IBM’s announcement on Friday marks a significant milestone in the quest for commercial quantum computing. For the first time, the company demonstrated its quantum error-correction algorithm running in real time on commonly available AMD field-programmable gate array (FPGA) chips. This leap forward supports IBM’s goal to make advanced quantum computing capabilities practical and accessible for broader use.
As the race intensifies between IBM, Microsoft, and Alphabet’s Google, these breakthroughs highlight fierce competition in quantum technologies. Google, for example, announced its own notable quantum algorithm this week, underscoring the rapidly accelerating pace of innovation in the sector. Each company aims to develop machines capable of solving previously impregnable problems, boosting scientific and industrial advancements.
Quantum computers utilize qubits to explore solutions to challenges classical computers cannot efficiently address, such as simulating the behavior of trillions of atoms. Qubits, however, are extremely fragile and susceptible to errors from environmental factors. Error correction remains one of quantum computing’s greatest obstacles, as these errors can overwhelm potential gains from quantum calculations.
To counter this, IBM introduced a real-time error-correction algorithm in June designed to work alongside quantum chips. The latest research shows that these complex routines can now be executed on affordable AMD FPGAs rather than expensive, proprietary control units. This accessibility could dramatically lower the barriers for organizations hoping to adopt quantum processing for mission-critical tasks.
IBM vice president Jay Gambetta revealed that the AMD-chip algorithm implementation performed at speeds ten times beyond requirements, demonstrating robust efficiency. He also indicated that this achievement accelerates IBM’s roadmap toward building a powerful quantum computer, dubbed “Starling,” by 2029. Completing this milestone a year ahead of schedule signals major progress for IBM and quantum research worldwide.
