Quantum: From Breakthrough to Business Reality? With Andrew Shipilov

Why It Matters

Quantum’s transition to a viable commercial platform could reshape high‑value industries, making early adoption a strategic imperative for firms seeking long‑term competitive advantage.

Key Takeaways

• Quantum investment surges 50% to $2 bn in 2024.
• Microsoft targets utility‑scale quantum machines within six months.
• Error correction remains the primary technical bottleneck today.
• Quantum excels at simulation, optimization, and high‑dimensional search.
• Companies must start pilots now to avoid future competitive lag.

Summary

The INSEAD Tech Talk brought together Microsoft’s quantum VP, Dutch ecosystem builder, Accenture researcher and an insurance CTO to discuss how quantum computing is shifting from laboratory breakthroughs to commercial strategies. The session highlighted the rapid escalation of global funding—$1.3 bn in 2023 to about $2 bn in 2024—and the launch of national programs across the US, EU, China and India.

Panelists noted that both hardware and algorithms are reaching inflection points. Microsoft now expects to field a utility‑scale processor within six months, and recent algorithmic advances have cut the estimated qubit requirement from ten million to roughly six hundred thousand. Yet fundamental hurdles—decoherence, error correction, scaling of logical qubits and talent scarcity—still limit practical deployment.

"Quantum had its transistor moment last year," said Liam Goodman, underscoring the perception shift among executives. Zului Alam emphasized that the next challenge is turning machines into commercial applications, while Laura Conversa warned that firms treating quantum solely as a distant research curiosity risk falling behind once full‑scale devices arrive.

The consensus is clear: organizations should launch exploratory pilots now, integrate quantum‑ready architectures with classical HPC and AI, and participate in emerging standards. Early engagement can secure a competitive edge in sectors such as materials science, logistics optimization and financial risk analysis, where quantum’s unique problem‑solving power is most promising.

Original Description

TECH TALK X, 29 April 2026, 5.00 PM CET by https://digital.insead.edu

Quantum computing is moving from research labs into strategic conversations at the highest levels of business and government. Investment is accelerating, ecosystems are forming, and large technology players are defining roadmaps. Yet for many executives, the question remains: what is real today, and what is still long term?

In this INSEAD TECH TALK Zulfi Alam, Corporate Vice President Quantum, Microsoft; Freeke Heijman, Vice President, European Quantum Industry Consortium and Laura Converso, Thought leadership Principal Director Accenture Research discuss where quantum currently stands and what it means for strategy, competitiveness and industrial positioning. The conversation is moderated by Andrew Shipilov, INSEAD Professor of Strategy. Liam Goodmann, CTO at Fidamy, will give a brief introduction.

The conversation focusses on practical implications rather than technical details. How should firms think about timing? Where are the early use cases? What role do partnerships and industry consortia play? And how does quantum intersect with broader societal and sustainability ambitions?

Why participate?

• Gain a clear view of the current quantum landscape

• Understand the strategic implications for industries and competitive positioning

• Learn how corporations, governments and ecosystems are preparing for what comes next

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