The Convergence of Quantum Computing and Blockchain Technology: Industry Trends and Market Outlook by the End of 2025
Editor
As of the end of 2025, the global tech industry stands at the forefront of an innovative shift with the convergence of quantum computing and blockchain technology. According to the global market research firm Gartner, the quantum computing market is projected to grow from $1.3 billion in 2024 to $8.5 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32.1%. The integration with blockchain technology is further accelerating this growth. In particular, the combination of post-quantum cryptography and distributed ledger systems is fundamentally redefining the existing digital security paradigm.
Leading this convergence technology is IBM, based in Armonk, New York, which is developing quantum-blockchain security solutions in collaboration with over 200 companies and research institutions through its ‘IBM Quantum Network’. IBM’s 127-qubit Eagle processor and 433-qubit Osprey chip present the potential to optimize blockchain network consensus algorithms at the quantum level. As of the fourth quarter of 2025, IBM’s quantum computing-related revenue increased by 78% year-on-year to $420 million. In South Korea, Samsung Electronics is spearheading the development of next-generation memory solutions combining quantum dot technology and blockchain security, investing $1.2 billion throughout 2025 to enter the market.
The key reason for the attention on the convergence of quantum computing and blockchain is its potential to overcome the limitations of existing encryption methods. Current hash functions like SHA-256 used in blockchain are theoretically vulnerable to decryption by quantum computers using Shor’s Algorithm. In response, post-quantum cryptography technology is being developed, and the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) officially announced three post-quantum cryptography standards in August 2024. This standardization is expected to significantly enhance the security of blockchain networks, with Deloitte’s analysis predicting the post-quantum blockchain market to grow to $28 billion by 2030.
Market Leadership Competition and Technological Breakthroughs
Alphabet, the parent company of Google based in Mountain View, California, made a groundbreaking advancement in quantum error correction with the announcement of the ‘Willow’ quantum chip in December 2024. The Willow chip, composed of 105 physical qubits, achieved an exponential reduction in quantum error rates, laying the foundation for the practical application of quantum algorithms in blockchain networks. Alphabet’s quantum computing division recorded $870 million in revenue as of the third quarter of 2025, a 156% increase year-on-year, with approximately 30% of that revenue generated from blockchain-related security solutions.
Microsoft, based in Redmond, Washington, is offering convergence services of blockchain and quantum computing through its Azure Quantum platform. Microsoft’s approach is based on ‘topological qubit’ technology, which is more stable than existing quantum computers and suitable for continuous computational processing in blockchain. As of 2025, Microsoft Azure Quantum has partnered with over 150 financial institutions worldwide to develop quantum-blockchain-based payment systems, generating an additional $1.5 billion in annual cloud revenue. The quantum-resistant blockchain payment network developed in collaboration with JPMorgan Chase improved processing speed by 47% compared to existing systems while significantly enhancing security.
IonQ, based in College Park, Maryland, is developing blockchain-specific solutions using quantum computers based on trapped ion technology. IonQ’s Forte system, equipped with 32 algorithmic qubits, has the capability to optimize blockchain consensus algorithms at the quantum level. In 2025, IonQ’s revenue increased by 89% year-on-year to $62 million, with blockchain-related contracts accounting for approximately 40% of the total. IonQ is particularly providing the quantum-blockchain infrastructure needed for the development of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and is currently collaborating with central banks in 12 countries.
In the Asia region, Alibaba Cloud in China is actively pursuing the development of quantum computing and blockchain convergence technology. Alibaba invested $1.8 billion in quantum-blockchain research throughout 2025 and is conducting research to apply its self-developed 11-qubit quantum processor ‘Taihulake’ to blockchain security. In Japan, Fujitsu is developing solutions to address blockchain optimization problems using quantum annealing technology, with over 60% of financial institutions in Japan either adopting or considering Fujitsu’s quantum-blockchain solutions as of 2025.
