Google has introduced a groundbreaking quantum computing chip named Willow, claiming it marks a major step toward practical quantum computing. According to Hartmut Neven, founder of Google Quantum AI, Willow can solve problems in minutes that would take the world’s fastest supercomputers 10 septillion years—a number with 25 zeros—to complete.
Neven highlighted that such a timespan is almost beyond comprehension. Google’s 300-member quantum computing team aims to tackle seemingly impossible challenges, such as creating safe fusion power and addressing climate change. Although quantum computing is still in its early stages, Willow represents a key milestone in achieving practical applications in areas like drug discovery, energy solutions, and advanced battery design.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai shared his enthusiasm on X (formerly Twitter), calling Willow “an important step” in building a quantum computer with real-world uses. However, he acknowledged that fully solving complex problems with quantum computers will take several more years.
Why Quantum Computing Matters
Unlike traditional computers, which process data in binary bits (either 1 or 0), quantum computers use qubits, which can represent both 1 and 0 simultaneously. This unique ability allows quantum computers to perform massive calculations and explore multiple possibilities at once, making them much more powerful for certain tasks.
Willow’s Key Innovation: Error Correction
One of Willow’s standout features is its ability to reduce computational errors as the system scales up. For nearly 30 years, researchers struggled with increasing errors as more qubits were added. Google’s breakthrough, published in Nature, shows that adding more qubits to Willow actually reduces errors instead of increasing them—a critical requirement for building practical quantum computers.
Julian Kelly, Google’s director of quantum hardware, called error correction the “end game” for quantum computing. He stated that Google is “confidently progressing” toward making this a reality.
Global Interest in Quantum Computing
Quantum computing has attracted massive investment, with approximately $20 billion spent worldwide in the last five years, according to expert Olivier Ezratty. Both the United States and China are heavily funding quantum research, with Washington imposing restrictions on exporting this sensitive technology.
Scientists believe quantum computing could eventually revolutionize industries by solving problems far beyond the reach of today’s supercomputers.
