Quantum computing represents the next frontier in computational power. Once developed, these systems could solve complex problems in drug development, financial modeling, and artificial intelligence (AI) that lie beyond the reach of today's fastest supercomputers.

While AI is the current darling of the tech world, quantum computing is also making gains. Artificial intelligence is sure to get most of the hype, but technologists are making progress in realizing the promise of quantum computing.

Four decades ago, physicists were theorizing that the mind-bending mechanics of quantum physics could be harnessed to make a new kind of computer that’s exponentially more powerful than conventional machines.

In November, IBM unveiled Heron, its most powerful quantum computer to date. The company plans to have error-corrected systems ready by 2029, and it's exploring the idea of integrating quantum computers with traditional central processing units (CPUs) and graphics processing units (GPUs) to solve real-world problems.