What Accenture and the World Economic Forum want you to know about quantum tech

Quantum tech is no longer science fiction. It’s already being piloted across telecoms, defence, and cybersecurity—shaping how we design networks, secure data, and approach optimisation at scale. A joint report by the World Economic Forum and Accenture highlights how quantum technologies are beginning to deliver tangible benefits across the ICT value chain, from infrastructure to customer experience. Whether you're a developer, analyst, engineer or architect, here’s what’s happening—and why it matters for your work.

1. Quantum computing is solving problems we couldn’t tackle before

Quantum computing is built for problems that push the limits of classical computing—like real-time logistics optimisation and molecular modelling.

What’s already happening: Fujitsu used quantum-inspired tech (its Digital Annealer) to optimise resource allocation in telecom networks, reducing operational costs by up to 30%. It's also been applied to logistics planning and supply chain management. AT&T is applying quantum algorithms to improve how it routes customer service calls and deliver more personalised support—testing quantum-based optimisation to streamline operations.

 
Why it matters: These are early signals that quantum could become the new layer in your tech stack, augmenting cloud and HPC infrastructure. These examples are just the beginning. The benefits of quantum technologies extend across the entire ICT value chain—from infrastructure and operations to customer experience and security.

 

2. Quantum sensing boosts accuracy way beyond traditional tech.

Quantum sensing can detect ultra-tiny shifts in temperature, magnetic fields, and other physical forces. It uses principles like superposition and entanglement to get far more precise than traditional sensors. Sensors like Infleqtion’s Tiqker clock are expected to improve national timing systems, GPS accuracy, and even help build more resilient critical infrastructure.

What’s already happening: BT is trialling quantum antennas that can detect weaker signals—improving the performance and efficiency of 5G and IoT networks.

Why it matters: Think better climate data, more secure navigation systems, and applications across defence, healthcare, and manufacturing. As Australia's infrastructure and smart tech investments grow, quantum sensing could support everything from defence systems to environmental monitoring.

 

3. Quantum computers could break current encryption—so the security race is on

Future quantum computers may be powerful enough to crack today’s encryption. That’s why governments and companies are pushing to roll out quantum-safe cryptography now.

  • Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) replaces vulnerable algorithms with quantum-resistant ones.

  • Quantum key distribution (QKD) uses physics (instead of maths) to send data in a way that immediately shows if it’s been tampered with.

Real-world example: South Korea’s SK Telecom released a smartphone with the world’s smallest quantum random number generator (QRNG), protecting things like biometric data and payment details.

ACS Digital Pulse 2024 flags an 80% surge in cyber skills demand since 2020—but also a projected shortfall of 20,000 cyber professionals by 2030. Rolling out quantum-safe frameworks now is critical to avoid future decryption risk.

 

4. Governments are investing—and Australia is going big

Governments that invest early in quantum research, infrastructure, and talent are hoping to shape the future digital economy.

Australia is investing heavily in quantum. The government has backed PsiQuantum with close to $1 billion to build the world’s first fault-tolerant quantum computer, aiming to be a global leader in the space. Australia’s quantum industry could contribute $6.1 billion to GDP by 2045, according to CSIRO estimates.

Canada, China, and the US are deploying fibre networks, national testbeds, and regulation to back quantum innovation. India’s National Quantum Mission is funding start-ups and supporting collaborations between researchers and industry.

Why it matters: Quantum isn’t just a research domain anymore. It’s now part of Australia’s digital economy strategy. This global race is creating jobs, funding education, and driving the next big wave of tech transformation.

 

5. You don’t need to be a physicist to get involved

The barrier to entry is lower than many think. If you're comfortable with linear algebra, systems thinking, or even just AI frameworks—you’ve already got a head start.

Where to begin:

  • Understand the use cases (optimisation, simulation, secure comms).

  • Keep tabs on standards (PQC, QKD, hardware evolution).

ACS Digital Pulse 2024 also found that Australia has 1.1 million “near-tech” workers with relevant transferable skills—yet lack of digital training is the biggest barrier to career moves. Even for those already in tech, microcredentials could fast-track entry into quantum-adjacent roles