Quantum Readiness Index 2025 - IBM

IBM IBV #1 in thought leadership for the second year in a row. See why Quantum computing is on the cusp of advantage—the pivotal point at which quantum computers can run a computation more accurately, cheaply, or efficiently than any classical method. Recent research indicates quantum advantage is likely to emerge by the end of 2026. Quantum advantage won’t arrive as a single “aha” moment. It’ll come in waves, rippling across different industries and use cases, moving the technology forward until it achieves real business value. Even as enterprises race to adapt to AI, quantum readiness has become an imperative. So which organizations will capture value from quantum capabilities, and which will get left behind? The IBM Institute for Business Value (IBM IBV) developed its Quantum Readiness Index (QRI) in 2023 to identify where organizations fall on the readiness spectrum, the characteristics that define a quantum-ready organization today, and what actions can propel organizations on their quantum journey. (See “Perspective” below.) Leveraging proprietary data from an in-depth survey of C-suite executives representing 750 organizations across 28 countries and 14 industries, the 2025 index reveals both progress and persistent gaps. Quantum computing now captures 11% of R&D budgets on average—up from 7% in 2023—but commitment varies significantly by sector, suggesting uneven recognition of quantum's strategic impact. Investment in quantum computing as a percentage of organizational R&D budget, by industry Among the organizations surveyed, we designated those with the highest QRI scores (the top 10%) as quantum-ready organizations (QROs). These organizations are differentiated as much by their attitude and approach as they are by their technology. Our survey results show that among QROs: While organizational readiness has advanced since 2023, challenges remain. Across the board, organizations are dealing with inadequate quantum skills (61%), immature technology (56%), unclear use case timelines (46%), and expensive hardware (41%). Organizations preparing for quantum advantage by 2027 expect 53% more ROI by 2030, compared to their peers. What separates the quantum-ready from the quantum-waiting is this: QROs have moved beyond acknowledging barriers to fundamentally dismantling them. In this report, we explore five critical realities enabling quantum leadership, as revealed by our data. Those building integration capabilities and ecosystem partnerships now can capture value faster, regardless of when quantum systems demonstrate advantage. With 34% of organizations unsure which quantum use case will deliver first advantage, leaders diversify across major use case areas, including simulation, search, and algebraic problems. Positioning quantum as complementary to AI unlocks 33% higher investment levels—and the potential to create exponential value through hybrid computation strategies. Quantum-ready organizations report the steepest skills challenges, as projects scale from experimentation to production-level deployment requiring interdisciplinary expertise. Despite widespread concern over quantum risks, only 2% of quantum-ready organizations prioritize responsible practices when selecting providers, revealing dangerous governance gaps. These aren’t theoretical frameworks or wishful thinking. They're evidence-based principles derived from organizations already winning the quantum readiness race. They’re concepts that challenge conventional wisdom and provide a roadmap toward quantum advantage.

The Quantum Readiness Index (QRI) is a weighted average index that monitors the global state of quantum readiness, evaluating indicators across three dimensions: strategy, technology, and operations. Scores for each indicator are weighted based on our experience with clients. The result of this data is a 100-point index designed to track changes in readiness over time for organizations, industries, and regions. This year, the average global QRI score rose to 28—up six points from 2023—signaling gradual progress while still reflecting low overall readiness levels. Yet the top 10% of organizations, which we’ve designated as QROs, demonstrate both robust operational models and emerging capabilities in strategy and technology. Their readiness scores are 35 or higher, with a maximum score of 47. While operational maturity remains the dominant driver of readiness today, we anticipate that strategy and advanced technology capabilities will play a growing role as adoption increases. This evolution underscores the need for organizations to not only build technical competencies but also embed quantum innovation into their broader business vision, governance structures, and talent strategies. Quantum computing is fast approaching practical applications that exhibit Quantum Advantage. Leaders who do not adapt could be years behind. Quantum-ready organizations are more likely to embrace ecosystems, accelerate innovation, and bridge talent gaps than other organizations. Prepare for quantum threats now. IBM IBV and CSA reveal readiness gaps and offer tools, strategies, and governance for a secure post‑quantum future. Discover how strong AI governance accelerates trust, compliance, and business results What are the top business and technology trends executives should watch in 2026? Explore the IBM Institute for Business Value's data-driven predictions. Future-proof your security. Discover how to use secure-by-design principles and AI to redesign cyber resilience against modern threats.