In an article full of controversial claims about the quantum computing field, Oxford physicist Dr Nikita Gourianov argues that people are over-optimistic about the technology’s prospects and that researchers are overhyping both its scope and practical applications.
Despite the fact that billions of dollars have been invested in the field over the past few years, the quantum computing industry has not yet developed a single product that is actually capable of solving practical problems, the article published in the Financial Times states.
Gourianov’s argument is in the early 2010s, when the hype around quantum physics was at its peak, scientists realised there was money to be earned from investors. Subsequently, these people made an effort to market their concepts and exaggerate their significance.
This attracted investors, enabling researchers to cash in.
As more funding poured in, Gourianov claims, the field expanded and it became more and more appealing for researchers to oversell their findings.
“With time, salesman-type figures, typically without any understanding of quantum physics, entered the field, taking senior positions in companies and focusing solely on generating fanfare.”
According to Gourianov, this continued for a few years, leaving mainstream commentators with a highly inflated view of the potential of quantum computing. Greed and misunderstanding has led to a classic bubble, he said.
Companies that focus on quantum mechanics are earning the majority of…
