Quantum Computing Is Getting Closer: What Georgia Should Know Before the Next Technological Leap

For many years, quantum computing was perceived as a distant, highly complex topic relevant mainly to scientific laboratories. That perception is changing. Around the world, there are growing signs that quantum computers are still not ready for mass use, but they are approaching the point where they may begin to influence pharmaceuticals, chemistry, materials science, finance, cybersecurity, energy and data-protection systems.

For Georgia, this does not mean that the country must immediately build its own quantum computer. It means that preparation should begin now. Quantum technologies will not only concern physicists. They will matter for banks, state databases, universities, telecom companies, defense systems, healthcare, energy, logistics and business.

The main conclusion of this research is that Georgia should treat the quantum era not as science fiction, but as an issue of strategic readiness. The country needs to understand what may change, where opportunities may appear, where risks are emerging and what the next generation should learn before this technology enters the everyday economy.

What quantum computing means in simple terms

A classical computer works with bits – the smallest units of information, which can be either 0 or 1. A quantum computer uses qubits – units that can represent far more complex states because of the laws of quantum physics.

Put simply, a classical computer processes a problem step by step. A quantum computer, for certain types of problems, can work across many possible states at the same time. That may allow it to solve specific problems that are extremely difficult for classical computers.

This does not mean that quantum computers will replace classical computers in every task. Most likely, the future will be hybrid: classical computers will continue to handle everyday tasks, while quantum computers will be used for highly complex problems involving molecular behavior, risk analysis, optimization or encryption.

What has changed now

The biggest challenge in quantum computing has long been error. Quantum systems are highly sensitive to noise, temperature, vibration and small physical changes in their environment. Therefore, the central challenge is not only the number of qubits. The real challenge is whether a system can continue computing while detecting, correcting and surviving errors.

Recent research suggests meaningful progress in this direction. Quantum systems based on neutral atoms have shown the ability to detect and correct errors during longer computations. In one experiment, the size of qubit groups used for error correction increased from 16 to 32 without introducing additional errors. The system was also able to check for errors through up to 90 consecutive rounds.

This does not yet mean that broadly useful quantum computers are ready. But it does mean that one of the most important technical barriers – error control – is showing practical progress.

Why quantum computing matters

Quantum computing matters most in fields where problems are extremely complex and classical computation requires too much time or computing power.

1. Pharmaceuticals and drug discovery

Developing new medicines often requires modeling molecular behavior, chemical reactions and biological processes in highly complex ways. In the future, quantum computing may help researchers better understand how molecules behave, how they interact with disease and how new drugs could be designed.

For Georgia, this does not mean that the country will immediately become a global pharmaceutical leader. But it does mean that quantum knowledge will gradually become relevant for education in healthcare, biotechnology, pharmacy and data analysis.

2. Materials science and energy

New batteries, solar panels, semiconductors, sensors, industrial materials and energy-storage systems depend on how well we understand the behavior of matter at the molecular and atomic level.

Quantum computing may help discover new materials – materials that are stronger, lighter, more efficient or better at storing energy.

For Georgia, this is especially important for energy, construction, green technologies, electric-vehicle infrastructure and future industrial policy.

3. Finance and risk modeling

Many financial tasks involve risk assessment, portfolio optimization, complex scenario modeling and fraud detection. In the future, quantum computing may be used in areas where enormous numbers of possible options must be compared.

Georgia’s banking and financial sector is already one of the country’s most digital and data-driven areas. Therefore, quantum readiness should begin not only in technology companies, but also in banks, fintechs, insurance companies and regulatory institutions.

4. Cybersecurity and encryption

This is the most critical area. A powerful quantum computer may eventually threaten parts of today’s encryption. Many systems that currently protect banks, public institutions, e-commerce, personal data and communications rely on mathematical problems that quantum algorithms may weaken.

This is why the world is already discussing quantum-resistant encryption – security systems designed to remain safe even in the era of future quantum computers.

For Georgia, this is one of the most important issues. State registries, banking data, medical records, tax information, university records and citizens’ personal data must be protected not only against today’s threats, but also against future ones.

What this means for Georgia

For Georgia, quantum computing matters in three directions: knowledge, security and economic opportunity.

Knowledge

The country needs human capital capable of understanding the quantum era. This does not mean that every student must become a quantum physicist. It means that quantum topics should gradually appear in technology, engineering, mathematics, cybersecurity, data science and finance programs.

