2025: The year of quantum computing and its geopolitical impact

In recent years, the competition between the United States and China for quantum dominance has reached unprecedented levels.

When contemplating the technological future, few fields generate as much anticipation as quantum computing. With recent breakthroughs like Google's Willow chip, capable of solving in minutes problems that would take classical computers billions of years, and Microsoft's platforms that surpass traditional capabilities, this technology has moved beyond theory to demonstrate real applications already transforming sectors such as healthcare, finance, energy, and artificial intelligence.

We are undoubtedly entering a new technological era.

However, the impact of this technology extends beyond technical aspects: it is redefining global geopolitical competition, reminiscent of the space race of the last century.

In recent years, the competition between the United States and China for quantum dominance has reached unprecedented levels. China has committed more than $50 billion to this sector by building the world's largest quantum computing center and developing quantum satellites that could revolutionize military communications. The United States, in turn, has responded with the National Quantum Initiative Act and strategic partnerships between the Department of Defense and companies like Google, IBM, and IonQ.

This Sino-American rivalry has catalyzed a new form of global technological competition. The European Union launched its Quantum Flagship with a €1 billion investment, while the United Kingdom, Israel, and Japan have also developed their own national quantum strategies. The reason is clear: whoever masters quantum computing could gain decisive advantages in cryptography, new materials development, and defense systems optimization.

Latin America, although home to prominent centers such as the Bariloche Atomic Center in Argentina and the Institute of Theoretical Physics in Brazil, faces a challenge: the lack of sustained investment. Failure to act quickly could lead to an ever-widening technological gap.

International alliances will be crucial. Countries like Argentina and Brazil could benefit from strategic collaborations with technological powers, similar to how Israel built its quantum ecosystem through partnerships with the United States and the EU. However, these collaborations must be carefully navigated to avoid getting caught in the rivalry between major powers.

Export controls and technological restrictions represent another critical challenge. The US, China, and the EU are implementing increasingly strict regulations on quantum technologies, creating new barriers to international collaboration. For Latin America, this means that developing its own quantum capabilities is not just an economic opportunity, but a strategic necessity to maintain technological autonomy.

In this context, 2025 marks a turning point. The decisions countries make today will determine their position in a world where quantum power could be as important as military or economic power.

For Latin America, the time to act is now. We need a coordinated regional strategy that includes investment in quantum education, development of specialized infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks that facilitate innovation without compromising national security. Only then can we ensure that our region is not left behind in this new technological revolution that is redefining the global order.

This column was originally published in its Spanish version on Clarín.