Introduction to Quantum Trends

Quantum computing continues to evolve rapidly, and 2026 may be the first year when hardware progress and cryptographic risk move from research labs into real-world urgency. Recently, I spoke with Andrew Cheung, Founder and CEO of 01 Quantum Inc. and CTO at qLABS, about where the technology is headed and what investors and operators should track.

Hardware: Logical Qubits Matter More Than Raw Count

Most quantum headlines still focus on raw qubit counts. However, Andrew Cheung argues this metric is increasingly misleading. Physical qubits are noisy and error rates accumulate quickly, limiting usable compute power. What matters is the number of error-corrected logical qubits. Logical qubits combine many physical qubits with active error correction to create stable computing units capable of running longer algorithms.

Progress in Logical Qubit Reliability

Progress in logical qubit reliability, not raw scaling, is the milestone that could reshape expectations in 2026. Investors should look for published benchmarks showing the number of logical qubits and their reliability. This shift in focus will significantly impact how we evaluate the progress of quantum computing.

Practical Takeaways

For those interested in quantum computing, it’s essential to stay updated on the latest developments in logical qubit reliability. As the technology advances, we can expect to see more practical applications of quantum computing in various industries.