Quantum Computing Set for $1.3 Trillion Economic Surge by 2035
McKinsey has put a bold number on the table: quantum computing could generate about $1.3 trillion in economic value by 2035. That projection makes quantum a headline investment theme for corporations, venture capital and national research programmes. For readers at the intersection of AI and quantum, the figure clarifies when experimental systems may start to deliver measurable commercial returns.
How Quantum Will Reshape Industries
The projected value stems from quantum advantages in simulation, optimisation and certain machine learning tasks. In pharmaceuticals, more accurate molecular simulation can shorten drug discovery timelines and reduce experimental cycles. Materials science and energy sectors stand to gain from better modelling of catalysts, batteries and semiconductors. Financial services can use quantum algorithms for faster risk modelling, portfolio optimisation and fraud detection. Logistics and supply chain firms will apply quantum-assisted routing and scheduling to cut costs and emissions.
These outcomes rely on several technical drivers: growth in qubit counts, improved error correction, hybrid quantum-classical workflows and cloud-accessible quantum platforms. Early commercial wins will likely be niche, domain-specific applications where quantum provides a definitive computational edge over classical methods.
Implications for Innovation and Investment
McKinsey’s estimate signals accelerating investment and strategic repositioning across the tech ecosystem. Expect rising R&D budgets, more corporate partnerships with quantum startups and growth in quantum-as-a-service offerings. Venture funding will target both hardware startups (superconducting, trapped ions, photonics) and software layers that bridge quantum and AI models.
Governments and large enterprises are already scaling testbeds and talent pipelines. The path to commercialisation requires sustained work on hardware stability, error mitigation and algorithm refinement, alongside regulatory and standards development. For AI practitioners, quantum methods will first complement classical models, addressing optimisation and sampling problems that are hard at scale.
The Path Forward for QuantumAI Insiders
The 2035 horizon frames a clear but challenging road. Delivering $1.3 trillion will take coordinated progress in engineering, algorithms and industry adoption. QuantumAIInsiders will track breakthroughs, investment shifts and early commercial milestones so professionals and investors can spot opportunities where quantum and AI converge.
