Experts warn that quantum tech’s rapid advancement could leave poorer nations behind. The world is facing a “quantum divide” as wealthy countries pour billions into research while developing nations struggle to participate.
At last week’s International Quantum Summit, researchers presented troubling findings. Only 12 countries control 89% of quantum patents. The United States, China, and the European Union lead this high-stakes race.
“We’re creating two worlds,” says Dr. Elena Morales, quantum ethics researcher at MIT. “One with quantum powers and one without.”
What makes this gap so serious? Quantum computers can solve problems no regular computer could handle in a lifetime. This means breakthroughs in medicine, climate science, and materials science could become exclusive to wealthy nations.
The United Nations Technology Council recently warned that quantum encryption could make current security systems obsolete. Countries without quantum resources might face new vulnerabilities in banking and national security.
“It’s not just about fancy computers,” explains Dr. Kwame Osei, a physicist from Ghana. “Quantum technology will reshape global power structures.”
Some progress offers hope. The Quantum4All Initiative launched last month plans to provide training and equipment to universities in 24 developing countries. IBM and Google have also started scholarship programs for students from underrepresented regions.
“Brain drain is a major concern,” notes Dr. Isabella Chen from the Global Technology Access Project. “When talented scientists from developing countries can’t access quantum resources at home, they leave.”
The economic stakes are enormous. Quantum computing could add $850 billion to the global economy by 2035. Without intervention, 90% of this wealth may flow to just a handful of countries.
Solutions require both private and public action. A proposed international treaty would share basic quantum research while protecting intellectual property rights. Another approach involves regional quantum hubs in Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia.
Despite challenges, some experts remain hopeful. “Quantum technology still hasn’t reached its full potential,” says Dr. Carlos Rodriguez from Argentina’s Quantum Initiative. “There’s time to build a more inclusive quantum future.”
As quantum computers move from labs to practical applications, these equity concerns grow more urgent. The coming quantum revolution will transform our world—but the question remains: will it create new forms of progress, or deepen existing divides?
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