Quantum Computing: A $2.7 Trillion Goldmine by 2035?
McKinsey report reveals quantum computing could create $2.7 trillion in value by 2035, warning businesses to invest now or risk falling behind.
The global economic landscape is on the verge of a seismic shift. According to a comprehensive report by McKinsey & Company, quantum computing economic value could soar to between USD 1.3 trillion and USD 2.7 trillion worldwide by the year 2035. As the technology transitions from the realm of experimental laboratory projects to real-world commercial applications, the race for quantum supremacy is officially on.
The Cost of Hesitation: Why Now is the Time to Invest
The report sends a clear warning to the corporate world: waiting is a dangerous gamble. With over 300 organisations globally already collaborating with quantum technology providers, the window for securing an early advantage is narrowing. McKinsey emphasizes that companies delaying their entry into this space risk losing critical access to specialized talent, strategic partnerships, and the intellectual property necessary to remain competitive.
The Security Time Bomb
Beyond the economic gains, there is a pressing security concern. The report highlights that sufficiently advanced quantum computers could eventually possess the power to shatter public-key encryption systems. These systems currently safeguard the world's most sensitive information. Businesses that fail to prepare for this "quantum break" could face catastrophic security challenges once the technology matures.
The Financial Surge: Investment and Revenue
Money is already pouring into the sector at an accelerating rate. The report notes a massive jump in equity investment, rising from USD 2.5 billion in 2024 to a staggering USD 13.3 billion in 2025.
The revenue trajectory is equally impressive:
- Current Status: Combined revenue for quantum computing firms surpassed USD 1 billion in 2025.
- Short-term Projection: This figure could climb to USD 4.4 billion by 2028.
- Long-term Market: By 2035, the global market for quantum hardware, software, and services is estimated to reach between USD 60 billion and USD 100 billion.
Additionally, quantum communication is expected to become a market worth USD 11 billion to USD 15 billion, while quantum sensing could reach USD 7 billion to USD 10 billion by 2035.
Industry Impact: Who Wins the Most?
While many sectors will be touched by this revolution, McKinsey identifies specific areas where the value creation will be most profound:
- Chemicals: Potential to unlock up to USD 800 billion in value by 2035.
- Pharmaceuticals: Could generate up to USD 400 billion in value.
- Other Key Areas: Cybersecurity and robotics are also flagged as sectors poised for significant breakthroughs.
Interestingly, the report suggests that quantum computing could be the key to solving the energy and computing bottlenecks currently hindering the rapid expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Timelines
Despite the optimism, the path to a quantum-enabled economy is not without hurdles. McKinsey cautions that the exact timeline remains uncertain due to several critical bottlenecks:
- Manufacturing constraints that limit hardware production.
- A severe shortage of specialized talent capable of operating these systems.
- A lack of global consensus on which specific quantum technology will be the most effective to scale.
The Three-Stage Evolution
McKinsey outlines a strategic roadmap for the coming years:
- Early Commercial Adoption: The current phase of experimentation and initial use cases.
- Competitive Positioning: The period leading up to 2035 where leaders establish their dominance.
- Quantum-Enabled Economy: A broader integration of the technology across all sectors by 2040.
To navigate this transition, the report advises businesses to focus on building strategic partnerships, testing potential applications in their specific fields, and cultivating internal expertise long before large-scale commercial systems become widely available.