Optical Quantum Computing Targets 1 Million Qubits by 2030 as Photons Cut Power Use
Updated
Updated · World Economic Forum · Jun 12
Optical Quantum Computing Targets 1 Million Qubits by 2030 as Photons Cut Power Use
2 articles · Updated · World Economic Forum · Jun 12
Summary
Photon-based quantum computing is being developed to reach a fault-tolerant 1 million-qubit system around 2030, a scale presented as enough to start delivering broad real-world benefits.
Photons are central because they transmit information with far less energy and heat than electrons, allowing room-temperature operation without the near-absolute-zero cooling conventional quantum machines require.
That optical approach also aims to ease two long-standing bottlenecks in quantum computing: scaling qubit counts and limiting error-inducing quantum noise as calculations grow more complex.
Multiplexing in fibre-optic systems could expand qubit capacity faster, with developers arguing the technology may eventually push beyond 1 million toward 100 million qubits.
If achieved, the systems could support sustainable AI and tackle problems in climate modeling, fertilizer production, drug discovery, logistics, energy grids and financial risk analysis.
With billions invested in a global race, whose light-based quantum computer will first solve a real-world problem?
Will this new computing era solve global challenges or create a 'quantum divide' between powerful nations?
Quantum computing promises to cure diseases, but can we protect global data before it breaks all encryption?
NTT and OptQC’s Race to a Million-Qubit Optical Quantum Computer by 2030: Roadmap, Challenges, and Global Impact
Overview
NTT and OptQC announced a strategic collaboration in late 2025, aiming to build a 1 million-qubit optical quantum computer by 2030, with a key milestone of a 10,000-qubit processor by 2028. This bold initiative marks a pivotal moment in the race for practical and scalable quantum machines. By leveraging the unique properties of light, optical quantum computers can operate efficiently at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, significantly reducing power consumption and overcoming major technical hurdles. This approach positions NTT and OptQC at the forefront of developing accessible and energy-efficient quantum computing solutions for the future.