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Taking a quantum leap: filling the skills gap in quantum computing

Quantum technology looks set to be the next big thing in computing – but are there enough graduates to fill the available roles and spearhead development? Let’s take a look at this fast-moving field, and see how your UK university degree could help you to become a next-gen computing leader.

What is quantum computing?

Quantum computing leverages quantum mechanics to carry out certain complex calculations that classic computers – even supercomputers – cannot (or not in a reasonable time). IBM has published a useful explainer.

The technology represents a huge scientific and engineering challenge, so is still in an experimental phase – but expectations are high!

It’s widely forecast that quantum computing will transform many industries, from weather forecasting to financial modelling. Early quantum computing schemes are already underway, particularly for applications involving simulating the behaviour of matter, including:

• Automotive: Manufacturers are using quantum computers to simulate the chemical composition of electric vehicles batteries to find ways to boost performance.
• Pharma: Companies are analysing compounds as part of the development of new drugs.

Optimisation problems are another area for which quantum computing is well suited, e.g:

• Aviation: Quantum computing could be used to calculate fuel-efficient descent and ascent paths for aircraft.
• Transport: It could tackle congestion by optimising bus and taxi routes.

Quantum computing also has the potential to turboboost AI. And it has huge implications – both good and bad – for cybersecurity too.

It won’t replace traditional computers, as these will still be more efficient for most calculations. But  it does represent a paradigm shift in computing.

What investment is being made into quantum computing?

According to McKinsey, four sectors – chemicals, life sciences, finance, and mobility – are likely to be the earliest to benefit from quantum computing, potentially gaining up to to $2 trillion by 2035.

So naturally, investors, businesses and governments have proven keen to harness this power!

In 2022, venture funding of around $2.2bn flooded into quantum computing. That has cooled as investors realise that the tech is still in its infancy, and it could be several years before they see any potential return.

However, this decline has been dwarfed by public investment: $40-$50bn has been allocated by the UK, the US, the EU and 30 other governments over the next decade.

Senior analyst Michael Orme told Tech Monitor: “The arrival of fully fledged fault-tolerant quantum computing will be crucial to national security from data protection to sci-fi weaponry, and to achieving leadership in strategic science-based industries – or at least staying in contention.”

And there are signs that private investment may be returning too. In May 2024, Novo Holdings, the majority shareholder in Ozempic creator Novo Nordisk, announced a €188m investment into quantum computing start-ups in healthcare and the life sciences.

Søren Møller of Novo Holdings said: “Quantum technology is a disruptive and transformative field that can revolutionise various sectors and address global challenges.”

How big is the quantum computing talent gap?

Jobs in this field include quantum software engineers, physicists, researchers, algorithm developers and several others. And many IT companies are now seeking professionals with at least some knowledge of quantum computing, even if they’re not directly involved.

However, back in 2022, McKinsey reported that there was only one qualified candidate for every three quantum computing jobs. It forecast that unless action was taken, less than 50% of such positions would be filled by 2025.

Since then, more and more talented and qualified graduates are emerging into the jobs market. But demand for quantum computing graduates still outstrips supply by some margin, making this an exciting field for international students looking to launch their careers.

Quantum computing and UK universities

The main reason for that talent gap narrowing is that universities have stepped up, integrating quantum computing modules into existing degrees and establishing dedicated undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Research centres are also springing up, including five new UK doctoral training centres with government funding.

According to McKinsey, by 2023 there were 195 universities worldwide with dedicated quantum technology programmes, including 55 offering master’s degrees. Some 367,000 people graduated in relevant fields in that year, with the highest number in the EU and the highest density in the UK.

And the National Quantum Computing Centre, which aims to be a world-class facility that will place the UK at the forefront of this field, opened in Oxfordshire in 2023.

So UK researchers are already leaders in quantum computing. Are you ready to join them, and embark on a thrilling career in next-gen computing?

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