Practical Applications and Industry Impact
The financial services industry is witnessing the most active practical applications of quantum-blockchain convergence technology. UBS, based in Basel, Switzerland, began pilot operations of a blockchain-based international remittance service with post-quantum cryptography applied in the first half of 2025. This system reduces processing time by 70% compared to the existing SWIFT network while maintaining complete resistance to quantum computer attacks. UBS’s pilot service currently handles an average of $250 million in transactions daily and is expected to generate $15 billion in annual cost savings upon full commercialization in 2026.
Innovative use cases of quantum-blockchain technology are also emerging in the supply chain management sector. Volkswagen, based in Wolfsburg, Germany, introduced a quantum-secured blockchain system throughout its entire supply chain in the second half of 2025. This system connects with over 12,000 parts suppliers in real-time and simultaneously performs supply chain optimization and risk management using quantum algorithms. Volkswagen’s quantum-blockchain supply chain system improved the accuracy of parts tracking to 99.8% and reduced losses from supply chain disruptions by 85%, from $800 million to $120 million annually.
In the healthcare sector, quantum-blockchain technology is being used to secure patient data and protect privacy. Roche, based in Basel, Switzerland, in collaboration with IBM, developed a blockchain-based clinical trial data management system with post-quantum cryptography applied. This system collects and analyzes clinical data generated by over 500 hospitals and research institutions worldwide in real-time, ensuring complete protection of patient personal information. Roche’s quantum-blockchain system reduces clinical trial duration by an average of 30%, guarantees 100% data integrity, and generates $1.2 billion in annual research and development cost savings.
In the energy sector, quantum-blockchain technology is being applied to smart grids and carbon credit trading. Ørsted, based in Copenhagen, Denmark, introduced a quantum-blockchain-based energy trading platform at its offshore wind farms in 2025. This platform matches energy production and demand in real-time and performs optimal energy distribution using quantum algorithms. Ørsted’s system improved energy efficiency by 22% and achieved a reduction in carbon emissions by 1.5 million tons annually. Currently, over 80% of energy suppliers in five Nordic countries are considering adopting similar quantum-blockchain systems.
However, challenges remain in this technological convergence. The most significant issue is the high cost and complex operational requirements of quantum computers. Currently, the price of commercial quantum computers ranges from $10 million to $100 million, requiring cryogenic environments near absolute zero and electromagnetic shielding facilities. Additionally, the error rate due to the instability of quantum qubits remains a technical challenge. Even the highest-performing quantum computers currently have error rates of 0.1-1%, which need to be reduced to below 0.001% for practical blockchain applications.
Regulatory and standardization challenges also persist. Major economic regions such as the United States, European Union, and China are developing different quantum-blockchain standards, making global compatibility difficult to achieve. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) established a working group for the international standardization of quantum-blockchain convergence technology in December 2025, but it is expected to take at least 3-5 years to complete the actual standards. This delay in standardization complicates large-scale investment decisions by companies and affects the pace of market growth.
From an investment perspective, quantum-blockchain convergence technology is considered one of the most promising technology investment areas over the next decade. According to venture capital research firm PitchBook, global investment in quantum computing startups reached $3.4 billion in 2025, a 67% increase year-on-year, with blockchain-related companies accounting for 28% of that investment. The enterprise value of companies specializing in post-quantum cryptography increased by an average of 45%, and they are attracting attention as acquisition targets for major tech companies. Goldman Sachs announced that the quantum-blockchain market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 42% to reach $500 billion by 2035.
As of the end of 2025, the convergence of quantum computing and blockchain technology is still in its early stages, but its potential and impact are already becoming a reality. Technical limitations and cost issues are gradually being resolved, and the continuous investment by major companies and policy support from governments are supporting market growth. Over the next five years, this convergence technology is expected to fundamentally change existing paradigms in key industries such as finance, healthcare, energy, and supply chain management, becoming a new growth driver for the global digital economy. For companies and investors, proactively responding to these technological changes and establishing appropriate investment strategies will be key to securing a competitive advantage.
