Microsoft: Powerful Quantum Computers Coming in Years, Not Decades

20.02.2025

Microsoft has unveiled a new chip called “Majorana 1,” which it claims will enable the development of quantum computers capable of solving industrial-scale problems in years rather than decades. Quantum computers have the potential to solve problems that traditional computers cannot, but building systems powerful enough to tackle real-world challenges remains a significant technical hurdle. However, Microsoft asserts that its newly developed material, known as a “topological conductor” (topoconductor), will accelerate this timeline.

The company suggests that this new conductor could be as transformative as semiconductors were in the history of computing. However, some experts caution that more data is needed to fully assess the impact of this technology on quantum computing. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has predicted that useful quantum computers are still at least 20 years away, while Microsoft’s quantum hardware specialist Chetan Nayak claims that Majorana 1 could shorten this timeframe to just a few years.

Unlike its competitors, Microsoft is taking a unique approach to building quantum computers. While companies like Google follow conventional methods, Microsoft’s strategy involves creating a new state of matter known as a “topological state.” This approach relies on Majorana particles, which were once considered purely theoretical. In fact, a 2018 claim of their discovery was later retracted. Microsoft has described its approach as “high-risk, high-reward,” but now believes it is on the verge of paying off.

One of the biggest challenges in quantum computing is managing qubits, the fundamental building blocks of quantum processors. Qubits are extremely fast but difficult to control and prone to errors. The more qubits a chip has, the more powerful it becomes. Microsoft’s new chip contains just eight topological qubits, significantly fewer than some competitors. However, the company claims it has a roadmap to scale this number to millions, which would unlock immense computational power.

Experts acknowledge Microsoft’s progress as a significant step but highlight the challenges ahead. Professor Paul Stevenson of the University of Surrey considers it a promising breakthrough but urges caution until further milestones are achieved. Professor Chris Heunen of the University of Edinburgh describes Microsoft’s plans as “credible,” stating that the next few years will determine whether this ambitious roadmap will deliver on its promise.