IDC's Worldwide Quantum Computing Taxonomy, 2026

PUBLISHED: May 5, 2026

PAGES: 48 Pages

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Description

This IDC study provides the 2026 taxonomy for the worldwide quantum computing market, defining the systems, software, enabling technologies, services, and adjacent quantum-related segments that shape the evolving ecosystem. It distinguishes between quantum computing and quantum-related technologies while outlining how organizations develop, deploy, and invest in quantum capabilities across a rapidly expanding landscape."Quantum computing has always been a multi-technology ecosystem spanning computing, communication, security, and sensing," said Heather West, PhD, senior research manager and research lead, Global Quantum Computing Research, IDC. "As organizations shift from experimentation to early adoption, these capabilities are beginning to integrate into more cohesive systems, making it increasingly important to understand how segments interact and how investment, infrastructure, and security evolve together to support real-world deployment."

Product Code: US53442126

IDC's Worldwide Quantum Computing Taxonomy

Quantum Computing Taxonomy Changes for 2026

Definitions

Quantum computing systems, platforms, and technologies
- Quantum computing systems
  - Quantum performance milestones
  - Gate-based quantum computing systems
    - Noisy intermediate-scale and fault-tolerant quantum computers
    - Superconducting quantum computers
    - Transmon superconducting qubits
    - Fluxonium superconducting qubits
    - Cat qubits
    - Dual-rail qubits
    - Trapped-ion quantum computers
    - Neutral atom quantum computers (gate based)
    - Silicon spin-based quantum computers
    - Diamond vacancy quantum computers (nitrogen-vacancy centers)
  - Quantum annealing systems
  - Analog quantum computing systems
  - Measurement-based quantum computing systems
  - Quantum-accelerated supercomputing
- Quantum computing software
  - Quantum applications and algorithms
  - Quantum computing software development kits and developer tools
  - Quantum computing compilation and optimization software
  - Quantum computing workflow and orchestration software
  - Quantum computing control and hardware interface software
  - Other quantum computing platforms and technologies
- Quantum computing systems enabling technologies
  - Control electronics
  - Cryogenics and cooling systems
  - Photonics and detector hardware
  - Qubit fabrication and materials
  - Packaging, interconnects, and wiring
  - Vacuum systems
Quantum and quantum-inspired services
- Provisioned services
  - Private (dedicated) cloud services
  - Public (shared) cloud services
- Professional services
  - Development services
  - Deployment services
Quantum-related systems, platforms, and technologies
- Quantum-inspired systems, platforms, and technologies
  - Quantum simulators (emulators)
  - Quantum-inspired annealing
- Quantum networking
  - Entanglement and long distance networking
  - Interconnects and links
  - Test and measurement
- Quantum cryptography
  - Post-quantum cryptography
  - Quantum random number generation
  - Quantum key distribution
- Quantum sensing and timing
  - Quantum sensing
  - Atomic clocks and precision timing
Quantum computing investments
- Government investments
- Institutional (not for profit) investments
- Private (for profit) investments