IBM has announced a development that could bring quantum computing closer to everyday use. The company has successfully demonstrated that a vital quantum error correction algorithm can be executed on a standard AMD chip: a major shift from the notion that such tasks require specialised, high-cost hardware.
The breakthrough, detailed in a research paper set to be released this week, builds on IBM’s earlier work from June when it first introduced the algorithm. This time, the company has shown it can run in real time on an AMD field-programmable gate array (FPGA), marking a significant step toward reliable, scalable quantum systems.
Quantum computers rely on qubits to handle complex problems beyond the reach of classical computers, such as modelling atomic interactions or breaking cryptographic codes. However, qubits are highly sensitive to noise and interference, leading to frequent calculation errors. Error correction algorithms are designed to counter these flaws and maintain computational accuracy: a requirement for building dependable quantum machines.
Why this matters
What makes IBM’s latest result noteworthy is that it demonstrates the ability to stabilise qubits without relying on exotic or custom-built hardware. In other words, advanced quantum workloads can now be tested and optimised using affordable, widely available chips — potentially accelerating research and lowering development costs across the field.
Jay Gambetta, IBM’s head of quantum research, said the implementation exceeded expectations. “We achieved performance roughly ten times faster than what’s required, which is a substantial leap,” he told Reuters, noting that the setup used off-the-shelf AMD hardware rather than expensive, bespoke components.
IBM completed the project a year ahead of its internal schedule, strengthening its roadmap to deliver a large-scale quantum system, known as Starling, by 2029.
Rival companies are making progress too. Google recently reported that its Willow quantum chip solved a complex algorithm 13,000 times faster than a conventional supercomputer, underscoring how competition among tech giants is accelerating the race to unlock practical quantum computing.
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