Guest Post by Marvin Cheung
Co-Managing Director, Quantum Oaks Advisory at Unbuilt Labs
You’re most likely reading this article on a laptop or a phone, and we use these technologies everyday without fretting over the underlying codes or microchip technologies. We can take a practical approach towards quantum computing as well: you don’t have to understand all of the computer science (quantum computing) and physics (quantum mechanics), but the rapidly changing global landscape demands that boards at a minimum engage with these topics on a strategy level. I deliver actionable insights to boards regularly, and have given talks to diverse audiences at the UN, MIT, Boards Impact Forum, Chairman’s Network, and other prestigious institutions. This global strategy briefing — from one board member to another — is designed to help you and your company advance in quantum preparedness.
What are “quantum computers”?
At a very basic level, quantum computers use qubits instead of bits (0 or 1). Owing to the principle of quantum superposition from quantum mechanics, qubits can exist in multiple states simultaneously (e.g. 0 and 1) and collapse to a definite state when measured. It is often illustrated by the infamous Schrödinger’s cat, a thought experiment where a cat may be both alive and dead in a closed box until it is observed. Also significant is the principle of quantum entanglement, where qubits correlate to each other even across large distances. It enables quantum computers to coordinate many qubits simultaneously for each calculation. In short, the theoretical advantage comes from manipulating multiple qubits each containing multiple states, in contrast to single bit operations in current computers. The field is moving fast. To offer some figures, Quantinuum raised $300 million in 2024 anchored by JPMorgan Chase (see press release) and PsiQuantum raised $1 billion in 2025 led by affiliates of BlackRock (see press release).
1. As a non-technical board member, how might I prepare for a quantum future?
Some people assume the “quantum race” would produce one clear winner, but the current computer microchip landscape suggests otherwise: there will be a handful of winners, each using different technologies. Just as Apple, Intel, and Nvidia produce their own microchips, there are multiple approaches to create a qubit for quantum computing, such as superconducting qubits, trapped ions, and neutral atom. As geopolitical tensions rise, it would also be reasonable to assume that there will be a handful of winners across each geopolitical bloc e.g. EU, North America, BRICS+. Nearly all quantum computing technologies are export controlled. This means a lot of companies will be limited by the technologies in development locally. Your country’s high-tech policies beyond quantum e.g. outer space and 5G infrastructure, will help you gauge your future access to this technology. Consequently, developing local partnerships will likely be beneficial beyond the immediate horizon.
2. Include quantum computing on board agendas and develop a short to medium term vision for this technology
I was part of a quantum computing research group a few years ago and we wanted to anticipate quantum computer business models. We used computers i.e. supercomputers, laptops, phones, as proxies for the analysis, but when I revisited this topic recently, I realized the internet is actually a more appropriate reference. In the near term, the size of quantum computers will remain large, and the fragility of qubits to environmental influence suggests that quantum computers are unlikely to replace existing data storage methods such as hard drives and SD cards. A more likely scenario in the medium term is a “quantum internet” (e.g. EU Quantum Internet Alliance) that connects a network of regional quantum computers with a tiny quantum communication chip in each of our personal devices (e.g. 3mm quantum communication chip from 2019). In the short term, quantum computers are likely going to be mediated by existing apps i.e. quantum algorithms are run behind the scenes while users continue to see a similar interface. Thinking creatively about potential futures will help you prepare for a quantum future.
3. Continue current digital transformation efforts with an eye towards quantum
The quantum computers of today are Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum (NISQ), characterized by a small number of qubits and “quantum noise” that can lead to computation errors. The need to balance the quantity of qubits with noise levels means there is no easy answer to a threshold when quantum computers “arrive”. These limitations suggest a “hybrid” approach where quantum and current (”classical”) computers work together. This is great news for boards: current digital transformation efforts are likely going to remain relevant in the age of quantum. For companies that are in the early stages of digital transformation, quantum could present an opportunity to catch up to industry leaders. There is, as with all new technologies, no guarantee of their success, but early engagement and awareness at a board level offers your company more time to adapt.
4. Evaluate high potential use cases across (a) optimization, (b) simulation, (c) machine learning, and (d) cybersecurity
With tech expertise from the past decades, the infrastructure for quantum computing’s commercial deployment is actively being built. Intermediaries such as Amazon Braket, a cloud quantum computing service reminiscent of Amazon Web Services (AWS), reduces the initial investment necessary to experiment with various quantum hardwares. For non-technical board members, quantum preparedness is unlikely to involve hands-on quantum algorithm design. The more critical part is the ability to engage meaningfully with the vision, strategy, and risks associated with this significant expected increase in computing power. Non-technical domain expertise will be crucial to bridge technical perspectives and business demands. While current use cases such as optimization, simulation, machine learning, and cybersecurity, may sound mundane, technical advances in these areas gave rise to the famous Google PageRank algorithm and the Netflix recommendation algorithm. These are foundational to their businesses. Certainly, we expect to see rapid advances in health and biomedical research as well. Along the way, there will be many opportunities to champion privacy-first initiatives, sustainable development, and other meaningful programs.
Disclosure: This material is provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice. Information is obtained from sources deemed reliable, but there is no representation or warranty as to its accuracy, completeness or reliability. In no event shall Quantum Oaks Advisory at Unbuilt Labs or any of its directors, officers, employees or agents be liable for any use of, for any decision made or action taken in reliance upon, or for any inaccuracies or errors in or omissions from, the information in this content.
Marvin Cheung, Co-Managing Director, Quantum Oaks Advisory at Unbuilt Labs
Marvin Cheung is a Co-Managing Director at Quantum Oaks Advisory at Unbuilt Labs, where he helps boards to demystify quantum, strategize, and explore creatively. An experienced board member himself, he has given talks at the UN, MIT, Board Impact Forum, and Chairman’s Network. [email protected]
