Study Maps 24 Problems Where Quantum Computers Could Gain an Edge

Insider Brief

• Researchers identified 24 computational problems with potential for substantial quantum speedups and outlined the conditions needed to achieve them.
• The study covers areas including chemistry, optimization and data analysis, connecting theoretical quantum methods with possible practical applications.
• Preparing data, correcting errors and reading results can erase potential gains, requiring researchers to assess the full calculation against leading classical methods.

Quantum computers could deliver substantial speedups on 24 computational problems, but a new study also reveals the challenging conditions that would make those gains useful.

Researchers affiliated with the Open Quantum Institute, hosted at CERN, Google Quantum AI, Microsoft, Oratomic, NVIDIA, JPMorganChase, MIT, Harvard University and other institutions have assembled a guide to problems with credible prospects for quantum advantage — or, the ability for quantum machines to outperform classical computing methods.

For each problem, the researchers describe the mathematical structure, data requirements and other conditions needed to preserve a quantum computer’s potential edge. The aim is to help scientists and industry specialists identify where theoretical gains could translate into practical applications.