A new forecast suggests quantum computing could generate $2.7 trillion in global economic value by 2035 as it moves from experimental labs to commercial use. While annual equity investments reached $13.3 billion in 2025, the technology faces hurdles like cybersecurity risks to data encryption and a shortage of talent. Investors should view this as a long-term theme that will significantly impact IT services and high-value manufacturing sectors.
Quantum computing is shifting from a theoretical research project to a practical commercial tool, with projections indicating it could unlock $2.7 trillion in global economic value over the next decade. Industry reports show that capital investment in the sector grew to $13.3 billion in 2025, up from $2.5 billion in 2024. This flow of money is moving the technology toward real-world applications in industries like pharmaceuticals and chemicals, which are expected to be among the first to benefit from quantum-powered efficiency.
For investors, the transition to commercial use marks a change in how to view this sector. While early stages were dominated by hardware development, the market is now seeing a focus on software and services. Global industry revenue, which crossed $1 billion in 2025, is projected to reach $4.4 billion by 2028. This growth trajectory suggests a substantial long-term market for hardware and software, potentially hitting $100 billion by 2035.
However, the path to mass adoption is not without significant pressure. Manufacturers currently face technical challenges in scaling quantum architecture, and there is a persistent shortage of specialized talent needed to build and manage these systems. These hurdles mean that while the long-term outlook is positive, the timeline for widespread commercial profitability remains extended. Investors should be cautious about expecting immediate returns, as many companies in this space are still in the heavy spending phase with limited current earnings.
Beyond technical hurdles, the rise of quantum power creates a specific risk for existing digital infrastructure. Advanced quantum systems have the potential to break current public-key encryption standards, which protect most of the world's sensitive digital data. This creates a cybersecurity threat that companies must address by shifting to new security protocols. For businesses, this means investing in cybersecurity will become as important as investing in the quantum hardware itself.
For Indian investors, the most direct impact is likely to be felt through the IT services sector. Major Indian technology firms have already begun establishing quantum research labs and strategic partnerships to integrate this technology into their service offerings. These companies are positioning themselves to help global clients navigate the transition, including the complex task of securing data against quantum-enabled cyber threats. The success of these initiatives will depend on how quickly these firms can train their workforce and prove the practical business value of quantum solutions to their enterprise clients. Moving forward, monitoring how IT service providers manage these investments and their client adoption rates will be key to understanding the real-world impact of this technology on company balance sheets.