Edith Hejberg
IBM has introduced two new quantum devices: the experimental Loon processor and the Nighthawk chip.
Imagine cutting drug development timelines from years to hours. That’s the potential of quantum computing, a long-researched field now gaining serious momentum.
Tech giants like IBM, Microsoft, and Google are racing to bring this technology to life, and it could reshape everything from pharmaceuticals to finance.
IBM unveils new chips to push the field forward
IBM has introduced two new quantum devices: the experimental Loon processor and the Nighthawk chip.
These systems promise more powerful and stable quantum operations than previous models, marking a key step toward usable quantum computers. It’s part of IBM’s broader goal to build fault-tolerant quantum machines at scale.
Quantum’s value? Possibly $1.3 trillion
According to McKinsey & Company, quantum computing could unlock $1.3 trillion in value by 2035 across industries such as banking, pharmaceuticals, and transportation.
The speed and scale of problem-solving it offers, especially for complex simulations, could be unmatched by today’s fastest supercomputers.
This isn’t just a faster computer — it’s a new kind
Quantum computing doesn’t build on classical computing, it redefines it. As professor Sridhar Tayur explains, “A fighter jet is not a faster Ferrari… quantum computing is not just a faster classical computer.”
Instead, it relies on the principles of quantum physics to operate in fundamentally different ways.
Qubits: a whole new kind of logic
Classical computers process information in bits, 0s or 1s. Quantum computers use qubits, which can exist as 0 and 1 at the same time.
This quality, known as superposition, allows quantum computers to process vast amounts of data simultaneously. It’s like a coin spinning in mid-air, both heads and tails at once.
Not replacing your phone — just reinventing research
Quantum computers aren’t built for everyday use. You won’t be browsing the web on one. Instead, they’re suited for solving enormous scientific and mathematical problems.
Think: molecular modelling, climate simulations, or encrypted communications, problems too complex for even the best traditional machines.
Big names are already on board
Major companies are already testing quantum’s real-world applications. BMW and Airbus are collaborating with startup Quantinuum on fuel cell research.
Biogen, Accenture Labs, and 1QBit are exploring how quantum tech could accelerate drug discovery by comparing larger molecules than classical computers can handle.
The cybersecurity implications are massive
Quantum computers could one day crack encryption used to secure digital communications.
That makes the technology a national security priority. “That’s a major motivation,” says MIT’s Anand Natarajan, who notes the importance of staying ahead of potential adversaries in this powerful new field.
Building stable quantum systems is no small task
Qubits are highly sensitive. Small shifts in light, temperature, or even vibration can throw off calculations.
IBM’s Loon processor is designed to show how components can work even when errors happen, a key step toward fault-tolerant quantum computing, something that doesn’t yet exist at scale.
IBM’s Nighthawk chip handles more complex logic
IBM’s Nighthawk chip is capable of executing more advanced “gates,” or operations used to process information.
According to IBM’s research director Jay Gambetta, these gates are crucial building blocks that bring us closer to performing meaningful computations with quantum systems.
The global tech race is intensifying
IBM isn’t the only player. Microsoft’s Majorana 1 chip uses a novel material to create more stable qubits.
Google’s Willow chip, meanwhile, claims to do in 5 minutes what would take a classical computer 10 septillion years. Each breakthrough brings the industry closer to solving real-world problems.
Quantum computing isn’t here yet — but it’s coming
When will quantum computing reach its full potential? Experts disagree. MIT’s Natarajan thinks it may take 10 to 20 years.
IBM is aiming for fault-tolerant quantum systems by the end of this decade. McKinsey reports that 72% of industry leaders expect such systems to arrive by 2035.
The payoff could be revolutionary
For now, quantum computing is still in its experimental phase. But the long-term payoff could be massive.
“We are trying to do brain surgery using a spoon and a fork,” says Tayur. “Quantum computing promises the refined tools we need.” It may not be ready today, but the foundation is rapidly taking shape.
This article is made and published by Edith Hejberg, who may have used AI in the preparation
