Do quantum technologies need a new set of standards?

By Francis Beland, Executive Director, OASIS Open

Quantum computing & technologies present unique challenges that are not addressed by classical computing standards.

The development of open standards for quantum technologies is crucial for ensuring the interoperability, security, and reliability of quantum computing systems and facilitating collaboration and innovation across the quantum computing ecosystem.

One of the key challenges in developing open standards for quantum technologies is that quantum computing fundamentally differs from classical computing. Quantum computing relies on the principles of quantum mechanics, which allow for the creation of superposition states and entanglement, enabling quantum computers to perform certain types of computations much faster than classical computers. However, this also means that quantum computing systems require different hardware, software, and communication protocols than classical computing systems.

To address these challenges, standards bodies should and are working to develop standards for quantum technologies. For example, the Quantum Industry Consortium and the Quantum Economic Development Consortium, are working to develop standards and best practices for the quantum industry. But are those standards ‘open’, or should they be?

In addition to developing standards for quantum computing, it is also important to develop open standards for other quantum technologies, such as quantum cryptography and quantum sensing. These technologies also present unique challenges that require new standards and best practices to ensure their reliability and security.

Overall, the development of open standards for quantum technologies is crucial for ensuring the growth and success of this exciting and rapidly evolving field, and will play a critical role in enabling the development and adoption of quantum technologies in a wide range of industries and applications.