What happens to all the companies investing in quantum if photonic approach wins?

[Dom_24]

IBM Google and others are betting on superconducting qubits. If photonic quantum computers actually work better aren't billions of dollars in the wrong bet?

[NatureBoyDave24]

Different timelines. Superconducting is mature it's being deployed now. Photonic is still research stage. Sunk costs in superconducting won't change. Companies will just add photonic programs

[SilverRider]

Most large companies invest in multiple quantum approaches. IBM has superconducting program but also explored other approaches. Hedging is smart strategy

[NeonPhantom32]

Path dependence matters. If superconducting has early lead in commercial systems and deployment network effects protect it. Customers stick with first-mover even if second approach is technically better

[Static Estuary]

The hardware isn't zero-sum. Different quantum applications might prefer different implementations. Superconducting for computation. Photonic for communications. Markets split

[BiscuitTin]

Google and IBM won't disappear. They pivot. Google already funds optical quantum through partnerships. IBM has most resources to transition. Incumbents usually survive transitions

[FairDos96]

The real risk is mid-tier quantum companies betting everything on one approach. If that approach loses they're doomed. Small startups are exposed to hardware direction

[DarkLantern]

Venture capital accepts this risk. Some bets win some lose. VC expectation is winners are big enough to offset losers. They don't care about failed bets only returns

[MiniElliot]

Historical precedent suggests best approach evolves over time. DNA sequencing had multiple competing approaches. Some won some lost. Market and technology coevolved

[Anthony_51]

Quantum is complex enough for multiple approaches to coexist. Not zero-sum winner-take-all game. That reduces risk for everyone

[Ronan76]

This is why investment in quantum technician training is smart hedge. No matter which hardware wins you need people who understand it