I first began monitoring quantum computing about 1997 as part of my role as head of Chevron’s Advanced Information-Based Modeling Network. In 1999, I brought in a then-leader in quantum computers for an all-day seminar. So, I have been monitoring quantum computing for a long time.

For a very long time, people have been saying we are 10-20 years away from realizing the benefits of quantum computing. But now in 2023, several years after IBM introduced Qiskit (pronounced kiss-kit) which allows anyone to run programs on IBM’s quantum computers, productive applications are no longer 10-20 years away. They are here. And non-technical media such as “Time” magazine devotes cover stories to that reality.

I created a web page on which I present realistic ideas of what quantum computing can do for genetic genealogy that has not been possible before. I want to move beyond the pie-in-the-sky fantasy hype of popular coverage of quantum computing and present a realistic understanding of what quantum computing can do and what classical computers will continue to do since not everything is best done on a quantum computer.

I also want to put quantum genetic genealogy on the map as a very real and relevant topic for the future of genetic genealogy – because it has the potential to be a very significant component of the future of genetic genealogy and possibly a future not so far off as some think. Quantum computing is no longer “going to happen”. It has now been happening for several years. Theory is good but only when the focus is applying that theory in real applications. We need a consortium of those serious about quantum genetic genealogy applications to come together, share ideas and experiences, collaborate and develop applications.

I also want to ease the path for those thinking about the possibility of doing quantum genetic genealogy applications. I want them to know that they can use the resources that have been available now for several years and continue to grow rapidly. And I want to provide insights and tips to foster that active participation in quantum computing. 

Some of what may appear to be hype, really is true: quantum computers CAN solve in a very short time what classical computers cannot ever solve because there are too many possibilities that would take eons for a classical computer to solve. But there are still things that classical computers do very well and will continue to do.

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