This Week's Expert Blog Post

January 12, 2026

Confined for years in staid research labs, quantum technology made its presence felt amid the glittering lights of Las Vegas last week at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES).  And maybe for the first time, quantum was widely positioned as a practical force coming soon to our daily lives.  

I was fortunate enough to attend the world’s largest technology show which saw 140,000 attendees and over 4,000 exhibitors this year. Physical AI machines, essentially a combination of AI and robotics, were everywhere, while automated vehicles and new kinds of displays – including 3D without glasses – also dominated the conference. I have to say, too, it was the most multi-national, multi-cultural CES I can recall which was inspiring on its own. 

But as a longtime quantum communicator and dedicated industry observer, I was focused on quantum edging its way into the mainstream of consumer consciousness. In between facilitating media interviews, I made it my mission to stop by as many quantum-related booths as I could during my brief time there. Here’s a few of the interesting companies I found with real-world messages for consumers: 

• I first met the very welcoming team at EigenQ, Maryland-based providers of a comprehensive post-quantum cryptography (PQC) platform that integrates PQC solutions without disrupting existing infrastructure - urgently needed right now as quantum computing power accelerates. From the consumer’s POV, their solution will ensure your data, whether from your bank, internet provider or health insurer, etc., will stay secure in the fast-approaching quantum era. 

• Next was Technical Director Wonwoo Choi of South Korea-based AMCG who showed me how they use quantum sensors to detect early issues with the heart more efficiently and cost-effectively than CT or MRI scans. Their consumer-friendly tagline - “Just One Minute to Save a Heart” - and booth images of their non-invasive, non-claustrophobic magnetocardiography (MCG) system were just what the doctor ordered in appealing to the public. 

• Mukhit Kulmaganbetov, senior research fellow at the Centre for Eye and Vision Research in Hong Kong, told me how his device takes advantage of photons and polarization to detect early signs of macular degeneration before irreversible vision loss occurs. His system fits inside the casing of the vision test machines we all encounter at our local optometrist. This low-cost, non-invasive quantum optics screening tool is undergoing pilot installations now. 

• Hakjin Kim, CEO of South Korea-based Gene On Biotech, told me how the company is leveraging quantum and AI to speed up antibody drug development for cancer and other diseases through data analysis, machine learning and simulations.  The startup is already working with an impressive array of companies, hospitals and universities. For consumers, this could mean life-saving treatments that reach the market sooner and at lower costs. 

• I met with another South Korean company – it's good to see this powerhouse technology nation entering quantum in a big way – called Qunova Computing. Technical manager   Pilsun Yoo   said they use quantum chemistry and quantum algorithms to model molecules and materials at a level of precision that classical computers cannot.  They call it “chemical accuracy” which could result in safer and more innovative medicines as well as materials design enhancements across industry sectors, including electronics, energy management and manufacturing. 

I also visited the CES Foundry which had a huge NVIDIA showcase leading to a ballroom with exhibits of some of the more established quantum computing companies, including D-Wave, Quantum Computing, Inc. (QCi) and of course HKA’s amazing client Quantinuum.   

Quantinuum staff were busy all day at the booth talking with the ever-present crowds as their reputation for excellence continues to grow.   

QCi led one of the more consumer-friendly quantum presentations I’ve seen, securing a standing-room only session with the attention-grabbing title: Quantum 2.0 for Practical Life Decisions: AI, Finance & Privacy.   

All in all, a wonderful show and a very promising start for the industry in bringing quantum’s message to the masses in the New Year. 

By: Mike Kilroy