Introduction
Quantum computing is an exciting new field that leverages the strange properties of quantum physics to perform calculations exponentially faster than classical computers. Commercial quantum computers have the potential to revolutionize many industries and enable breakthroughs in fields like medicine, cryptography, finance, and more. However, building a functional quantum computer is an enormous technical challenge. Multiple technology companies and research institutions are racing to be the first to create a commercially viable quantum computer.
In this article, I will provide an in-depth look at the race to build the first commercial quantum computer. I will cover the key players, the different technological approaches they are pursuing, major milestones achieved so far, and the challenges that remain.
The Key Players
Several major organizations are at the forefront of the quantum computing race:
Google has made major investments in quantum computing research for over a decade. They are developing superconducting quantum processors through a project called Sycamore. In 2019, Google announced its Sycamore processor had achieved quantum supremacy for the first time – performing a calculation exponentially faster than the world’s fastest supercomputer. However, their Sycamore chip only had 53 functioning qubits and is not yet ready for commercial use.
IBM
IBM is developing quantum computers based on superconducting circuits through the IBM Quantum program. They have produced quantum processors with over 100 qubits. In 2021, IBM unveiled its Eagle processor with 127 qubits and launched an initiative to build an 1,121 qubit system by 2023. IBM is focused on making its quantum computers accessible via cloud services. Over 200,000 users have run experiments on IBM’s quantum systems.
IonQ
IonQ uses trapped ions rather than superconducting materials to create qubits. In 2021, they unveiled a system with 32 qubits and claim to have the most advanced quantum computer currently available. IonQ became the first publicly traded quantum computing company after a SPAC merger deal in 2021.
Rigetti Computing
Backed by over $200 million in funding, Rigetti Computing uses superconducting qubits similar to Google and IBM. They have built quantum processors with up to 32 qubits. Rigetti focuses on creating hybrid systems that combine quantum and classical computing. They plan to allow access to their quantum computers through the cloud.
The Technological Approaches
There are several leading techniques to building the qubits that serve as the basic units of quantum information:
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Superconducting circuits – Used by Google, IBM and Rigetti. Qubits made from superconducting materials like niobium offer stability but are prone to errors.
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Trapped ions – Employed by IonQ. Ions are suspended by electromagnetic fields to create durable qubits with low error rates. However, entangling multiple ions is challenging.
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Silicon spin qubits – Being researched by Intel and others. Spin qubits leverage quantum properties of individual electrons and can be made using existing silicon chip fabrication methods.
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Photonics – Photonic quantum computing uses particles of light as qubits. Photonics provides high speeds for transmitting quantum information but qubits are fragile.
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Topological qubits – Exotic particles like Majorana fermions are used to create robust qubits resistant to errors. But topological quantum computing is still in early research stages.
Each approach has unique advantages and disadvantages. The winning technology will need to balance factors like qubit connectivity, error rates, scalability, and manufacturability.
Major Milestones So Far
There has been tremendous progress in quantum computing in recent years:
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In 2019, Google’s Sycamore processor was the first to achieve quantum supremacy on a specific test problem.
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In 2020, Honeywell created a trapped ion quantum computer with 6 fully-connected qubits.
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In late 2021, IBM unveiled its Eagle processor with 127 qubits, the most in the industry so far.
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The same year, IonQ introduced modular quantum computers that can be rack-mounted and made commercially available quantum systems with 32 algorithmic qubits.
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Meanwhile, startups like Rigetti, PsiQuantum, and AQT are making rapid advancements with superconducting and photonic technologies.
These milestones show the field is moving rapidly from laboratory research toward commercial viability.
Remaining Challenges
While progress has been astounding, there are still major obstacles to overcome:
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Qubit count – Today’s quantum computers only have tens to hundreds of qubits. Millions of error-corrected qubits are likely needed for commercial value.
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Error correction – Qubits lose their quantum state quickly due to interference. Effective error correction mechanisms will be critical.
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Connectivity – Qubits must interact with each other. Ensuring high connectivity as qubit count increases is challenging.
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Speed – Quantum operations must be performed faster to deliver advantage over classical supercomputers. Clock speeds are steadily improving.
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Manufacturing – Economically mass-producing stable qubits is difficult, especially using exotic materials like topological superconductors.
Solving these challenges will probably take a decade or more of sustained effort and investment.
Outlook for a Commercial Quantum Computer
Most experts predict we are still 5 to 10 years away from quantum computers advanced enough for commercial applications. Google, IBM and startups like IonQ aim to make their quantum technology commercially available through cloud access within this timeframe.
Once available, early adopters are likely to be research institutions, followed by government agencies and select corporations. Widespread adoption will take even longer. But the potential for quantum computing to transform information processing and enable breakthroughs makes this one of the most exciting and fiercely competitive technological races of the 21st century. The organization that can first overcome the remaining hurdles and release a capable, commercially viable quantum computer will secure an enormous advantage and a place in history.
