At Quantum World Congress 2024, Adam Burden, Accenture's Global Innovation Lead and Chief Software Engineer, delivered a keynote that was both eye-opening and challenging. Titled “Quantum Readiness—or Unreadiness,” Burden took the audience on a journey through the vast potential of quantum computing, while also highlighting a serious issue: most organizations are woefully unprepared for the quantum-powered future. With over 32 years at Accenture, Burden has overseen countless technology revolutions, but he warned that the gap between quantum potential and quantum security is dangerously wide.

The Quantum Revolution is Here—But We’re Not Ready

Burden began by addressing the elephant in the room: while we are on the cusp of a quantum revolution, most businesses and organizations are far from ready. He shared alarming statistics: only 7% of organizations attending Quantum World Congress had quantum-safe websites. Even more striking was that only 18% of the event’s speakers, thought leaders in the quantum space, had implemented quantum-safe cryptography on their own websites. These numbers reflect a disturbing lack of preparedness, not just among mainstream industries, but even among the companies leading the quantum charge.

“The quantum revolution isn’t theoretical anymore,” Burden explained. “Quantum computing is here, but most of us are unprepared.”

He stressed that quantum unreadiness is a global issue. While many organizations are enthusiastic about quantum’s potential to solve complex problems and revolutionize industries, few are taking the necessary steps to protect their systems against the cybersecurity threats posed by quantum technology. Without implementing post-quantum cryptography (PQC), the data, systems, and operations that businesses rely on are at risk.

Quantum Security: The First Step Toward Readiness

Burden didn’t mince words when talking about the importance of quantum security. He introduced a sobering new website, IsItQuantumSafe.info, developed by Accenture to test whether websites are protected by quantum-safe cryptography. The results were shocking, even among the quantum-savvy crowd at the conference.

“Only 24% of the top million websites in the world have adopted quantum-safe security—and most of them are using services like Cloudflare to get that protection by default,” Burden explained. “For businesses and organizations who pride themselves on being tech leaders, we’re not setting the right example.”

He went on to discuss the risk of continuing to delay quantum security measures. Quantum computing’s ability to break today’s cryptographic algorithms is a matter of when, not if. And when it happens, sensitive data could be exposed in a matter of hours, or even minutes.

“We can’t afford to wait until the threat becomes real. Quantum security isn’t just about protecting against future threats; it’s about building trust today,” Burden argued.

Bridging the Gap: Translating Quantum Potential into Business Value

Beyond security, Burden emphasized the importance of putting quantum computing into practical, business-focused terms. “Too often, we get caught up in the scientific and technical details of quantum computing. But what business leaders need is a clear understanding of how and when quantum will deliver value,” he explained.

To help businesses bridge this gap, Accenture worked with MIT to develop the Quantum Economic Advantage Calculator. This tool allows organizations to assess when quantum computing will become more cost-effective and powerful than classical computing for specific problems. Burden shared examples where quantum chemistry and integer factoring could deliver massive business value by the late 2020s.

“In fields like pharma and materials science, the ability to simulate new molecules with quantum chemistry will create unprecedented opportunities,” Burden explained. “But we have to start preparing today for when quantum becomes the most economically advantageous option.”

By introducing tangible tools and timelines, Burden brought quantum computing down from the abstract to the actionable. He urged attendees to begin using tools like the Quantum Economic Advantage Calculator to have more grounded conversations with business leaders and stakeholders. “Show them the money,” he advised. “If you can tie quantum to real business outcomes, you’ll get the buy-in you need to start preparing for quantum now.”

The Power of Storytelling: Sharing Quantum Successes

A key message from Burden’s keynote was the importance of sharing success stories to inspire broader adoption. While quantum technology is still in its early stages, there are already examples of how businesses are using quantum computing to solve complex problems.

Burden shared two such stories. The first was a quantum security initiative with a major bank, where Accenture’s team helped the institution identify vulnerabilities in its cryptographic systems and move toward a quantum-safe infrastructure. The second involved a quantum-ecology project in Alberta, Canada, where Accenture used hybrid quantum computing to reduce the environmental impact of a mining operation.

“These stories are happening right now, but we’re not doing enough to share them,” Burden said. He introduced a new platform developed in partnership with the World Economic Forum, designed to showcase quantum application success stories. This platform is an open resource where businesses can upload their quantum achievements and inspire others to take action.

A Call to Action: Act Now, or Risk Falling Behind

Adam Burden’s keynote ended with a clear call to action: the time for quantum readiness is now. He emphasized that the longer businesses wait to implement quantum security and develop a quantum strategy, the more they risk falling behind.

“We can’t afford to be complacent,” Burden said. “If we come back here next year and that readiness number is still 7%, shame on us.”

By implementing quantum-safe cryptography, engaging in real-world business discussions about quantum’s value, and sharing success stories, Burden believes the quantum community can lead by example and prepare for a future powered by quantum computing.

“Quantum computing is not a far-off dream. It’s here. The question is: are you ready?”