Insider Brief
- Microsoft’s Quantum Ready program aims to prepare businesses for the transformative potential of quantum computing by providing tools, training and strategies for a secure and scalable quantum future.
- The program emphasizes four main areas: hybrid applications integrating quantum and classical computing, workforce skills to address the quantum expertise gap, quantum security to stable cryptography, and alignment of investments with industry-specific quantum needs.
- By fostering collaboration and providing insights through workshops, forums and industry reports, Microsoft seeks to accelerate quantum adoption and help businesses identify high-value use cases for this emerging technology.
Microsoft has introduced its Quantum Ready program to help businesses prepare for the next wave of quantum computing, an era expected to revolutionize industries with powerful problem-solving capabilities, according to a company blog post. As quantum computing moves closer to solving practical problems, Microsoft aims to equip companies with the tools, knowledge and skills needed to navigate this transformative technology.
Quantum computing has moved from a theoretical concept to a credible technology, with 2025 designated as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology by the United Nations. Investments in the field are increasing, with global companies and governments pouring billions of dollars into quantum research and development. However, only 12% of business leaders feel ready to evaluate the opportunities offered by quantum technology, according to a study cited by Microsoft on their blog.
“Those organizations that are in the throes of planning a comprehensive quantum readiness strategy are creating sustainable and competitive differentiation for their organizations and are positioning themselves to harness the full power of quantum as it scales,” Mitra Azizirad, President and Chief Executive Officer Operational Strategy. Missions and technologies, Microsoft wrote in the post. “Clearly, without strategic readiness, it is a challenging proposition for leaders to assess the risks and returns, or to design the effective and responsive quantum strategies that are necessary to create a complete quantum roadmap for their organization.”
The Quantum Ready program aims to close this gap, helping leaders across industries position their organizations for success in a quantum-enabled world.
The Four Pillars of Quantum Readiness
The program focuses on four main areas:
- Hybrid Applications: Microsoft encourages organizations to develop hybrid applications that combine quantum computing, artificial intelligence and traditional computing. These applications can address current business needs while preparing for future scalability.
- Strategic Skills: The program emphasizes workforce training to address the growing quantum skills gap. According to Microsoft, 76% of executives say a lack of quantum expertise is slowing innovation.
- Quantum security secure: As quantum computers advance, they pose risks to existing cryptographic systems. Microsoft’s Quantum Safe program provides guidelines for adopting cryptographic standards to ensure long-term security.
- Proven investments for the future: The program provides a roadmap for businesses to align their quantum strategies with specific industry needs, ensuring that investments remain relevant as the technology evolves.
Through workshops and forums, Microsoft aims to help leaders identify high-value use cases and create customized strategies for their industries. Insights from these sessions will be shared in industry outlook reports to benefit the wider ecosystem.
The Role of Quantum in Business and Security
The potential of quantum computing to transform industries is huge. From drug discovery to supply chain optimization, the technology can unlock solutions that are currently unattainable with classical computing. However, the transition requires careful planning, especially in the area of cyber security.
Preparing for a secure quantum future goes beyond addressing an immediate threat, but also aims to ensure a smooth transition to new cryptographic standards, the Microsoft team suggests. The company’s emphasis on security aligns with its broader goal of fostering confidence in quantum technologies.
Capabilities for the quantum age
Workforce readiness is a cornerstone of the Quantum Ready program. By providing access to training resources and a unified hybrid computing platform, Microsoft aims to cultivate a culture of innovation. This platform integrates quantum computing with classical supercomputing and AI, reflecting the company’s belief that these technologies are complementary rather than competing.
“…organizations that can harness the power of these complementary technologies – and that understand their use is not a matter of either/or, but when and how – are in a unique position to stay ahead.” writes Azizirad.
Partnership for Success
Microsoft’s initiative also emphasizes the importance of collaboration. The program connects businesses with partners experienced in deploying hybrid tools and mitigating quantum risks. By fostering an open ecosystem, Microsoft hopes to make sustainable investments in the future and accelerate quantum adoption.
As part of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, Microsoft will partner with the American Physical Society and other institutions to raise awareness of quantum innovation and its impact on industries around the world, according to the post.
You can learn more about Microsoft’s Quantum Ready videos here — or navigate here to join.
