Microsoft Launches Quantum Ready Program to Prepare Businesses for the Quantum Era

Insider Brief

• Microsoft’s Quantum Ready program aims to prepare businesses for the transformative potential of quantum computing by offering tools, training, and strategies for a secure and scalable quantum future.
• The program emphasizes four key areas: hybrid applications integrating quantum and classical computing, workforce skilling to address the quantum expertise gap, quantum-safe security to future-proof cryptography, and aligning investments with industry-specific quantum needs.
• By fostering collaboration and providing insights through workshops, forums, and industry reports, Microsoft seeks to accelerate quantum adoption and help businesses identify high-value use cases for this emerging technology.

Microsoft has introduced its Quantum Ready program to help businesses prepare for the next wave of quantum computing, an era expected to revolutionize industries with powerful problem-solving capabilities, according to a company blog post. As quantum computing inches closer to solving practical problems, Microsoft aims to equip companies with the tools, insights, and skills needed to navigate this transformative technology.

Quantum computing has moved from a theoretical concept to a reliable technology, with 2025 designated as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology by the United Nations. Investments in the field are surging, with global companies and governments pouring billions of dollars into quantum research and development. Yet, only 12% of business leaders feel ready to assess the opportunities quantum technology offers, according to a study cited by Microsoft in their blog.

“Those organizations that are in the throes of planning a comprehensive quantum-ready strategy are creating durable, competitive differentiation for their organizations and positioning themselves to harness the full power of quantum as it scales,” Mitra Azizirad, President and Chief Operating Officer of Strategic Missions and Technologies, Microsoft writes in the post. “Clearly, without strategic readiness, it’s a challenging proposition for leaders to assess the risks and returns, or to design effective and responsible quantum strategies that are necessary to create a full-on quantum roadmap for their organization.”

The Quantum Ready program seeks to close this gap, helping leaders across industries position their organizations for success in a quantum-enabled world.

Four Pillars of Quantum Readiness

The program focuses on four key areas:

1. Hybrid Applications: Microsoft encourages organizations to develop hybrid applications that combine quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and traditional computing. These applications can address current business needs while preparing for future scalability.
2. Strategic Skilling: The program emphasizes workforce training to address the growing quantum skills gap. According to Microsoft, 76% of leaders say a lack of quantum expertise is slowing innovation.
3. Quantum-Safe Security: As quantum computers advance, they pose risks to existing cryptographic systems. Microsoft’s Quantum Safe Program offers guidance on adopting cryptographic standards to ensure long-term security.
4. Future-Proof Investments: The program provides a roadmap for businesses to align their quantum strategies with industry-specific needs, ensuring investments remain relevant as the technology evolves.

Through workshops and forums, Microsoft aims to help leaders identify high-value use cases and create custom strategies for their industries. Insights from these sessions will be shared in industry outlook reports to benefit the broader ecosystem.

The Role of Quantum in Business and Security

Quantum computing’s potential to transform industries is vast. From drug discovery to supply chain optimization, the technology could unlock solutions that are currently unattainable with classical computers. However, the transition requires careful planning, especially in cybersecurity.

Preparing for a quantum-safe future goes beyond addressing an immediate threat but also aims at ensuring a smooth transition to new cryptographic standards, the Microsoft team suggest. The company’s emphasis on security aligns with its broader goal of fostering trust in quantum technologies.

Skilling for the Quantum Era

Workforce readiness is a cornerstone of the Quantum Ready program. By providing access to training resources and a unified hybrid computing platform, Microsoft aims to cultivate a culture of innovation. This platform integrates quantum computing with classical supercomputing and AI, reflecting the company’s belief that these technologies are complementary rather than competitive.

“…the organizations that can harness the power of these complementary technologies – and who understand their use is not a matter of either/or, but when and how – are in a distinct position to stay ahead.” Azizirad writes.

Partnering for Success

Microsoft’s initiative also emphasizes the importance of collaboration. The program connects businesses with partners experienced in deploying hybrid tools and mitigating quantum-related risks. By fostering an open ecosystem, Microsoft hopes to future-proof investments and accelerate quantum adoption.

As part of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, Microsoft will partner with the American Physical Society and other institutions to raise awareness about quantum innovation and its impact on industries worldwide, according to the post.

You can learn more about Microsoft’s Quantum Ready videos here — or navigate here to join.