Quantum technology is often highlighted as the next big leap for science, industry, and society. But how close are we? And will it be a revolution or rather a slower evolution? We asked two of RISE experts in quantum technology to share their perspectives.
What is today described as an upcoming technological revolution began more than a hundred years ago. In 1925, Werner Heisenberg laid the foundations for quantum mechanics, a breakthrough that made it possible to calculate the properties of elementary particles, atoms, molecules, and solids. Since the 1970s in particular, research has accelerated and led to the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2012, 2022, and most recently in 2025.
2025 was also designated the Year of Quantum Physics by the UN. Research has taken another leap forward and now everyone is talking about quantum: about new ways of communicating, about groundbreaking computing power and about sensor technology with precision beyond today's limitations. At the same time, quantum phenomena are already part of our everyday lives. GPS, for example, is based on extremely precise atomic clocks, and LED screens use quantum principles to generate light. Now we are facing the next step.
“The development of quantum technology can be compared to an industrial revolution, with the potential to affect many sectors at the same time – with new opportunities in secure communication, computing power and sensors,” says Linda Johansson, head of quantum technologies at RISE.
Fast developments
Quantum computers open the door to solving complex problems much faster, for example, to develop new materials or accelerate the development of medicines.
Professor Göran Wendin, one of RISE experts in quantum technology, also sees great progress ahead:
"We can expect exciting developments over the next ten years. Technologies for super-sensitive quantum sensors will bring significant improvements in measurement technology and will have a major impact on, for example, inertial navigation, military systems, super-high-resolution microscopy, medical diagnostics, and much more."
Another area is quantum communication, where flying photons can enable communication that cannot be intercepted without being noticed or destroyed. However, its use is still limited and largely experimental, according to Göran Wendin.
When it comes to quantum computers, developments have progressed rapidly over the past ten years. The big challenge now is to create large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers that can handle problems that today's supercomputers cannot. The major suppliers are drawing up timelines with revolutionary breakthroughs by 2030 and expectations of truly powerful quantum computers around 2035. But will the world change radically in just five to ten years? Neither Göran nor Linda believe so, but it will be an exciting time.
“We will see major advances in the industry that will influence technological development,” says Göran Wendin, adding that RISE, as Sweden's research institute, has a role to play in helping companies, the public sector, and organisations navigate quantum development.
The development of quantum technology can be compared to an industrial revolution
RISE is actively involved in several EU projects and in the Quantum Sweden Innovation Platform (QSIP), an initiative to stimulate, promote, and drive innovation in quantum technology. The goal is to support the growth and development of a Swedish industry that is globally competitive and attractive, based on and through quantum technology.
A highly topical issue right now is for example quantum encryption; being able to protect today's data that future quantum computers could crack. The EU has set a target that financial systems and health data, for example, should be protected by 2030.
There is a lot happening on the front line, but to what extent will this development be noticeable in society?
“My answer is: probably not much, or not at all. It will be a slow development over the next 20 years, and we will easily get used to it and take it for granted. It's a bit like new models of mobile phones coming out at regular intervals. I just think it will become clear when we look back on today's society in the future,” says Göran Wendin.
Affects many sectors
He believes that we should talk about a quantum evolution rather than a quantum revolution.
"I don't see quantum computers suddenly being able to solve super-important problems for humanity or anything fantastic happening. I don't believe that. It's about long-term investments and patience.
Linda Johansson is not as cautious in her visions:
"The development of quantum technology can be compared to an industrial revolution, with the potential to affect many sectors simultaneously. With quantum computers, we can solve complex problems much faster, for example, to develop new materials and produce new medicines more quickly. This is technology that will change both industry and society, she believes, continuing:
“It sounds big, and it is. But considering what quantum physics has already given us, there is good reason to be optimistic as the next wave arrives.”
