The MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy, led by research scientist Jonathan Ruane and co-authored by Elif Kiesow, Johannes Galatsanos, Carl Dukatz, Edward Blomquist, and Prashant Shukla, has released the “Quantum Index Report 2025” analyzing business interest in quantum computing. Their analysis of 58,070 corporate communication documents from 2022 to 2024 revealed a surge in references to quantum technologies, increasing from four mentions in Q1 2016 to 25 in Q1 2024. This escalating inclusion of quantum computing in mainstream business discussions—particularly within news-related corporate communications—indicates a growing awareness and perceived relevance of the technology for commercial application.
Growing Corporate Interest in Quantum Computing
Corporate interest in quantum computing is demonstrably rising, according to the “Quantum Index Report 2025.” An analysis of 58,070 corporate communication documents from 2022-2024 revealed increasing references to the technology. Specifically, mentions in earnings calls increased more than sixfold, from just four in Q1 2016 to 25 in Q1 2024. Researchers noted increases across all forms of company documents, suggesting broader awareness beyond just technical discussions. This surge indicates that industry and government leaders are actively exploring the relevance of quantum computing for business.
The growing corporate interest is also reflected in market projections and investment. A Technavio report estimates the global quantum computing market will grow by $17.34 billion from 2024 to 2028, achieving a compound annual growth rate of 26%. This momentum is further supported by substantial startup investment, such as the $300 million equity infusion for Quantinuum in 2024. Major players like IBM and Nvidia are also actively integrating quantum computing into their strategic plans, expanding facilities and forging partnerships.
While corporate engagement increases, public awareness remains varied. A survey of 1,375 U.S. residents in October 2024 found that half had some knowledge of quantum computing, while 25% reported no familiarity at all. Most respondents fell at opposite ends of the spectrum—either minimal exposure or significant understanding. Researchers suggest recent media coverage and educational initiatives are contributing to the “somewhat familiar” group, highlighting the need for continued education and awareness-building efforts.
Rising Market Projections for Quantum Technologies
Corporate interest in quantum technologies is demonstrably rising, as evidenced by a more than sixfold increase in mentions during earnings calls – from just four in Q1 2016 to 25 in Q1 2024. This surge extends beyond research documents, with news-related corporate communications also showing significant increases, suggesting broader awareness and inclusion in mainstream business discussions. Major players like IBM and Nvidia are actively integrating quantum computing into their strategies, further fueling market attention.
The global quantum computing market is projected for substantial growth, estimated to increase by $17.34 billion from 2024 to 2028. This translates to a compound annual growth rate of 26%, indicating strong investor confidence. Supporting this, quantum computing company Quantinuum received a $300 million equity infusion in 2024, illustrating increasing financial support for the development and scaling of these technologies.
While business and market interest are accelerating, public understanding of quantum computing remains varied. A recent survey in October 2024 found that half of U.S. residents have some knowledge, but responses are polarized – people are either very familiar or very unfamiliar. The research indicates a need for continued education and awareness-building alongside the technological advancements, as companies seek to drive commercial applications.
“There is strong evidence that curiosity into quantum computing among senior leaders of corporate America is rapidly increasing,”
Jonathan Ruane
Varied Public Awareness of Quantum Computing
Public understanding of quantum computing is varied, with a significant split in knowledge levels. A survey of 1,375 U.S. residents in October 2024 revealed that half possessed some level of familiarity with the technology, while 25% reported being unfamiliar. Notably, most respondents fell at opposite ends of the spectrum – either having minimal exposure or being significantly invested in understanding quantum computing. This suggests recent media coverage and educational efforts have influenced some awareness, but a knowledge gap remains.
The research team found that while corporate discussions of quantum computing are increasing, public understanding is still developing. The survey indicated that the largest group of respondents were “somewhat familiar” with the technology, highlighting the need for continued education and awareness initiatives. This nascent public understanding exists alongside increasing market projections; the global quantum computing market is estimated to grow by $17.34 billion from 2024 to 2028, with a 26% compound annual growth rate.
Despite the growing business interest – evidenced by a $300 million investment in Quantinuum in 2024 – the report emphasizes the importance of public engagement and trust for transitioning quantum technologies from research to practical application. The researchers note there is still an “enormous amount of learning” needed across industries, with many people seeking more informed insights into this evolving field. This indicates a crucial need for continued efforts to bridge the knowledge gap.
Quantum Computing Mentions in Company Documents
An analysis of 58,070 corporate communication documents from 2022 to 2024 revealed increasing references to quantum computing, signaling expanding awareness and inclusion in mainstream business discussions. This included company reports, expert interview transcripts, and research documents. Notably, news-related corporate communications showed particularly pronounced increases, suggesting quantum computing is moving beyond purely technical discourse and into broader company messaging. Researchers found a significant rise in mentions across all document types in 2024.
Corporate interest in quantum technologies is demonstrably growing, with mentions in earnings calls increasing more than sixfold—from four in Q1 2016 to 25 in Q1 2024. This surge coincides with major players like IBM expanding quantum facilities and Nvidia partnering with quantum startups. Market projections reflect this momentum; a Technavio report estimates the global quantum computing market will grow by $17.34 billion from 2024 to 2028, achieving a compound annual growth rate of 26%.
While corporate discussion is rising, public awareness is varied. A survey of 1,375 U.S. residents in October 2024 showed half had some knowledge of quantum computing, while 25% were unfamiliar. Most respondents fell at opposite ends of the spectrum—either minimal exposure or significant understanding. Researchers noted the largest group was “somewhat familiar,” suggesting recent media coverage and educational efforts are beginning to influence public understanding, though much learning remains to be done.
