University of Kwazulu-Natal

Quantum Computers Closer Than Ever Tech Giants Google And Ibm Make

Bonisiwe Shabane
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quantum computers closer than ever tech giants google and ibm make

The decades-long quest to create a practical quantum computer is accelerating as major tech companies say they are closing in on designs that could scale from small lab experiments to full working systems within... IBM laid out a detailed plan for a large-scale machine in June, filling in gaps from earlier concepts and declaring it was on track to build one by the end of the decade. “It doesn’t feel like a dream anymore,” Jay Gambetta, head of IBM’s quantum initiative, told Financial Times. “I really do feel like we’ve cracked the code and we’ll be able to build this machine by the end of the decade.” Google, which cleared one of the toughest technical obstacles late last year, says it is also confident it can produce an industrial-scale system within that time frame, while Amazon Web Services cautions that it... The decades-long quest to create a practical quantum computer is accelerating as major tech companies say they are closing in on designs that could scale from small lab experiments to full working systems within...

IBM laid out a detailed plan for a large-scale machine in June, filling in gaps from earlier concepts and declaring it was on track to build one by the end of the decade. “It doesn’t feel like a dream anymore,” Jay Gambetta, head of IBM’s quantum initiative, told Financial Times. “I really do feel like we’ve cracked the code and we’ll be able to build this machine by the end of the decade.” Google, which cleared one of the toughest technical obstacles late last year, says it is also confident it can produce an industrial-scale system within that time frame, while Amazon Web Services cautions that it... September 2025, Tech giants Google and IBM have announced significant progress toward building the first industrial-scale quantum computers, a milestone that could revolutionize computing as we know it. Both companies revealed advances in error correction, long seen as the principal barrier to scaling quantum systems.

By refining algorithms that detect and fix qubit errors in real time, alongside introducing novel hardware designs, the firms have moved beyond the limitations of current prototypes, which typically operate with fewer than two... These developments bring the industry closer to achieving machines that could handle complex calculations far beyond the capacity of classical supercomputers. The ultimate goal set by Google and IBM is to construct systems surpassing one million qubits, powerful enough to tackle challenges in drug discovery, materials science, climate modelling, and cryptography. While experts caution that commercial applications may still be several years away, the latest breakthroughs mark a decisive step in the global race for quantum supremacy. By bridging the gap between research prototypes and scalable industrial models, the companies are laying the foundation for what many consider the next computing revolution. The long-awaited dream of practical quantum computing is getting closer to reality, thanks to major tech players like IBM and Google.

They are making significant strides toward creating scalable designs that could be turned into fully operational systems in just a few years. This could revolutionize industries by speeding up drug discovery, enhancing AI capabilities, and improving financial market predictions. In June, IBM unveiled an ambitious plan for a large-scale quantum machine. The blueprint fills in the gaps from earlier concepts and shows that the company is on track to build one by the end of this decade. "It doesn't feel like a dream anymore," Jay Gambetta, head of IBM's quantum initiative, told Financial Times. Google, which overcame a major technical hurdle late last year, is also optimistic about producing an industrial-scale system within the same timeframe as IBM.

However, Amazon Web Services (AWS) has warned that it could take 15 to 30 years before these machines become truly useful. The differing timelines highlight the complexity and unpredictability of quantum computing development. Unlike today's computers that work on binary code, quantum computers use qubits. These tiny quantum bits can be 0, 1, or both at the same time. This unique property allows them to explore multiple possibilities simultaneously and solve complex problems much faster than classical computers. The potential applications are huge, from speeding up drug discovery to improving AI capabilities and financial market predictions.

Scaling up quantum computers from less than 200 qubits to over a million will be no small feat. Qubits are inherently unstable and their special quantum states last only for fractions of a second. Plus, adding more of them can create interference that scrambles calculations. Despite these fundamental physics problems, the industry still has to industrialize quantum technology by building chips that can house large numbers of qubits. YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, New York – November 12, 2025 – At the annual Quantum Developer Conference, IBM (NYSE: IBM) today unveiled fundamental progress on its path to delivering both quantum advantage by the end of... “There are many pillars to bringing truly useful quantum computing to the world,” said Jay Gambetta, Director of IBM Research and IBM Fellow.

“We believe that IBM is the only company that is positioned to rapidly invent and scale quantum software, hardware, fabrication, and error correction to unlock transformative applications. We are thrilled to announce many of these milestones today.” IBM Quantum Computers Built to Scale Advantage IBM is unveiling IBM Quantum Nighthawk, its most advanced quantum processor yet and designed with an architecture to complement high-performing quantum software to deliver quantum advantage next year: the point at which a quantum... IBM researcher holds IBM Quantum Nighthawk chip (Credit: IBM) IBM follows a clear roadmap aiming for 100,000 qubits and fosters an open-access quantum development ecosystem.

Google focuses on bold breakthroughs and practical algorithms while pursuing a million-qubit fault-tolerant quantum computer. Startups like IonQ and PsiQuantum innovate rapidly with alternative architectures to tackle quantum computing’s biggest challenges. Quantum computing, once confined to academic whiteboards in science fiction, has now become a central focus in technological race. Leading this charge are three powerful forces: IBM, Google, and a fast-growing wave of startups. It's not solely an issue of attaining scientific milestones anymore; it's also about exploring new frontiers in computing and establishing technological superiority. Quantum physics advances can only get you so far; your success will depend on shrewd tactical foresight and closely coordinated action.

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IBM laid out a detailed plan for a large-scale machine in June, filling in gaps from earlier concepts and declaring it was on track to build one by the end of the decade. “It doesn’t feel like a dream anymore,” Jay Gambetta, head of IBM’s quantum initiative, told Financial Times. “I really do feel like we’ve cracked the code and we’ll be able to build this machine by the end of the decade.” Google...

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However, Amazon Web Services (AWS) Has Warned That It Could

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