Google's new quantum chip 'Willow' solves tasks in 5 minutes what takes supercomputers 10 septillion years

Google Quantum AI's Willow chip.

Google has introduced "Willow," a quantum chip that the tech giant claims can solve a problem in just five minutes—a feat that would take the world’s fastest supercomputers 10 septillion years i.e 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 years . While this marks a significant milestone in the quest for quantum supremacy, experts caution that a practical, widely usable quantum computer is still years, and billions of dollars, away.

Quantum computing operates on principles of quantum mechanics, leveraging the peculiar behaviours of subatomic particles to perform calculations at speeds unimaginable with conventional computers. The potential applications are vast—ranging from revolutionising drug discovery and optimising nuclear fusion reactors to enhancing energy storage in car batteries.

However, this quantum prowess also raises alarms. Quantum computers could potentially render current encryption methods obsolete, threatening sensitive data security. Apple has already taken preemptive measures, announcing earlier this year that iMessage encryption has been made “quantum-proof” to mitigate future risks.

Hartmut Neven, head of Google’s Quantum AI Lab, hailed Willow as "the best quantum processor built to date." He emphasised that the chip incorporates breakthroughs in error correction—a longstanding hurdle in quantum computing. "It’s like moving from a single-engine airplane to a four-engine aircraft—safer and more reliable," Neven told the BBC.

While the chip is a significant step forward, Neven admitted that commercial applications of Willow are unlikely before the decade’s end. Initially, these applications would involve simulating systems where quantum effects are critical, such as drug development and nuclear fusion.

One of Willow’s standout achievements lies in error correction. Quantum computers rely on qubits, which are notoriously prone to errors. Google claims that Willow's design has reversed a trend where error rates increase with the number of qubits. Instead, the error rate decreased, marking progress in a challenge that has stymied researchers for nearly three decades.

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai announced the launch of Willow on X, describing it as a “state-of-the-art quantum computing chip” with breakthrough error-reduction capabilities. Highlighting its exceptional performance, Pichai shared that the chip represents a significant step towards building a large-scale, practical quantum computer.