Several months ago, China and South Africa connected via the world’s longest quantum communication line. Practically speaking, this is a key step towards creating a global quantum network precluding hacking of transmitted information. Symbolically, it proves the potential for cooperation among BRICS countries in one of the most promising technological fields: quantum computing. This emerging market could be occupied by up to 25% by BRICS nations collectively, including Russia’s strong positions in the ongoing “quantum race”, according to Sergey Surkov.
The prospects provided by quantum computers are encouraging many countries and big corporations to invest in their development. Quantum centres are opening up worldwide, while peer-reviewed scientific journals regularly publish material on this topic. Practical use of a quantum computer will boost progress comparable to the transition from vacuum tube-based computers to semiconductors or from wired connections to mobile ones.
The global quantum computing market is still just taking shape. By 2040, under favorable conditions, its might reach approximately USD 131 billion in size, as calculated by experts at McKinsey (Digital: Quantum Technology Monitor report, June 2025). Collectively, BRICS countries aim to occupy about 20–25% of the global quantum computing market. In the best-case scenario, Russia’s share might reach up to 6%, according to Reksoft Consulting’s study called Quantum Computing: A Look into the Future.
In this article, we focus specifically on projects associated with building quantum computers and the quantum computing market. Topics such as quantum communications (technology based on cryptographic key distribution using quantum mechanics principles with inherent resistance to hacking) and quantum sensors (highly accurate measuring devices relying on quantum effects) require separate consideration so remain beyond the scope of this discussion.
A quantum computer can perform an enormous number of computations in a very short time: several orders of magnitude faster than current supercomputers. From a business perspective, this capability makes it possible to resolve optimization and simulation problems across various industries, including material science, chemistry, medicine, pharmaceuticals, finance, oil and gas, mining, logistics, and more. New opportunities arise for production planning within major industrial companies.
For example, a quantum computer allows design of substances with specific properties, such as new medicines in pharmacology or catalysts in chemistry. It also optimizes logistics routes and accelerates artificial intelligence training, particularly language models. As quantum computing advances, entirely new challenges might emerge that today cannot even be formulated.
45–131 billion is the projected value of the quantum computing market by 2040, depending on the scenario.
Source: McKinsey Digital, Quantum Technology Monitor, June 2025.
A quantum computer operates with a fundamental unit of information: quantum bits (or qubits), similarly to the way classical computers use bits. Unlike a regular bit, which can only represent either 0 or 1, a qubit exists in a state of quantum superposition, meaning it can simultaneously be in both states (0 and 1) with varying probabilities. This feature enables quantum computers to process information in a fundamentally different way and solve certain problems exponentially faster than conventional computers do.
There exist several competing technological platforms globally: superconductors, neutral atoms, ion traps, photons, silicon qubits, etc. No platform has emerged as predominant, and different solutions may become optimal depending on task types. So, advancements across all primary directions are vital for contemporary quantum computing systems.
Traditionally, the leaders in quantum computer creation and improvement are big overseas companies, such as IBM, Google, Rigetti, QC Ware (all US-based), Canada’s Xanadu and D-Wave, and the Anglo-American firm Quantinuum, among others. Not only do they own substantial computational capacities, they also put them into practice through partnerships. For instance, Mercedes-Benz uses
IBM’s quantum computer to simulate processes inside batteries, in the expectation of creating new-generation, higher capacity and safer batteries. Another example is the collaboration between JPMorgan Chase and QC Ware to train models for “deep hedging”, an approach based on AI for mitigating risks and setting prices for derivative financial instruments.
The BRICS countries that have created quantum computers are Russia, China, and India. Leading in the number of qubits is China, which has presented the superconducting quantum computer Zuchongzhi 3.0 with 105 qubits in 2025 and periodically competes for leadership in this area against major Western developer corporations. The number of qubits represents potential but does not guarantee performance. Another important factor is operational accuracy, so machines should be compared on the basis of both metrics.
In Russia, in autumn 2024, the head of Rosatom announced the creation of a 50-qubit ion trap quantum computer, with plans to introduce even more powerful ones. In India, the start-up QPiAI-Indus has launched a 25-qubit superconducting quantum computer in 2025. Development activities are also taking place in the United Arab Emirates.
Building a quantum computer from scratch is estimated to cost hundreds of millions of dollars, so not all BRICS member states can afford such projects. Nevertheless, the countries strive to participate, to varying degrees, in international projects related to quantum technologies. For example, South Africa, together with China, utilized microsatellites and portable ground stations to create the world’s longest quantum communication line – almost 13 thousand kilometers in length – and exchange data using a shared encryption key. Essentially, this marks a critical step toward establishing a global quantum network immune to hacking.
It is worth noting separately that Russia’s strength in the “quantum competition” lies in having its own quantum computers functioning on all four principal platforms listed above. Ion-based processors are being developed by scientists from RQC and the Lebedev Physical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, while superconducting processors are being researched at the National University of Science and Technology MISIS and the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology. At MSU, researchers are working on photonic and neutral atom-based processors.
Besides being expensive, maintenance of a quantum computer demands constant supervision by highly skilled personnel, making ownership impractical for potential users, especially big enterprises. Demand for quantum computation services can, instead, be met through cloud-based offerings where computational resources are provided on request (Quantum as a Service).
Such mechanisms, which could operate within the BRICS framework, would provide unhindered access to quantum computing for all participating countries while simultaneously securing quantum sovereignty within the union. This would enable organizations and businesses to realize in practice the possibilities offered by this new technology and avoid dependence on policies of Western countries and companies owning computational resources. In Russia, a similar service is already available today, though currently not on a real quantum computer but on emulators that can achieve a processing power equivalent to up to 34 qubits (which is quite impressive for an emulator).
The widespread availability of QaaS as a cloud service within the framework of an interstate union would enable establishment and preservation of “quantum sovereignty” for all BRICS countries, including those without their own quantum computers. This would give BRICS countries an opportunity to improve their competitive position on future international markets. With extensive expertise on all major platforms for quantum computer development, Russia is becoming a key partner with other BRICS countries for joint projects aimed at promoting this direction.
New materials for cars and aircraft, medicines against previously untreatable diseases, instantaneous optimization of hundreds of parameters, such are the results expected from quantum computers over the next decade
Molecular modeling predicts precise interactions between chemicals, speeding up medicine discovery processes, while cutting the cost and time required for clinical trials.
Efficient catalyst search and chemical reaction optimization through quantum simulations help address waste disposal issues and develop alternatives to hydrocarbons
Quantum algorithms optimize investment portfolios, manage risks, and quickly analyze vast datasets. They prove especially valuable during volatile market and high-frequency trading scenarios.
Quantum computers accelerate model training and handle massive amounts of complex data such as video and medical imaging.
While capable of breaking conventional encryption methods, quantum computers necessitate post-quantum protection measures. Yet, quantum random number generators enable secure communication channels to be built that are resistant to attack.
Simulations aid in developing advanced battery materials and solar panels.
Real-time route optimization increases transport efficiency, reduces fuel consumption, and lowers emissions.
