QuEra Computing Study: 62% Say Classical Computing Limits Drive Quantum Need

A new report from QuEra Computing reveals a significant shift in the quantum computing landscape: 62 percent of industry experts with relevant use cases now state that classical computing is hitting its limits, driving the need for quantum solutions. The Quantum Readiness Report 2026, based on insights from 291 experts – including 82 from the EU – demonstrates companies are prioritizing demonstrable results over futuristic promises. This demand for verifiable progress is coinciding with declining confidence in national quantum leadership, falling from over 45 percent in 2025 to 25 percent in 2026. “In 2026, the cards will be reshuffled,” says Yuval Boger, Chief Commercial Officer at QuEra Computing. “Companies continue to believe strongly in the potential of quantum computing. But they want to know where and under what conditions it actually adds value. The market now measures progress by results, not promises.”

62% Report Classical IT Limits Drive Quantum Exploration

Over sixty percent of organizations are now hitting a wall with conventional computing power, fueling a shift towards serious exploration of quantum solutions. The Quantum Readiness Report 2026, compiled by QuEra Computing from 291 industry experts—including 82 within the European Union—reveals a pragmatic turn in expectations surrounding quantum technology. Rather than being driven by pure scientific curiosity, the impetus for quantum adoption is increasingly rooted in the demonstrable limitations of existing classical IT infrastructure. A significant 62 percent of respondents with applicable use cases report that their current computing methods are reaching their performance boundaries.

This growing recognition of classical limits is coinciding with a sobering of market sentiment. Currently, only 55 percent of global respondents believe their company is at least partially prepared, a decrease from over 65 percent last year. Furthermore, a substantial 37 percent of respondents identify a lack of skilled workers as a major impediment to practical quantum application, with Boger noting, “The shortage of skilled workers is now slowing down the pace.” Qualification is now considered a “strategic prerequisite” for successful implementation.

Quantum Leadership Confidence Declines 20 Percentage Points

A shift in expectations is underway in the quantum computing landscape, moving beyond theoretical potential toward demonstrable results. The study highlights a growing recognition that simply exploring quantum possibilities is no longer sufficient. This sobering assessment coincides with a growing awareness of the limitations of existing classical computing infrastructure. This paradox suggests that as organizations gain experience, their standards for deployment become increasingly stringent.

Skills Shortage & Readiness Gaps Hinder Quantum Deployment

The intensifying global race in quantum computing is encountering a practical roadblock: a deficit of qualified personnel. This isn’t simply a matter of needing more bodies; it’s about possessing the specialized knowledge to translate theoretical potential into tangible results. The report highlights a paradoxical situation where increasing experience is raising the bar for what constitutes adequate preparation, with readiness assessments becoming more critical over time. While 56 percent of organizations are actively exploring quantum computing through evaluation or pilot projects, a mere 13 percent have successfully scaled applications into productive use.

This suggests a significant gap between experimentation and operational deployment, exacerbated by the limited availability of individuals capable of bridging that divide. The skills gap appears to be impacting larger organizations disproportionately, with complex IT infrastructures and protracted decision-making processes hindering their transition from testing to full operation.