Universities should begin building courses, seminars and research projects that explain:

• what a qubit is;
• why quantum computation is different;
• what error correction means;
• why encryption may face risk;
• what quantum-resistant security means;
• how quantum technologies connect to finance, medicine, energy and business.

Security

Georgia needs to assess its critical digital infrastructure. The country should know which systems use encryption that may become vulnerable in the future. This applies to the public sector, banks, telecoms, healthcare, energy and large businesses.

Quantum risk may not be an everyday operational issue today, but in data protection there is an important principle: some information must remain secure for decades. If encrypted data collected today can be decrypted in the future, the risk begins with today’s decisions.

That is why Georgia must consider the “harvest now, decrypt later” risk – when an attacker stores encrypted data today in the hope of opening it later with quantum technology.

Economic opportunity

Georgia may not become a manufacturer of quantum computers. But it can become a regional platform for quantum-era knowledge, services and security readiness.

This may include:

• quantum-security consulting;
• encryption assessment for banks and companies;
• development of quantum education in universities;
• training in quantum algorithms;
• participation in international research projects;
• regional seminars and laboratories;
• new cybersecurity standards.

For Georgia, the opportunity is to treat technological change not only as an imported product, but also as a knowledge base.

Why Georgia should not wait

The difficulty with quantum technologies is that results do not appear in a single day. Building human capital, educational programs, research culture and security standards takes time.

If Georgia waits until quantum computers are widely used, preparation will already be late. This is especially true in cybersecurity, where infrastructure review, data classification, system migration and new standards may require years.

The right time is now – not for panic, but for calm, long-term preparation.

What businesses should do

For businesses, preparing for the quantum era does not mean making large immediate investments in quantum hardware. The first step is to map knowledge and risk.

Companies should assess:

• what data they store;
• how long that data must remain secure;
• what encryption methods they use;
• who their technology providers are;
• how ready they are for quantum-resistant security standards;
• which parts of their business model may be affected by quantum computing.

For banks, this means reviewing security and risk modeling. For pharmaceuticals and healthcare, it means thinking about data protection and research cooperation. For energy, it means looking at optimization and materials technology. For logistics, it means future opportunities in route and network optimization.

What the state should do

The state should see quantum technologies as part of future digital security.

Several steps matter:

• auditing encryption in critical infrastructure;
• building a quantum-resistant cybersecurity strategy;
• classifying state data according to long-term sensitivity;
• cooperating with universities and the private sector;
• exchanging knowledge with international partners;
• including new security criteria in public procurement;
• preparing jointly with banks, telecoms and energy companies.

Georgia does not need to announce an oversized and expensive program. It needs clear, gradual and practical readiness.

Key risks for Georgia

The first risk is delayed preparation. If the country only pays attention once the threat becomes practical, changing security systems will be difficult and expensive.

The second risk is a shortage of human capital. Quantum technologies require a combination of physics, mathematics, computer science and cybersecurity. Such talent must be prepared in advance.

The third risk is encryption vulnerability. Long-term sensitive data is especially important: state archives, medical records, financial history, personal data and strategic infrastructure information.

The fourth risk is dependence only on external platforms. Without domestic knowledge, the country will only be able to consume technologies offered by others.

Key opportunities for Georgia

The first opportunity is education. Georgia can become one of the regional hub where quantum technologies are taught in a practical and business-relevant way.

The second opportunity is cybersecurity. Quantum-resistant security knowledge may become a new professional and business field.

The third opportunity is international cooperation. A small country can participate in research networks, training programs and technology projects if it prepares human capital properly.

The fourth opportunity is the Georgian language. Explaining quantum technologies in Georgian and developing terminology will help ensure that knowledge in this field does not exist only in foreign languages.

BTUAI assessment

BTUAI assesses that quantum computing is a technological topic that still appears specialized today, but may become a strategic issue for the economy, security and education in the next decade.

For Georgia, the main point is not to claim that the country should immediately enter quantum-computer manufacturing. The main point is readiness: cybersecurity standards, human capital, Georgian terminology, university research capacity and business risk awareness.

The quantum era will not arrive in one day. It will arrive gradually – first through research, then through cloud platforms, then through specialized industries, then through security standards and finally through everyday infrastructure.

