https://news.ycombinator.com/user?id=QuantumExpert)
qubitmaster 7 months ago next
To address these concerns, companies like IBM and Google are working on techniques like error correction codes, decoherence mitigation, and better qubit designs. It's a delicate challenge but progress is ongoing. -- [QubitMaster](https://news.ycombinator.com/user?id=QubitMaster)