Practical quantum computers are over a decade away, says NEC

A practical, commercial quantum computer is over a decade away, executives at Japanese IT services company NEC are reported as saying.

That’s why, according to Japanese news publication The Mainichi, company has pulled the plug on its plans to develop a quantum computer — although it will still continue research into quantum technology.

NEC sources told The Mainichi that it would take at least a decade to build a quantum computing that could be put to practical use, and it would be difficult to monetize the technology.

The company is certainly bucking the trend as quantum computing is seen as being very much at the cutting edge of research.

According to The Mainichi, Japan is set to commit just 10 trillion yen ($65.3 billion) to quantum computing by 2040, far lower than the sums invested by the US and China.