Which companies hold the most quantum computing patent application fillings?

Quantum computing is reaching heights with every passing year. It typically leverages quantum mechanical phenomenon such as superposition and entanglement to perform computation. Its performance on quantum bits (qubits) makes it differ from classical computers that work on bits only. As bits carry information as O or 1, qubits convey information as 0s and 1st simultaneously, making quantum computers faster. With the advent of industry-disrupting algorithms of quantum technologies, there is huge investment and patents pouring in. Patents define the research and innovation of cutting-edge technology of the future. Here's a look at which companies are leading quantum computing patent applications.

Microsoft

As quantum computers present unprecedented possibilities to solve society's most complex challenges, Microsoft is committed to responsibly turning these possibilities into reality for the betterment of humanity and the planet. Over decades of R&D, the company has achieved advancements across every layer of the quantum stack, including software, applications, devices and control, and is delivering true impact today through quantum-inspired classical computing. Microsoft received 425 patent applications filling. In 2019, the company introduced its next step in delivering quantum impact: Azure Quantum. Azure Quantum is a full-stack, open cloud ecosystem that will bring the benefits of quantum computing to people and organizations around the world.

D Wave Systems

D-Wave is the leading company developing and delivering quantum computing systems, software, and services. It is the world's first commercial supplier of quantum computers. From its inception, the company has focused on following the fastest path to practical, real-world applications that deliver customer value. D-Wave's quantum computer leverages quantum dynamics to accelerate and enable new methods for solving discrete optimization, sampling, material science, and machine learning problems. It uses a process called quantum annealing that harnesses the natural tendency of real-world quantum systems to find low-energy states. D-Wave has received 307 patent applications.

IBM

Quantum computing is a major focus for IBM and this is reflected in the company's leadership in quantum computing patents obtained. IBM has 296 patent applications. Patents include the simplification of mapping quantum molecular simulation on a quantum computer and investigating more accurate and efficient risk analysis calculations on a quantum computer. To make quantum frictionless for everyone, from developers to researchers and enthusiasts, IBM is innovating across the entire stack. For many years, the company has received more patents than any other company in America. In 2020, IBM scientists and researchers received 9,130 U.S. patents, the most of any company marking 28 consecutive years of IBM patent leadership. IBM led the industry in the number of AI, cloud, quantum computing and security-related patents granted.

Intel

Intel Labs is producing quantum processors in Oregon and doing system-level engineering that targets production-level quantum computing within ten years. Work by Intel Labs on quantum computing draws on ongoing internal research, paired with collaborative relationships and investment across global academia and industry, as well as Intel's leadership in silicon fabrication techniques. Research has been ongoing for decades, growing from a theoretical level with thought experiments throughout much of the 20th century, with the first functional hardware components for quantum computing developed only in the past several years. Intel leads with 242 patent applications.

Many other companies are also in the quantum computing race. Google, Amazon, Atos Quantum, and Baidu are some of the leading companies.