18 June 2024

Innovation Lightbulb: Private Investment in Quantum Technology

Hideki Tomoshige

The quantum information science and technology (QIST) field is transitioning from a focus on theoretical research to a burgeoning industry with practical market applications, with the potential to significantly advance frontiers in computing, green energy, medical research, and national security. A variety of tech companies are already positioning themselves to harness quantum technologies, acting as early adopters and developing initial use cases.

However, despite some recent growth, these efforts to expand the industry remain limited. Private sector investment in quantum technology, which began modestly at $100 million in 2014, surged to $2.4 billion in 2021 as confidence in the technology grew. These investments have since declined, dropping to $1.3 billion in 2023 and further to $1.1 billion in 2024. Globally, investments decreased by 50 percent, from $2.3 billion in 2022 to about $1.3 billion in 2023. The U.S. experienced an 80 percent decline, while the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region saw a 17 percent drop. In contrast, investments in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa saw a modest increase of 3 percent. These overall declines can be attributed to various factors, including economic recessions, market adjustments, geopolitical risks, and shifts in investment strategies.

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