Quantum computing in 2026

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In October Nvidia announced their work in quantum computing space, focusing mainly in the integration side (hybrid solutions), similar to the moves done by Microsoft and D-Wave.

We have started 2026 with 2 new National Quantum Initiative Re-authorization Act. that authorizes billions in funding for NIST, NSF.

U.S. federal agencies (FBI, CISA, and NIST) officially designated 2026 as the Year of Quantum Security.

These are public announcements, let’s see what really happens during 2026.

Some things to watch during 2026

  1. The race for error-corrected “logical qubits”. We should expect some announcements from the main players about it. This is a long term race, but some advance should be expected for 2026.
  2. Hybrid Quantum-Classical Standard: the reality that pure quantum computing will take some years, and the announcement of Nvidia is going to provoke that more players join the trend. Hybrid approach goes in alignment with shorter ROI cycles.
  3. Mandatory Post-Quantum Cryptography: Following NIST’s finalization of standards, 2026 is the “compliance deadline” for many U.S. federal agencies. Expect a surge in PQC migration services as enterprises rush to secure data against future “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks.
  4. Continuation of Quantum-as-a-Service (QaaS), as for instance AWS is already doing.
  5. Strategic merge and acquisitions: In 2025 IONQ has been very actively acquiring companies, and has gotten too much attention due to all the individual capabilities. We should expect more M&A during 2026.

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