The article discusses the development and potential of photonic quantum technologies, which harness quantum mechanical effects for core operations. It highlights the emergence of commercially available quantum key distribution (QKD) systems that enhance security by encoding information in photons. Future quantum technologies are anticipated to include large-scale secure networks, enhanced measurement and lithography, and quantum information processors, offering exponential computational power. Photonics is expected to play a central role due to its high-speed transmission and low-noise properties. The article covers the history of quantum mechanics, the emergence of quantum information science, and the challenges and advancements in quantum communication, quantum information processing, quantum metrology, and lithography. It also discusses the use of single photons and bright laser beams in these technologies, the development of integrated quantum optical circuits, detectors, and semiconductor-based single-photon sources. The article concludes by outlining the future outlook for photonic quantum technologies, emphasizing the need for further advancements in solid-state photonic quantum technologies and the integration of different approaches to overcome existing hurdles.The article discusses the development and potential of photonic quantum technologies, which harness quantum mechanical effects for core operations. It highlights the emergence of commercially available quantum key distribution (QKD) systems that enhance security by encoding information in photons. Future quantum technologies are anticipated to include large-scale secure networks, enhanced measurement and lithography, and quantum information processors, offering exponential computational power. Photonics is expected to play a central role due to its high-speed transmission and low-noise properties. The article covers the history of quantum mechanics, the emergence of quantum information science, and the challenges and advancements in quantum communication, quantum information processing, quantum metrology, and lithography. It also discusses the use of single photons and bright laser beams in these technologies, the development of integrated quantum optical circuits, detectors, and semiconductor-based single-photon sources. The article concludes by outlining the future outlook for photonic quantum technologies, emphasizing the need for further advancements in solid-state photonic quantum technologies and the integration of different approaches to overcome existing hurdles.