Microsoft’s Majorana 1: A Quantum Leap or a Step Aside?

Microsoft’s recent announcement of its new quantum computing chip, Majorana 1, has ignited discussion within the tech and investment communities. While the tech giant’s entry into the quantum arena is significant, experts are divided on the chip’s immediate impact and its implications for the broader quantum computing landscape.

The Quantum Computing Race

In December 2024, Google announced its own quantum computing chip, setting off a flurry of activity in the stock market. Quantum computing stocks like Rigetti Computing (RGTI) and D-Wave (QBTS) saw increased trading volume as investors looked to capitalize on the burgeoning technology. Now, Microsoft (MSFT) is entering the fray.

On February 19, 2025, Microsoft revealed Majorana 1, its latest quantum chip, which some are calling a breakthrough in quantum computing. However, determining whether this announcement propels Microsoft to the forefront of the quantum race requires a deeper understanding of the technology and expert opinions.

Understanding Microsoft’s Quantum Approach

At the heart of quantum computing lies the qubit, the quantum equivalent of a classical computer’s bit. But qubits suffer from instability due to external disturbances. This instability leads to errors in calculations, hindering the utility of quantum computers. The key goal is to reduce or correct these errors.

One approach involves spreading errors across many physical qubits to create a single, functional logical qubit. This method is used by Google, but it is inefficient because it requires many physical qubits to create a single usable qubit.

Microsoft is taking a different approach to limit errors. The company is aiming to use topological qubits that rely on Majorana zero modes (MZMs). These MZMs naturally spread quantum information, making the qubits less susceptible to environmental disturbances. This inherent error resistance means that fewer physical qubits are needed to create a logical qubit, making it more scalable.

Expert Opinions on Majorana 1

Experts have expressed differing views on Microsoft’s claims.

Jainendra Jain, a physicist at Penn State University and a winner of the 1998 Nobel Prize in Physics, stated that the research “does not demonstrate a Majorana qubit but instead demonstrates the feasibility of a measurement.”

As reported by Physics World, Winfried Hensinger, a physicist at the University of Sussex, said the peer-reviewed publication contains “no proof for topological qubits.” He criticized Microsoft for lack of clarity in its press release and believes topological quantum computing is 20 to 30 years behind other methods.

Paul Stevenson, a math and physics professor at the University of Surrey, is quoted by the Science Media Center as saying that Microsoft “so far has failed to demonstrate working devices while competitors have been building basic quantum computers for a few years now using other qubit technology.”

Implications for Microsoft and Other Quantum Stocks

There are several key takeaways from Microsoft’s Majorana 1 announcement. Microsoft appears to be on a longer path to scalable quantum computing. There’s uncertainty about the progress the company has made in producing the topological qubit. Microsoft is presenting its results at the Global Physics Summit of the American Physical Society in March. This is a significant advancement in quantum computing, though its exact implications are still unclear.

Due to uncertainty, it’s hard to say now whether Microsoft’s announcement positions them as a leader in the quantum computing field. It is unknown whether this announcement will affect the prospects of other quantum companies, as they may be taking different approaches.

While the envelope is being pushed in quantum computing, its real-world applicability remains some years away.