Quantum Computing Breakthroughs: The Biggest Advancements in the Last 12 Months

Over the past year, quantum computing has witnessed remarkable advancements, with significant contributions from industry leaders and national initiatives.

Google's Quantum Leap with Willow Processor

In December 2024, Google unveiled its groundbreaking quantum computing chip, the Willow processor. This 105-qubit superconducting chip achieved a milestone by performing a complex computation in just five minutes—a task that would take today's fastest supercomputers an estimated 10 septillion years. The Willow processor also demonstrated reduced error rates, marking a significant step toward practical quantum applications in fields like pharmaceuticals, material science, and artificial intelligence.

IBM's Heron Processor and Quantum System Two

IBM continued its quantum computing advancements with the introduction of the Heron processor in December 2023. This 156-qubit tunable-coupler quantum processor is designed to minimize cross-talk errors, enhancing computational reliability. The Heron processor is integrated into the IBM Quantum System Two, offering cloud access to users and representing a significant leap in IBM's quantum capabilities.

D-Wave's Expansion in Quantum Annealing

D-Wave Quantum achieved a milestone by selling its Advantage system, the world's largest quantum computer with over 5,000 qubits, to Germany's Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC). This system employs quantum annealing, differing from gate-based quantum methods used by competitors. The integration of D-Wave's system with JSC's upcoming exascale supercomputer, Jupiter, is expected to drive breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and quantum optimization.

India's National Quantum Mission

India has made significant strides in quantum computing with the approval of the National Quantum Mission in April 2023, allocating approximately ₹6,000 crore for 2023–2031. The mission aims to establish four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) focusing on quantum computing, communication, sensing and metrology, and materials and devices. These hubs are designed to foster collaboration between academia and industry, propelling innovation and positioning India as a global leader in quantum technology.

QuEra's Significant Funding Round

In February 2025, Boston-based startup QuEra secured over $230 million in funding, with substantial investments from Google's Quantum AI unit and SoftBank Vision Fund. QuEra specializes in neutral-atom quantum technology, which offers advantages in system scaling and error reduction. The funds are earmarked for developing fault-tolerant quantum computing technologies, enhancing the reliability and practical application of quantum systems.

Industry Perspectives and Future Outlook

Despite these technological advancements, some business leaders remain cautious about integrating quantum computing into their operations, often due to immediate priorities and uncertainties about its business value. However, experts emphasize that quantum computing is poised to tackle complex problems beyond the reach of classical computing and artificial intelligence alone, such as intricate network optimizations and molecular modeling. As the technology matures, it is expected to revolutionize various industries, including finance, healthcare, and cybersecurity.

In summary, the past year has been pivotal for quantum computing, marked by technological breakthroughs, substantial investments, and strategic national initiatives. These developments collectively advance the field toward practical applications, promising to transform industries and address complex global challenges.