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Quantum computing: the article mentions IBM, Alphabet and Nvidia
Summary
The article reports that quantum computing remains early-stage and error-prone, and that IBM, Alphabet and Nvidia are among large tech companies developing chips, software and linking systems for the field.
Content
Quantum computing is described as a nascent technology with potential to affect areas like drug discovery, materials science and cryptography, but it is not yet commercially viable. Current machines are far more error-prone than classical computers because qubits are highly sensitive to outside interference. Groups of qubits must be entangled and kept stable relative to one another, which adds complexity to scaling. The article notes some large tech companies are pursuing quantum work as an alternative to investing only in pure‑play startups.
Key points:
- The article reports quantum computers are currently much more error-prone than classical machines, and reducing and correcting errors is a central technical challenge.
- The article mentions IBM is developing two chips, Nighthawk and the experimental Loon, and says Nighthawk is targeted to perform calculations with up to 10,000 logic gates by 2027; IBM also offers the Qiskit software stack and error‑mitigation tools.
- The article mentions Alphabet achieved a late‑2024 result with its Willow chip that reduced errors as qubit counts increased, and that the company continues behind‑the‑scenes research.
- The article mentions Nvidia is building infrastructure to bridge classical and quantum systems, including NVQLink to connect QPUs with GPU clusters, a CUDA‑Q software effort, and hybrid CPU/GPU/QPU systems.
- The article notes many pure‑play quantum startups have little revenue, no profits and negative free cash flow, making them higher risk compared with larger tech firms.
Summary:
The article frames quantum computing as technically promising but still early and error‑prone, with work ongoing across hardware, software and system integration. IBM, Alphabet and Nvidia are presented as major technology companies investing in different approaches, including chip development, error reduction advances, and tools to link quantum processors with classical hardware. Commercial timelines remain uncertain, and some specific near‑term targets (such as IBM’s 2027 gate goal) are reported as milestones rather than guarantees.
