Quantum AI seeing rising business interest despite high costs

A global survey of 500 business leaders has found that more than 60% are actively investing in or exploring the potential of quantum artificial intelligence (AI), reflecting significant interest across various industries.

The survey, conducted by SAS, involved participants from China, France, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States, representing sectors such as health care, life sciences, manufacturing, retail, government, and banking. The findings indicate an increasing awareness of quantum AI, with over 70% of respondents reporting that they are very or somewhat familiar with the concept.

According to the survey, business leaders see the most promise for quantum AI in data analytics and machine learning functions, with 48% highlighting these areas. Other significant applications cited include research and development (41%), cybersecurity (35%), supply chain and logistics (31%), finance and risk management (26%), and marketing (20%).

However, despite the optimism around quantum AI, the survey identified several barriers slowing its adoption in the business world. High cost was the most frequently noted obstacle, mentioned by 38% of respondents. A lack of understanding or knowledge followed at 35%, while 31% cited uncertainty about practical, real-world uses. A lack of trained personnel (31%) and the absence of clear regulatory guidelines (26%) were also reported as significant challenges.

Bill Wisotsky, Principal Quantum Architect at SAS, commented on the findings: "For decades SAS has helped organisations across a host of industries find better answers faster and improve business decisions through data and AI. With the emergence of quantum technologies, companies can analyse more data than ever and achieve amazingly fast answers to very complex questions involving myriad variables. Our goal is to make quantum research simple and intuitive for our customers and help them apply it to their business."

The survey also highlighted the practical steps some organisations are taking. A major consumer goods company is currently working with SAS on a proof of concept related to hybrid quantum-classical optimisation, utilising quantum annealing along with SAS's classical optimisation solvers. SAS is collaborating with several businesses to apply data and AI to complex, compute-intensive challenges, with quantum AI and advanced models designed to take advantage of the potential speed and scalability of quantum computers.

Research and experimentation within SAS are focused on deploying hybrid architectures, combining both quantum and traditional computing, to tackle real-world business problems. The company's research targets industries such as life sciences for enhanced drug discovery, financial services for improved risk management, and manufacturing for optimised processes and better materials.

SAS has also established partnerships with key companies in the quantum computing sector. These include D-Wave, which focuses on quantum annealing systems, IBM with strengths in superconducting quantum computing, and QuEra Computing, known for its work in neutral-atom quantum systems. SAS is leveraging these partnerships through memberships with the IBM Quantum Network and the QuEra Quantum Alliance Partner Program, and by incorporating D-Wave's technology into its research and customer collaborations.

"Our goal is to make quantum research simple and intuitive for our customers and help them apply it to their business," said Wisotsky, emphasising the company's approach to making complex quantum technologies accessible to organisations exploring practical deployments.

SAS researchers are also experimenting with quantum AI components in their software platforms. For example, the company has experimented with a connection to quantum annealing technology through its SAS Viya Workbench, a self-service compute environment for data preparation, exploratory analysis, and AI model development. Plans are in place to enable developers to experiment further with quantum AI in SAS Viya Workbench as part of SAS's data and AI platform.

Findings from the survey suggest that while widespread adoption of quantum technology may still be years away, business interest is high and practical steps towards application are already being taken by some organisations. Many leaders believe that with clear roadmaps, guidance, and further investment in personnel and regulatory frameworks, the barriers to quantum AI adoption can be addressed in the coming years.