IBM is pushing to move quantum computing from theoretical research into commercial applications, company leadership said at VivaTech 2026.
The shift represents a critical transition for the industry as companies seek to prove that quantum hardware can solve real-world problems more efficiently than classical computers.
Jerry Chow, IBM's chief technology officer for quantum-centric supercomputing, discussed the company's progress during an interview with journalist Kate Moody. The conversation took place at the 10th annual VivaTech festival [2], which is held from June 17 to 20, 2026 [1].
Chow focused on the IBM Quantum System Two chandelier, a piece of hardware designed to scale quantum capabilities. The goal is to transition the technology from a laboratory curiosity to a tool for commercial use. This effort includes addressing the geopolitical pressures surrounding the race for quantum supremacy, as nations vie for the economic and security advantages the technology provides.
The event is hosted at the Porte de Versailles in Paris, France [1]. The festival serves as a venue for IBM to demonstrate how its quantum-centric supercomputing approach can integrate with existing infrastructure to provide tangible benefits to businesses.
Chow said the focus remains on hitting specific milestones that allow the hardware to move beyond innovation and into a phase of widespread commercialization. The company is positioning its systems to handle complex calculations that are currently impossible for traditional binary systems to process in a reasonable timeframe.
“IBM is pushing to move quantum computing from theoretical research into commercial applications.”
The emphasis on 'commercialization' suggests that the quantum industry is moving away from purely academic benchmarks toward a value-delivery model. By showcasing the Quantum System Two at a major public forum like VivaTech, IBM is signaling that the hardware is reaching a level of maturity where it can be integrated into broader corporate and geopolitical strategies.
