Glossary
Quantum Optimization
Using quantum and quantum-inspired methods to solve hard optimization problems.
Definition
Quantum optimization is the use of quantum computers and quantum-inspired classical algorithms to solve combinatorial optimization problems — scheduling, routing, portfolio allocation, network design — that scale beyond practical classical methods. It includes both true quantum hardware approaches and quantum-inspired solvers that run on classical machines today.
Context
For most businesses in 2026, the practical entry point is quantum-inspired optimization, which already delivers value on real scheduling, logistics, and allocation problems. True quantum hardware advantage remains workload-specific. A grounded quantum-for-business strategy separates the problems worth investing in now from those that warrant only a watching brief.