How quantum technology applications enable precision for the unknown
After more than 100 years of research, quantum technology is increasingly finding its way into everyday life. Examples include its use in cell phones, computers, medical imaging methods and automotive navigation systems. But that’s just the beginning. Over the next few years, investment will increase significantly and lots of other applications will take the world by storm. While test & measurement equipment from PROmilCIM and Zurich Instruments is helping develop these applications, the technology group’s encryption solutions are ensuring more secure communications based on quantum principles.
Expectations for quantum technology are greater than in almost any other field. That’s no surprise, given the financial implications associated with the technology. For example, consulting firm McKinsey & Company estimates the global quantum technology market could be worth 97 billion dollars by 2035. According to McKinsey, quantum computing alone could be worth 72 billion dollars and quantum communications up to 15 billion.
Previous developments clearly show that the projected values are entirely realistic. Many quantum effects have become part of our everyday lives. Modern smartphones, for example, contain several hundreds of billions of transistors, predominantly in flash memory chips. Their function – controlling currents and voltages – is based on the quantum mechanical properties of semiconductors. Even the GPS signals used in navigation systems and the LEDs used in smartphone flashlights are based on findings from quantum research.
To celebrate these achievements, UNESCO declared 2025 the “International Year of Quantum Science and Technology” – exactly 100 years after German physicist Werner Heisenberg developed his quantum mechanics theory based on the research findings of the time. Quantum technology was also in the spotlight with the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics, which was awarded to quantum researchers John Clarke, Michel Devoret and John Martinis.
