• IBM plans practical quantum computer by 2029 with 200 logical qubits for superior performance.
• The new algorithm reduces qubits needed for error correction, solving a key quantum computing challenge.
• Starling system, set for Poughkeepsie data center, targets a larger quantum system by 2033.

International Business Machines (IBM) announced its plans to develop a practical quantum computer by 2029, outlining a clear roadmap to achieve this milestone. Unlike classical computers, quantum computers leverage quantum mechanics to solve complex problems that would take traditional systems thousands of years. However, current quantum computers are hindered by high error rates, which consume significant computing power for error correction, limiting their practical advantage.

IBM aims to overcome these challenges with its "Starling" quantum computer, to be housed at a new data center under construction in Poughkeepsie, New York. The system will feature approximately 200 logical qubits, the fundamental units of quantum computing, sufficient to demonstrate superiority over classical computers. IBM also has its sights set on a significantly larger system by 2033, further advancing its quantum ambitions.

Jay Gambetta, Vice President of IBM’s Quantum initiative, explained, “We've answered those science questions. You don’t need a miracle now. Now you need a grand challenge in engineering. There’s no reinvention of tools or anything like that.”

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The breakthrough by IBM is based on a new algorithm that requires substantially fewer qubits to perform error correction. Instead of its past strategy of creating theoretical error-correction techniques and then building chips to suit, the IBM research team did it the other way round. Their approach was to concentrate on making practical chips and then to develop an error-correcting strategy specific to those chips. Such practicality has given IBM the confidence to build a range of intermediate systems over the next several years up to 2027, leading to the Starling and beyond, to the larger-scale quantum computers.

As IBM advances its quantum roadmap, the company is positioning itself as a leader in the race to deliver practical quantum computing, promising transformative computational power for industries worldwide.