Quantum computers are advancing rapidly. What is "quantum application development" and why should companies start working on it right now?
Technology News | 2025-04-23
Recently, you may have seen more and more news related to quantum computers. The race to develop quantum computers continues to intensify. In April 2025, Fujitsu announced via press release the start of operations for a superconducting quantum computer with 256 qubits, one of the largest in the world. [1]
Quantum computers have the potential to process complex calculations at overwhelming speed, that are otherwise difficult or impractical to perform with conventional computers. Quantum Computing is expected to revolutionize various fields such as drug discovery, new materials development, and finance.
If this sounds far-fetched, you may be thinking, "Isn't practical application of quantum computers still a long way off and not relevant to my company yet?" While it is true that commercial quantum computers are still years away, there is however an area that you can start working right now. In fact, some of the leading companies have already begun to see results. That area is "quantum application development.”
This article describes the current state of quantum application development and why companies should engage in it right now.
Three Layers of Quantum Computing Technology
To understand the latest advances in quantum computing, let us divide the technological domain into three layers – the hardware, the underlying software, and applications. The news headlines largely focus on the hardware layer, such as various methods of quantum computer development, and the number of qubits involved. However, as with traditional computers, focusing solely on hardware comparisons is meaningless. Instead, what purpose the computer is used for, i.e., the application, is equally important from the user's standpoint.
- Hardware: quantum computer mainframe and control technology (quantum devices, integration technology, electronic state control technology, etc.)
- Fundamental software: Software technology to run quantum computers (middleware, compilers, cloud computing technology, fundamental algorithms, error mitigation technology, error correction technology, etc.)
- Applications: Software technology to solve specific problems with quantum computers (materials development, drug discovery, finance, etc.)
Various methods of "hardware development" under exploration.
Various methods of quantum computer hardware development are being explored around the world currently. In addition to the superconducting and diamond spin methods developed by Fujitsu, there are also neutral atom, photon, semiconductor, and ion trap methods, each with different characteristics, with various competing players focusing on one or more methods each.
Fujitsu has also accumulated expertise in mounting and control technologies, and in April 2025, announced via press release the start of operations for one of the world's largest superconducting quantum computers with 256 qubits. [1]
Unfortunately however, none of these methods have reached a practical or commercially viable stage yet. Although hardware technology is making remarkable progress day by day, practical application requires breakthroughs that are not a direct extension of currently available technology.
Fundamental “Software Development," a major step towards practical applications, is now underway.
Quantum bits are extremely delicate, and their weakness is their susceptibility to external noise, which can easily degrade the accuracy of calculations. Therefore, "Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computation" is the key to making quantum computers practical in a big way.
Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computation is a key technology for realizing practical quantum computers, and research institutes and companies around the world are focusing on its development. Fujitsu is also tackling this challenge from two aspects: "error correction technology" and "error mitigation technology." [2]
“Application Development" is now in the midst of use case development.
The area that companies should focus most of their attention right now is the development of use cases with potential quantum applications. In preparation for future commercialization of quantum computing, companies need to consider now how they might use such computers and what kind of technology and human resources they will need.
As of 2025, no quantum computer has yet achieved "quantum advantage" over the computational performance of conventional computers, in practical computational tasks. However, it is said that a quantum computer that achieves quantum advantage may be possible in the very near future, as early as within a few years.
If quantum advantage is achieved, it will have an immeasurable impact on businesses as they will have the computing resources to outperform the highest performing supercomputers of today. Thereafter, we can expect dramatic increases in computing power as hardware becomes larger and larger.
The gap in competitive power between companies will continue to widen as to whether or not they can use quantum computers in their own operations. The development of quantum applications is the way to prepare to be among the first to benefit from the quantum advantage and to gain first-mover advantage.
As mentioned earlier, current quantum computers are not capable of performing calculations with the precision and scale needed for quantum application development. However, there are alternatives. For example, a "quantum simulator" running on a conventional computer can perform quantum calculations in an error-free environment. By using a quantum simulator, you can now develop an algorithm that fits your company's operations, and evaluate the future business impact of a small-scale problem, and conduct other such analyses.
In fact, advanced companies that have been working on quantum application development from the early stage through PoC (proof of concept) using quantum simulators have already begun to see results, and further development is expected in the future. The development of quantum applications is not a pipe dream, but rather a realistic business strategy.
Future Use Cases:
- Materials: simulate and characterize the exact energy state of new materials.
- Drug Discovery: Simulate the molecular structure of candidate compounds for new drugs and predict their effects and side effects.
- Financial: To be used for portfolio risk management and to improve the accuracy of fraud detection.
Summary: What should companies do now to prepare for practical applications of quantum computers?
Quantum computing is still a developing technology, but its potential is immeasurable. Companies need to start working on quantum computing now, with a view on their specific applications. Use case development can already proceed, and some advanced companies are already achieving results. Human resource development and acquisition, as well as information gathering on technology trends, will also become increasingly important.
Even if quantum computers were put to practical use one day, it would be difficult to master them immediately. By considering the use of quantum computers now, companies can quickly reap the benefits and secure a competitive advantage in the future.
Once "quantum advantage" is achieved, exceeding the performance of conventional computers in certain practical calculations, dramatic development can be expected thereafter. Now is the perfect time to invest in the development of quantum applications and take the first steps toward shaping the future.
Fujitsu's Collaborative Research Environment
In addition to the superconducting quantum computer, Fujitsu has developed one of the world's largest 40-qubit quantum simulators, which is necessary for developing quantum applications. This is in permanent operation and accessible via the cloud, open to joint research partners since 2023.
While developing quantum applications using a quantum computer alone is limited due to error issues, we can collaborate with user companies on quantum applications development by using a quantum computer together with a quantum simulator.
Furthermore, we are also promoting efforts to further accelerate the development of quantum applications by combining not only quantum technology but also our own AI technologies, such as causal search.
As a company that develops total quantum computer solutions from hardware to software, Fujitsu aims to accelerate practical application and contribute to the realization of a better future.
If this article inspires you to learn more about exploring quantum computing use cases for your organization, reach out to us.