Google Quantum AI Director Sees Quantum Computing Breakthroughs in 5 Years
Google’s director of hardware for Quantum AI, Julian Kelly, predicts that practical applications of quantum computers are only five years away, a timeline that aligns with projections from Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Amazon CEO Andy Jassy. This optimism suggests that the field of quantum computing is on the cusp of significant advancements.
According to Kelly, quantum computers could soon facilitate breakthroughs in physics and generate novel data. “We think we’re about five years out from a real breakout, kind of practical application that you can only solve on a quantum computer,” Kelly told CNBC. This prediction follows Google’s recent announcement of a key advancement in error correction, considered a critical step toward functional quantum computers.
The quantum computing field has seen increased momentum recently. Microsoft’s unveiling of the Majorana chip in February further illustrates this point. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the groundbreaking nature of the chip, stating that its development required creating “an entirely new state of matter.”
Bill Gates and Amazon CEO Andy Jassy have also offered optimistic timelines for the development of practical quantum computers. These public comments suggest a growing consensus that quantum computing is poised for near-term breakthroughs. Gates stated that quantum computing technologies could achieve sufficient “true logical Qubits” within three to five years, which would enable them to tackle complex problems.
Jassy expressed hope for a rapid progression in quantum computing during a separate interview. When asked about the potential timeline, he said, “I’m hopeful that it’s more in the five-year range than it is in the 20-year range.”
This convergence of expert opinions suggests a rapidly evolving landscape for quantum computing, with the potential to revolutionize computation in the near future.
