You do not need to be Ant-Man to channel the power of the subatomic world.
The once-theoretical promise of quantum computing is quickly becoming a reality, opening doors to solutions initially thought impossible. By harnessing the unpredictable behaviors of subatomic particles—matter smaller than atoms—it can solve complex problems in mere seconds, surpassing regular computers that may take thousands of years to solve.
Beyond the bits and pieces
Think of a classical computer like a light switch: it can only be on or off, just like a binary digit that represents one or zero. Quantum computers, on the other hand, operate on a different fundamental principle. They use subatomic particles called quantum bits, or qubits, which are like dimmer switches that can be on, off, or both at once. This special ability is called superposition, allowing qubits to exist in multiple states simultaneously and significantly reduce calculations for certain tasks.
Qubits may also “link” with one another through entanglement. Much like a pair of twins, these particles are so in sync that when one changes, the other instantly follows no matter the distance. When paired qubits are entangled, this connection allows quantum computers to share and process information with unprecedented speed, seemingly “teleporting” the data from one system to another.
In practice, quantum computing works by running calculations with qubit and exploring possible outcomes. These are then measured repeatedly to amplify the probability of correct answers while canceling out wrong ones. Eventually, the quantum states collapse into a single solution.
“Unclassical” solutions
Despite its potential, quantum computing will not replace classical computers. According to Bobby Corpus, the president of OneQuantum Philippines and founder of the Quantum Computing Society of the Philippines (QCSP), quantum computers simply pave the way for complex problem-solving, as “[it is] not a silver bullet…not everything can be solved by a quantum computer efficiently.”
Dylan Josh Lopez, a part-time professor at the Department of Computer Technology, echoes this sentiment. He likens quantum computing to “a new secret weapon for solving very hard problems,” such as streamlining supply chains, optimizing irrigation systems, improving disaster response, and strengthening security systems.
Quantum computing excels at problem-solving because it can “tap into nature,” as Corpus explains. Painting a picture, he narrates: “[Water] will all eventually find its way in the sea… Proteins naturally fall in such a way that the total energy of the molecules in your protein is minimal.” Similarly, quantum computers mimic nature’s ability to optimize tasks. By setting up a problem, the quantum system evolves toward the best solution.
Our quantum state
Though still young, quantum technology is progressing rapidly and offers many opportunities for future innovation. The global quantum computing market was valued at approximately 885.4 million USD in 2023 and is projected to reach 12.6 billion USD by 2032. Leading companies like IBM, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are also expected to invest substantial amounts in the field and drive quantum technologies further.
The Philippines has also made significant strides. After its founding in 2017, the QCSP gained rapid momentum through the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) initiatives from 2022 to 2023.
“Together with DOST and PCIEERD (Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development), we’re moving in developing a lot of these quantum technology talents, not just in computing, but also in the physics side [and] communication side,” Lopez highlights.
Educational initiatives and quantum computing hackathons have sprung up around the country, starting with the first hackathon conducted in Cebu in 2023. The most recent online lecture and hackathon series on the topic culminated in DLSU, Ateneo de Naga University, and Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology. “Our goal [is] to increase the number of people who can do hands-on programming [with] quantum computers,” Corpus adds.
Another milestone was reached last March with the launch of the Quantum and Intelligent Systems Laboratory for Power Engineering—the country’s first DOST-funded quantum computing research laboratory at the Technological Institute of the Philippines. It mainly focuses on using hybrid quantum models to boost the country’s energy sector.
Most recently, QCSP and DOST-PCIEERD kicked off the first-ever Quantum Information Science and Technology Conference last July 30 to August 1 in Mactan, Cebu. Here, local and international stakeholders gathered to discuss the impact and significance of quantum computing in today’s age. The country’s first quantum computer was also unveiled: a 2-qubit Nuclear Magnetic Resonance system from SpinQ, a company selling quantum computers for commercial use.
The country is also seeing a rise in quantum-related proposals. From just one in 2021, there have been two to three proposals from 2022 to 2023. While small in numbers, the impact they bring is significant. Consider the Quantum Circuit Simulator (QCS) Project, implemented by DOST’s Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) in 2022; it laid the groundwork for local researchers to execute and verify quantum algorithms on scalable infrastructures. The QCS and other related projects, research, and training programs are done under DOST-ASTI’s Quantum Innovation Laboratory.
Taking our quantum leap
Even with these initiatives, the Philippines remains far from being a quantum powerhouse. The field faces huge hurdles before becoming mainstream. For one, qubits are incredibly sensitive and tricky to produce as they require highly precise operating conditions and manufacturing techniques, making it difficult to standardize quantum technologies. “There are a lot of qubit modalities. Hopefully, we can settle into one,” Corpus says.
Access is only half the battle. Lopez points out that manpower is another issue: “We have the budget. We probably have the capability to procure these, but we don’t have the people to use the technology. We don’t want to invest in a very expensive toy, but no one wants to play with it.”
For the Philippines to truly ride the waves of quantum progress, it needs better laboratories, more support for projects, and a deeper talent pool. Both Corpus and Lopez agree that students, teachers, professionals, and institutions must work together to use this emerging technology. The mission is simple but urgent: spark curiosity, offer guidance, and prepare the next generation to take that quantum leap.
This article was published in The LaSallian‘s Vanguard Special 2025. To read more, visit bit.ly/TLSVanguardSpecial2025.
