In the near future, there's a good chance quantum computers will be a game changing technology for humanity. The industry is still in its early stages, with computer scientists around the world as well as technology giants such as IBM and Google working to develop them. So what exactly makes them different from our current computers and mobile devices? Jessica Pointing, a PhD student and researcher in quantum computing at Stanford University and Forbes 30 Under 30 alumni, explains the basics. Subscribe to FORBES: null Stay Connected Forbes newsletters: https://newsletters.editorial.forbes.com/ Forbes on Facebook: http://fb.com/forbes Forbes Video on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/forbes Forbes Video on Instagram: http://instagram.com/forbes More From Forbes: http://forbes.com/ Forbes covers the intersection of entrepreneurship, wealth, technology, business and lifestyle with a focus on people and success.