Quantum Computing: A Potential 2025 Milestone Towards Artificial Intelligence Parity
In the wake of the buzz surrounding generative AI following ChatGPT's release in 2022, quantum computing (QC) has earned its time in the spotlight in 2025. With two starkly different paths ahead – the case for agentic AI and the controversy surrounding QC's readiness – uncertainty and anticipation are palpable.
Two Paths Divide: Agentic AI vs. Quantum Computing
Agentic AI and QC have emerged as leading narratives in 2025, with contrasting expectations. While the world agrees that 2025 belongs to agentic and physical AI, controversy surrounds the feasibility and timeline for QC to become widespread and profitable. The skepticism persists, particularly after Jensen Huang's statement at CES 2025, asserting that "useful" quantum computing is still two decades away.
Critics like Gary Marcus and Rodney Brooks voice concerns over AI's overhyped potential and uncertain returns, maintaining relevance in 2025. The focus on agentic AI addresses these concerns by zeroing in on targeted tasks, leveraging current technology to yield maximum benefits without aspiring for the lofty goals of general AI. Simultaneously, QC advocates challenge Huang's 20-year timeline, emphasizing that quantum computing already delivers commercial value for specific operations and continuing advances for broader applications. D-Wave Quantum CEO Alan Baratz even declared Huang "dead wrong" about QC's readiness, and NVIDIA's decision to host its inaugural Quantum Day at GTC 2025 signifies its sustained interest in the field.
Uncertainty, Hope, and the Tension
This tension fosters hope for speedy QC advancements and added questions about its timeline. The uncertainty does not necessarily predict delay; rather, it points to the likelihood of breakthroughs potentially arriving sooner than expected.
Business and Technological Tension: AI vs. QC
Huang's remarks sparked a notable dip in quantum-related stocks, eliciting backlash from the QC community. Daniela Herrmann, co-founder of Dynex, highlights that Huang's prediction underestimates the progress in quantum-inspired applications. Despite dismissing the potential of QC for the near future, NVIDIA continues collaboration and support through CUDA software and the hybrid model of classical and quantum computing.
A competitive and creative tension exists between traditional AI, plowing billions into investments, and the promise of stable, scalable, multi-use QC. This interplay could potentially catalyze a breakthrough, fueling hopes for the much-anticipated singularity.
The Quantum Singularity: 20 years – Or Ten Months?
With the world eager for artificial superintelligence (ASI), the possibility of quantum computers chiefly responsible for this achievement looms large. If QC achieves the singularity, would it force investments to divert from classic GPUs towards QC's explosive promise?
The Quantum Horizon: A Breakthrough Awaiting
Recent developments, such as IBM's 1,121-qubit Condor processor and Google's 105-qubit Willow chip, suggest that QC may be nearer a breakthrough than anticipated. Advancements in quantum error correction and software ecosystems lay the groundwork for the achievable singularity. Unprecedented investments, government programs, collaborations, and private sector innovations underscore the convergence of factors driving QC toward practical, widespread utility.
As both championed paths – agentic AI and QC – propel forward, the quantum horizon becomes a beacon of technological innovation and potential. The landscape of AI and computing faces transformation in 2025, inevitably guided by the uncertain, yet promising, allure of quantum computing.
In the context of the ongoing debate between agentic AI and quantum computing (QC), some advocates argue that QC has already delivered commercial value for specific operations and is making progress towards broader applications, challenging remarks made by Jensen Huang suggesting a 20-year timeline for widespread and profitable use of QC.
The competitive tension between traditional AI investments and the promise of QC could potentially lead to a breakthrough, potentially brings us closer to the quantum singularity, a much-anticipated achievement in artificial superintelligence.