If Georgia sees this process early, it will have a chance not to remain only a user. If it waits too long, it may enter a new technological reality where the rules have already been written elsewhere.

The main conclusion is that quantum computing is not a topic for panic in Georgia. It is a topic for preparation. The country should begin building knowledge, assessing security and preparing the next generation.

Key findings

1. Quantum computing is not yet a mass technology, but it is moving closer to practical use.
2. The main technical barrier is error control, and meaningful progress is being made in this area.
3. Quantum computers may be especially important for pharmaceuticals, materials science, finance, energy and cybersecurity.
4. For Georgia, the most critical issue is the future of encryption and protection of long-term sensitive data.
5. The country needs to integrate quantum knowledge into universities, cybersecurity programs and business education.
6. Georgia does not need to build a quantum computer immediately, but it does need human capital and strategic readiness.
7. For BTUAI, quantum technologies can become a major explanatory direction within technological sovereignty.

Data and evidence base

International materials highlight several important signals:

Quantum computers are discussed as technologies that may affect new materials, medicines, financial modeling and encryption systems.

Neutral-atom quantum systems have shown important progress in error correction.

In one experiment, the qubit group used for error correction increased from 16 to 32 without introducing additional errors.

The system was able to perform up to 90 consecutive rounds of error checking.

Researchers emphasize that industrially relevant problems will require both many qubits and the ability to continue reliable computation.

At the same time, experts note that error rates and computation speed still need improvement.

These signals show that quantum computing is not fully ready yet, but progress is serious enough for countries to begin strategic preparation.

Methodology

This report was prepared as part of BTUAI Research. The analysis is based on international analytical and science-focused materials on quantum computing, error correction, cybersecurity, pharmaceuticals, finance and materials science.

The materials are processed using analytical methods applied by BTU researchers, with the support of BTUAI.

The purpose of the research is not to name an exact date for a technological breakthrough, but to explain a strategic trend that may affect Georgia’s education system, business environment, cybersecurity and technological sovereignty.

Limitations

Quantum computing is a rapidly developing field. Current technical results may change with new research, new architectures and industrial progress.

This material does not claim that a fully practical, widely accessible quantum computer already exists. It discusses the technological direction and its possible implications.

The implications described for Georgia are analytical scenarios, not guaranteed forecasts.

This material is analytical and educational in nature. It does not constitute investment, financial, legal, technology-procurement, cybersecurity or public-policy advice. Before making specific decisions, consultation with a relevant specialist is required.

Sources

Financial Times material on the potential economic and sectoral implications of quantum technologies.

New Scientist material on progress in error correction for neutral-atom quantum computers.

International analytical discussions on quantum computing, encryption, pharmaceuticals, finance and materials science.

BTUAI analytical interpretation based on Georgia’s technological, educational and economic context.

Frequently asked questions

Does this mean quantum computers are already ready for everyday use?

No. Quantum computers are still in development. However, progress in error correction and system stability suggests that practical use is becoming more realistic.

Why does this matter for Georgia?

Because quantum technologies may affect cybersecurity, banks, state databases, healthcare, energy, education and business.

What is the main risk?

The most critical risk is that parts of today’s encryption may become weaker in the future. Long-term sensitive data requires special attention.

Should Georgia build its own quantum computer?

Not at the first stage. Georgia’s main task is to develop knowledge, talent, security standards and international cooperation.

What should universities do?

Universities should begin teaching quantum computing, quantum security and the future of encryption, especially in technology, mathematics, cybersecurity and business programs.

Keywords

Quantum computing; quantum computer; quantum security; qubits; encryption; cybersecurity; quantum technologies in Georgia; future technologies; pharmaceuticals; finance; materials science; technological sovereignty; BTUAI; Business and Technology University.

Citation format

BTUAI Research Team. “Quantum Computing Is Getting Closer: What Georgia Should Know Before the Next Technological Leap.” Business and Technology University, BTUAI.ge, 2026.

Prepared by the academic team of Business and Technology University and the BTUAI Research Team.
Tbilisi, Georgia

BTUAI is an analytical platform of Business and Technology University that studies the impact of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, innovation, startup ecosystems, data analytics and emerging technologies on business, the economy, education and society. BTUAI materials are designed to explain complex technological and economic changes in a clear, reliable and Georgia-focused way.