SAS Survey Reveals Quantum AI Investment Across Industries

A new global survey conducted by SAS has revealed that 60% of business leaders are actively investing in or exploring quantum AI opportunities, despite facing barriers including cost concerns and knowledge gaps.

The research findings, announced at SAS Innovate, highlight growing momentum around quantum AI technology across multiple sectors. With over 70% of respondents indicating they are somewhat or very familiar with quantum AI concepts, the survey highlights increasing awareness of quantum computing's potential business applications.

SAS Viya Workbench emerges as critical platform for quantum experimentation

According to the survey, business leaders see the most potential for quantum AI applications in data analytics and machine learning (48%), research and development (41%), and cybersecurity (35%). Other functions identified as potential beneficiaries include supply chain and logistics (31%), finance and risk management (26%) and marketing (20%).

“For decades SAS has helped organisations across a host of industries find better answers faster and improve business decisions through data and AI. With the emergence of quantum technologies, companies can analyse more data than ever and achieve amazingly fast answers to very complex questions involving myriad variables,” said Bill Wisotsky, Principal Quantum Architect at SAS.

The survey, which captured insights from 500 business managers across China, France, Mexico, the UK and US, revealed that organisations remain cautious about implementation. Their primary concerns include cost implications (38%), knowledge limitations (35%), uncertainty regarding practical applications (31%), staffing challenges (31%) and regulatory ambiguity (26%).

SAS has confirmed it is already conducting experiments with quantum AI components within its technology portfolio. One example cited involves interfacing with quantum annealing technology through SAS Viya Workbench, a self-service, on-demand compute environment designed for data preparation, exploratory analysis and AI model development.

D-Wave Quantum partnership forms backbone of SAS quantum strategy

The quantum initiative from SAS extends beyond research to include partnerships with recognised leaders in quantum computing. These collaborations form a central component of the company’s strategy to address business challenges through hybrid quantum-classical computing approaches.

SAS has established partnerships with multiple quantum technology providers. D-Wave Quantum Inc., identified as the world's first commercial supplier of quantum computers, is providing technology that SAS is incorporating into both internal research and customer engagements.

The company has also joined the IBM Quantum Network, with stated aims to accelerate quantum integration for problem-solving through hybrid methodologies. Additionally, SAS has become a member of the QuEra Quantum Alliance Partner Program, focusing on neutral-atom quantum computing applications.

These partnerships are already yielding results. SAS reports that a major consumer goods company is collaborating on a proof of concept related to hybrid quantum-classical optimisation, leveraging quantum annealing technology alongside SAS classical optimisation solvers.

The research identifies specific industries where SAS researchers believe quantum AI applications will deliver substantial value. Life sciences companies may benefit from enhanced drug discovery capabilities, while financial services organisations could improve risk management processes. Manufacturing firms are expected to see advantages in materials research and process optimisation.

Bill explains that SAS is working to simplify quantum technology for business applications: “Our goal is to make quantum research simple and intuitive for our customers and help them apply it to their business.”

SAS has indicated plans to expand quantum AI experimentation capabilities within its flagship data and AI platform, with future additions planned for tools like SAS Viya Workbench.

While many industry watchers predict that widespread quantum technology adoption remains years away, SAS emphasises that its hybrid architecture approach – combining quantum and traditional computing – is already addressing real-world business problems.

“Today’s research into quantum computing and quantum AI is extremely complex, at times confusing, and too often cloaked in hype,” Bill says.

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