Many experts expect quantum computing is still years away from mainstream acceptance in the business world, however, a recent survey from D-Wave and Hyperion Research shows it’s sooner than anticipated with the majority of the organizations already engaging in quantum computing early adopter activities.

The research surveyed 300 organizations from the U.S. and Europe and found the number of quantum computing early adopters is rising.

Over one-third (34%) of the surveyed organizations reported they are exploring options and monitoring technology developments, and 26% stated they are performing quantum use case analysis and prioritization, according to the report.

Around 14% of respondents were working on a current proof of concept research program or using quantum computing for one or more business processes. Meanwhile, almost all (97%) of those activities were considered very or somewhat successful by the respondents, which shows “significant progress even at this early stage with commercial quantum,” the report noted.

The report also showed that the top key drivers behind commercial quantum computing adoption are business process efficiencies (26%), increasing revenues (19%), and improving research capabilities (17%).

Respondents identified a range of quantum computing use cases that could potentially address their enterprise problems, including machine learning applications (49%) and finance-oriented optimization (48%) as top selections, along with logistics/supply chain management and modeling/simulation.

Those positive results led to more investment commitment to quantum computing adoption. More than 80% of the surveyed organizations plan to increase their investment in quantum computing in the next two to three years, while one-third of them are looking to do it aggressively by incorporating quantum computing into their overall compute environment, researchers noted.

Additionally, one-third of the respondents expect a $15 million annual quantum-computing budget, and one-fifth forecast that exceeds $25 million, which reflects “a growing near-term investment in the technology,” they wrote in the report.