What if tiny microparticles could help us solve the world's biggest problems in a matter of minutes? That's the promise -- and magic -- of quantum computers, says Matt Langione. Speaking next to an actual IBM quantum computer, he explains how these machines solve complex challenges like developing vaccines and calculating financial risk in an entirely new way that's exponentially faster than the best supercomputers -- and shares why industries should prepare now for this new leap in computing.

The promise of quantum computers

The exponential growth of computing power that enabled everything from codebreaking to genetic sequencing is reaching a physical limit, just as society faces ever more complex problems. Quantum computers promise to break through these barriers, simulating chemical reactions in hours that would take traditional supercomputers hundreds of thousands of years. This leap could unlock faster drug discovery and transform industries like finance and climate science. As governments invest billions, early preparation will determine who leads in this coming era.