Quantum computing in 2025: the UK’s role in a rapidly evolving landscape

Robert Haist, Chief Information Security Officer at TeamViewer, shared his perspective on what lies ahead for quantum computing, with a particular focus on the UK’s evolving role.

The UK’s £2.5 billion commitment: a catalyst for quantum awareness

According to Haist, the UK Government’s £2.5 billion pledge under its National Quantum Strategy, alongside guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), played a crucial role in bringing quantum computing into mainstream discussion.

Haist explained: “The government’s billion-pound investment and NCSC guidance sifted quantum into the mainstream. Not least because it accelerated development and adoption, position the UK as a major quantum player, capable of using it to increase competitiveness and resilience against emerging threat. Once this investment results in practical use-cases and delivers visible results, further adoption will follow.”

This focus on translating investment into tangible outcomes remained central to ensuring long-term engagement beyond academic and specialist circles.

Preparing for post-quantum cryptography: a roadmap for business

With quantum computing posing a future threat to current encryption standards, the urgency around post-quantum cryptography (PQC) increased. Haist emphasised that preparation should not be limited to large enterprises.

“All companies, including smaller ones, can start preparing for post-quantum cryptography standards by aligning with four key components of NCSC guidance," he advised.

These steps included:

• Reviewing existing systems to identify cryptographic vulnerabilities.
• Testing government-approved quantum-resistant security methods for compatibility with current infrastructure.
• Engaging with vendors and partners to ensure PQC compliance plans were in place, alongside upgrading systems to meet higher performance demands.
• Developing a clear roadmap for PQC transition, including workforce upskilling to manage future changes effectively.

Haist stressed that such proactive measures would enhance resilience and enable a smoother shift when ‘Q Day’—the point at which quantum computers could break classical encryption—arrived.

Accelerating the quantum timeline: the role of innovation

While Haist predicted that ‘Q Day’ remained at least five years away, he acknowledged that certain breakthroughs could shorten this timeline.

“The mainstream adoption of quantum computing depends on breakthroughs in error correction, scalable hardware, and practical applications,” he noted.

Innovations such as topological qubits offered promise by reducing error rates, while scalable hardware capable of supporting thousands of interconnected qubits would enable quantum systems to outperform classical counterparts. Delivering visible, impactful results across industries—such as improving supply chain efficiency—would be key to driving both awareness and adoption.

Sectors at risk: the imperative for early action

Haist identified banking and the public sector as particularly vulnerable to quantum-enabled encryption breaches due to their reliance on cryptography to safeguard sensitive data.

He warned: “Organisations must transition to PQC in line with government guidance. Now is the time to start developing and budgeting for this.”

Early action, he suggested, would mitigate risks associated with quantum-capable cyber threats.

Lessons from AI adoption: a blueprint for quantum integration

Reflecting on the recent surge in AI adoption, Haist highlighted critical lessons for businesses preparing to integrate quantum technologies.

“Many companies rushed into AI adoption... However, this was a mistake for many companies who didn’t use it strategically nor invest in upskilling employees prior to implementation.”

He urged organisations to adopt a strategic approach, prioritising workforce training and maintaining an agile mindset to refine quantum strategies over time. This, he argued, would prevent missteps and ensure smoother integration.

The global race: how the UK can stay competitive

Despite its ambitious plans, the UK faced strong competition from regions such as the US, EU, and China.

Haist outlined the global landscape: “The UK’s £2.5 billion pledge focuses on research and skills development... However, the US is also a leading nation with its National Quantum Initiative... Meanwhile, the EU’s €1 billion Quantum Flagship unites regional efforts... Finally, China dominates with over $10 billion in state-led investments.”

To maintain its position, Haist emphasised the need for deeper collaboration between government, industry, and academia. He also called for an accelerated push towards commercialising quantum technologies to ensure that practical applications emerged swiftly.

Looking ahead

As quantum computing continued its steady march towards mainstream relevance, the UK’s proactive investment and strategic focus placed it in a strong position. However, as Haist highlighted, success would depend not only on funding and research but also on preparation, collaboration, and the ability to learn from past technological shifts.

Businesses and governments alike faced a clear mandate: act now to harness quantum’s potential and safeguard against its risks, ensuring competitiveness in a rapidly evolving digital future.