Introducing the INFORMS Quantum Computing and Operations Research Ad Hoc Committee

Quantum technology is projected to unlock up to $2 trillion in economic benefits over the next 10 years, with the largest gains expected in industries such as chemicals, life sciences, finance and mobility [1]. Beyond economic benefits, quantum technology holds significant potential for societal advancements, which is why the United Nations has proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. As the U.N. proclamation highlights, “increased global cooperation, awareness and education in quantum science and technology could help to address the challenges of achieving sustainable development … and improving the quality of life in countries around the world” [2].

Within INFORMS, there is a growing community contributing to quantum technology, particularly in the development of algorithms that run on quantum computers. As quantum computers continue to advance, they offer an alternative way to approach computational problems. It is widely believed that they can solve certain tasks significantly faster or with greater accuracy than any classical computer, even the most powerful supercomputers. Moreover, developing scalable and efficient quantum hardware and software presents a diverse range of challenges that operations researchers are uniquely positioned to address.

To help introduce INFORMS members to the potential of quantum computing and promote the contributions of the operations research (O.R.) community in this emerging field, I have established the INFORMS Quantum Computing and Operations Research Ad Hoc Committee (QCOR). This committee will serve as a bridge between INFORMS members and quantum computing developments, providing opportunities to learn, collaborate and innovate. Tamás Terlaky of Lehigh University and David Bernal of Purdue University will co-chair the committee, leading an impressive group of experts: Carleton Coffrin (Los Alamos National Laboratory), Rebekah Hermann (University of Tennessee), Mohammadhossein Mohammadisiahroudi (Lehigh University), Giacomo Naniccini (University of Southern California), Ruslan Shaydulin (JPMorganChase) and Stefan Woerner (IBM Research-Zurich).

To kick off 2025, I asked the QCOR members three key questions. Here is a summary of their collective responses.

1. Why should the O.R. community care about quantum computing?

The O.R. community continuously faces ongoing challenges in computational and algorithmic capabilities while striving to solve increasingly complex problems. Quantum computing presents a revolutionary paradigm that could significantly enhance the field by providing novel approaches to optimization and simulation problems.

As quantum computer technology rapidly progresses, it is essential for the O.R. community to familiarize itself with its foundational concepts in anticipation of the arrival of reliable quantum hardware.

Current classical solvers can struggle with large industrial problems, necessitating reformulation and approximation to yield solutions. In contrast, quantum algorithms could enable the direct tackling of original problems, potentially resulting in higher solution quality and faster deployment times.

Quantum optimization algorithms represent a vast frontier for innovation and discovery, encouraging the development of effective solutions to difficult O.R. problems. Moreover, the importance of algorithmic exploration cannot be understated; engaging in trial-and-error research with existing quantum hardware is vital for building intuition and generating novel ideas, positioning the O.R. community to capitalize on future advancements in quantum hardware.

2. What fundamental properties of quantum computers will improve optimization algorithms?

Quantum computers fundamentally differ from digital computers, which operate on binary bit strings based on the Turing machine model. The core unit of quantum computers is the qubit (quantum bit), which can exist in multiple states simultaneously, represented mathematically as a two-dimensional vector. This allows quantum computers to leverage unique properties of quantum mechanics, leading to an exponential growth in theoretical computing capacity as the number of qubits increases.

One key advantage of quantum computing is its ability to simultaneously explore multiple solutions through apparent parallelism. The computational basis of quantum computers grows exponentially faster when expressed using classical bits; however, it grows only linearly when using quantum bits. This apparent potential of parallelism predicts that quantum algorithms might handle complex optimization problems more efficiently. Quantum algorithms also benefit from the interference of probability amplitudes, which can be manipulated to enhance or diminish the likelihood of specific computational outcomes, providing a significant advantage over classical algorithms.

Additionally, quantum annealing – drawing on principles from simulated annealing and quantum tunneling – provides an efficient method for exploring solution spaces of quadratic unconstrained binary optimization problems (QUBOs). This approach enables quantum computers to traverse large and complex optimization landscapes more effectively than traditional methods.

Together, these fundamental properties of quantum computers promise to significantly enhance optimization algorithms, paving the way for breakthroughs in solving challenging computational problems.

3. When will quantum computing start saving lives, saving money and solving problems?

The potential of quantum computing to transform industries and solve critical problems is immense, but achieving stable, error-corrected quantum computing near room temperature remains a significant challenge [3]. Many experts anticipate this breakthrough could occur within the next decade. Currently, we are in the Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) era, which is akin to the early days of digital computing, and many are awaiting transformative advancements similar to the introduction of silicon transistors and integrated circuits.

Although some argue that practical applications of quantum computing are already emerging because of technological advances such as Google’s Willow chip [4], the timeline for significant breakthroughs remains uncertain. For optimization applications specifically, the estimated time frame ranges from 3 to 10 years, depending on the pace of advancements in quantum methods and hardware development.

Organizations such as the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) are pursuing projects aimed at creating industry-relevant quantum computers by 2033 [5]. Recent advancements in quantum error correction indicate that constructing more reliable quantum computers is feasible, with road maps suggesting that fault-tolerant systems could be available by the end of this decade.

Closing Thoughts

If this article has piqued your interest in quantum computing, watch for QCOR announcements throughout 2025 for opportunities to explore this emerging field, connect with experts and contribute to the ongoing advancements being made by INFORMS members. As quantum computing evolves, the operations research community is poised to play a critical role in developing and applying this transformative technology.

References and Notes

1. “Quantum Technology Monitor,” McKinsey Digital, April 2024. Quantum technology includes computers, sensors, and communications. Estimate for four sectors through 2035: chemicals, life sciences, finance and mobility.
2. UNESCO, 2024, “International Year of Quantum Science and Technology,” June 7, https://quantum2025.org/.
3. Existing quantum computers are typically cooled to near absolute zero (-460 degrees F).
4. Neven, H., 2024, “Meet Willow, our state-of-the-art quantum chip,” Google Quantum AI, December 9, https://blog.google/technology/research/google-willow-quantum-chip/.
5. DARPA, QBI: Quantum Benchmarking Initiative, https://www.darpa.mil/research/programs/quantum-benchmarking-initiative.