Explore what quantum computing is for

Applications show where quantum computing might help and how strong the evidence is. Related technologies are explained by how they differ. Specialist journeys go deeper for particular professions.

Quantum computing

Applications: where it might help, and the evidence

Each article separates demonstrated results from experiments, projections and vendor claims. Simulating molecules and materials, the strongest expected use, is introduced in the Foundations lessons; a full article on it is planned.

1. What quantum computers are good at (and what they aren't)9 minChemistry, materials, factoring and finance. Plus the long list of things they won't speed up.
2. Quantum use cases in banking: an evidence check13 minDerivatives, portfolios, fraud and payment liquidity: what has actually been shown, what machine it would take, and what the classical bar is.
3. Quantum-inspired methods: the classical spin-off6 minOrdinary algorithms and chips that borrow quantum ideas: what they are, where they work, and why the label matters when you buy one.

Related fields, not quantum computing

Related quantum technologies

Quantum computing is one of several technologies built on quantum physics. The others do different jobs, and none of them is a kind of quantum computer.

Quantum communication

Uses the quantum behaviour of light to share encryption keys in a way that reveals eavesdropping. Quantum key distribution is the best-known example. It needs special hardware and links. Quantum key distribution versus post-quantum cryptography

Quantum sensing

Uses atoms or light as extremely precise measuring instruments, for time, magnetic fields and gravity. Atomic clocks, which keep time by how atoms respond to radiation at a precise frequency, are the most familiar example. Entanglement: why it matters in practice

Post-quantum cryptography

Not quantum technology at all: ordinary encryption, running on ordinary computers and chips, designed to resist future quantum computers. Quantum and security

For a short comparison, see Not to be confused with in the first lesson. Fuller explanations of communication and sensing will be published when they can be written to the same standard as the lessons.

Specialist

Specialist journeys

Short sequences for particular professions, in reading order. They assume Foundations, and the banking and risk journeys also assume Quantum and security.

Banking and payments For payments, architecture and programme teams

1. Why your bank is already preparing14 minThe encryption problem, "harvest now, decrypt later", and the new standards replacing today's locks.
2. What the ISO 20022 migration teaches us about post-quantum cryptography7 minMoving dates, long coexistence and the hidden work of inventory: lessons from payments' biggest recent change.
3. What post-quantum cryptography changes in payment messages5 minOne cross-border wire, four layers of cryptography, and how quantum computing affects each one.
4. The certificate plumbing behind payment networks5 minTrust chains, closed networks and chip cards: why certificates set the pace of post-quantum migration.
5. Quantum Readiness for Banking Professionals8 chaptersGuide · A free eight-chapter guide: inventory, priorities, suppliers, governance and a phased roadmap.

Risk, audit and governance For risk, compliance and internal audit

1. Two quantum programmes, not one3 minWhy defending against quantum attacks and exploring quantum computing need separate owners, budgets and reporting.
2. Quantum threat indicators: what to watch, and when to revisit your plan10 minThe few numbers that really move the quantum threat, where to find them, and how to turn them into key risk indicators.
3. Post-quantum in Canada: who has said what6 minThe federal roadmap, OSFI's bulletin and the other public documents, with whom each one binds and which dates are really in it.
4. Auditing a post-quantum programme: what internal audit should test7 minWho does what, when to audit, what to test in each part of the programme, and how internal audit stays independent.

Quantum computing strategy For steering committees and sponsors

1. How to evaluate a quantum computing pilot proposal8 minWhat's realistic today, annealers versus general-purpose machines, hybrid algorithms, and the questions to ask before approving.
2. A quantum strategy on one page: watch, learn, partner or invest7 minFour options for exploring quantum computing, what each needs, and when to revisit the choice. Not a ladder, and separate from post-quantum migration.
3. Quantum Strategy SelectortoolTool · Record a structured decision on whether to watch, learn, partner or invest in quantum computing.