Hunting for quantum advantage in electronic structure calculations is a highly non-trivial task

Identifying real-world problems where quantum computing offers a significant advantage over classical hardware is a substantial challenge. Quantum chemistry, particularly electronic structure calculations of strongly correlated systems, is often cited as a potential area where quantum advantage may emerge. However, demonstrating this advantage is highly non-trivial due to the complexity of these calculations. Researchers face significant hurdles in simulating these systems, which are characterized by multi-reference problems that are difficult to solve using classical methods. The pursuit of quantum advantage in this area has significant implications for the development of post-quantum cryptography, as the potential for quantum computers to solve certain problems more efficiently than classical computers narrows the timeline for cryptographic migration¹. As a result, the urgency for planning and implementing post-quantum cryptography increases, making it essential for practitioners to stay informed about the latest developments in quantum computing and quantum chemistry.