At GITEX Global, IBM’s Ismael Faro described the fusion of quantum computing and artificial intelligence as “a natural progression of technology.” Just as mobile phones transformed connectivity and AI reshaped computation, he said, quantum + AI represents the next inevitable leap.
Faro explained that the connection between classical data systems, AI, and quantum systems is already underway, with industries and research institutions experimenting on IBM’s live quantum systems in New York and Europe. “We’re already seeing academia and enterprises use quantum for real research,” he noted.
Quantum helping AI and vice versa
Faro outlined a two-phase relationship between AI and quantum computing.
In the first, AI accelerates the development of quantum systems — from chip design to hardware calibration — using machine learning to optimize performance.
In the second, quantum enhances AI models, offering new mathematical ways to process and classify data.
He cited IBM’s collaboration with HSBC, where a hybrid quantum-AI pipeline for trading strategy modeling produced a 34% improvement in predictive accuracy compared to classical machine learning alone. “Quantum systems pre-classify key data features before passing them to AI — it’s a symbiotic process,” Faro explained.
From finance to protein folding
Beyond finance, Faro pointed to breakthroughs in chemistry and healthcare, where IBM works with the Cleveland Clinic and Moderna. AI-powered simulations of protein folding are extended using quantum algorithms to explore molecular evolution paths that classical computers cannot reach.
“Think of the quantum computer as another accelerator,” Faro said. “AI helps get you to the starting line faster — and quantum takes you beyond what’s possible with today’s logic.”
Building the hybrid future
IBM’s open-source framework, Qiskit, is becoming a cornerstone for this hybrid future. Faro revealed that IBM’s latest paper demonstrated 40% improvement in code generation when integrating a quantum system with a large language model through reinforcement learning loops.
“Soon, you won’t need to write code — you’ll converse with a system that builds and tests solutions for you,” he said, describing a future of interactive quantum problem-solving agents.
Faro also predicted that fault-tolerant quantum computers — machines capable of sustained, error-corrected computation — could emerge within four years, powered by AI-driven optimization at every hardware and software layer.
The next step for the industry
Faro closed with a message for companies and researchers: start now.
“Whether in finance, chemistry, or optimization, the quantum-AI era has already begun,” he said. “Those who experiment today will be ready when it becomes mainstream tomorrow.”
In terms of crypto? Well, read our article on how safe our crypto wallets are in the evolving industry of quantum here.
