5 days ago
A Tech Leader's Perspective: Quantum's Roadmap To Commercial Viability
John Prisco, Security CEO & founder of Safe Quantum Inc., working with data-driven companies to develop and deploy quantum-safe technologies
Quantum computing is advancing rapidly, transitioning from theoretical exploration to practical application, with major tech companies and upstarts charting ambitious roadmaps toward scalable, fault-tolerant systems.
While IBM, Google and Microsoft can be seen as leading this charge, each pursuing distinct technological approaches, the U.S. National Quantum Initiative (NQI) provides a coordinated federal framework to bolster quantum research and development. That has rewarded efforts from some startups, creating a broad landscape for quantum innovation.
As the CEO of a quantum security company, I've been closely watching this space develop. Let's explore a few ways big names—and not-so-well-known names—in this industry are making strides that I think are worth noting as trends that may indicate the future of quantum.
Trends Shaping The Future Of Quantum
IBM aims to develop a large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer by 2029. The Starling system, which IBM says will have 20,000 times the computing power of standard quantum computers, is projected to be completed before the end of this decade.
As part of Google's six-step roadmap to build a large-scale, error-corrected quantum computer capable of solving real-world problems, the company's Quantum AI division recently introduced the Willow chip, a 105-qubit superconducting processor. Willow has demonstrated the ability to reduce error rates.
Microsoft unveiled Majorana 1, a quantum processor powered by topological qubits, to a slightly skeptical audience in March. This processor utilizes topological superconductors to create more error-resistant qubits.
Quantinuum has deployed its Reimei quantum computer at Japan's RIKEN Center, marking a step toward hybrid quantum-classical computing.
PsiQuantum has developed the Omega chipset, a manufacturable photonic quantum computing platform designed for utility-scale systems. The chipset integrates high-performance photonic components and is being produced in partnership with GlobalFoundries. It is part of PsiQuantum's goal to build million-qubit-scale quantum computers.
Atom Computing is developing a commercial quantum computer that uses more than 1,000 physical qubits. In partnership with Microsoft, "The companies have created 24 entangled logical qubits using Atom's neutral-atom hardware, the largest on record. Logical qubits comprise several qubits, allowing for error correction and making them more reliable than noisy physical qubits in Atom's technology."
And lastly, QuEra's Aquila is a 256-qubit neutral-atom quantum computer available through Amazon. The company is pursuing a hybrid analog-digital approach to quantum computing, with a roadmap aiming for systems with up to 10,000 physical qubits and 100 logical qubits within the next few years.
What Should Business Leaders Watch Out For?
As quantum computing moves closer to practical implementation, there are three areas in particular to keep an eye on that I think will be incredibly important over the course of the near future:
1. Error Correction Breakthroughs: Advancements in error correction techniques, such as IBM's qLDPC codes and Microsoft's topological qubits, are essential for achieving fault-tolerant quantum systems.
2. Scalability Of Qubit Architectures: The ability to scale qubit counts effectively, through modular designs or novel qubit types, will determine the feasibility of large-scale quantum computers.
3. Hybrid Integration With Classical Systems: Developing hybrid quantum-classical computing models, as demonstrated by Quantinuum's Reimei in Japan, will be crucial for leveraging quantum advantages in real-world applications.
Monitoring these developments will provide insights into the trajectory of quantum computing and its potential impact across various industries.
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