After AI, Quantum Computing Eyes Its ‘Sputnik’ Moment

AFP/APP

Cambridge: Quantum computing is on the brink of a major breakthrough that could revolutionize drug development and climate change mitigation. In Cambridge, UK, the race to harness this technology is accelerating, with significant developments from Riverlane, a local company at the forefront.

Steve Brierley, Riverlane’s founder, predicts that quantum computing will soon experience a “Sputnik” moment, where the technology achieves a transformative leap forward.

Riverlane has developed the world’s first dedicated quantum decoder chip, which addresses the error issues currently limiting quantum computing’s capabilities.

John Martinis, former quantum computing lead at Google Quantum AI, highlights the importance of reliable error correction schemes for advancing quantum technology. Riverlane’s recent $75 million Series C funding—usually the final venture capital round before an IPO—signals strong confidence in the sector’s future.

Earl Campbell, Riverlane’s vice president of quantum science, anticipates that within two to three years, quantum systems will handle a million error-free operations, a milestone that will enable them to outperform conventional computers in specific tasks.

Quantum computers excel at simulating quantum systems, potentially leading to groundbreaking advancements in medicine, more efficient fertilizer production, and improved batteries.

Quantum computers use quantum bits or ‘qubits,’ which differ from traditional bits by storing information in a range of states rather than just 0 or 1. This increased information capacity comes with challenges, including susceptibility to errors and the need for complex error correction algorithms.

Major tech companies like Google, IBM, Microsoft, and Amazon are heavily investing in quantum computing, focusing on generating qubits and minimizing errors through various methods.

Brierley compares quantum computing’s error correction to the technology behind SSD memory cards, where faulty components are managed by active error correction.

Despite current quantum computers being limited to about 1,000 operations before encountering errors, advancements in qubit quality and error correction offer exciting prospects.

The potential of quantum computing to solve previously unsolvable problems and disrupt current cryptography is prompting regulatory considerations.

Brierley suggests that, similar to AI, early attention to the implications of quantum technology will be crucial to avoid surprises and ensure effective regulation.