IBM, a pioneer in quantum computing, has set its sights on an audacious goal – building a quantum machine with a staggering 100,000 qubits within the next 10 years. This ambitious endeavor was announced at the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan, and involves collaboration with the University of Tokyo and the University of Chicago, backed by a $100 million investment.

IBM’s quantum journey began with the creation of a 433-qubit Osprey processor, setting records in quantum computing. Now, the company aims to leap forward into uncharted territory. This 100,000-qubit quantum system is poised to usher in a new era of scientific discovery, addressing critical challenges in fields like pharmacology, fertilizer production, battery technology, and beyond by harnessing the immense computational power of quantum machines.

Quantum computing harnesses the unique properties of quantum physics to store and process information. In contrast to classical computers, which rely on binary encoding (0s and 1s), quantum computers use qubits as their fundamental units of memory. This shift promises groundbreaking capabilities, but quantum computers have been plagued by noise and interference issues, hindering their practical utility.

IBM’s grand vision aligns with its roadmap, which suggests that its existing quantum computers can scale up to 5,000 qubits. Beyond this threshold, new technologies and methodologies are essential. Google, too, is pursuing a million-qubit quantum system, and PsiQuantum in Palo Alto is exploring a similar venture. Maryland-based IonQ is setting its sights on a 1,024 “logical qubit” system by 2028.

Crucially, IBM recognizes the role of collaboration with academia in achieving this quantum leap. Partnering with renowned universities, it aims to push the boundaries of quantum computing research. Google has adopted a similar strategy, investing $50 million in quantum research at the University of Tokyo and the University of Chicago.

IBM’s commitment to democratizing quantum computing has been evident in its efforts to make quantum processors accessible to researchers. Through cloud-based interfaces, scientists worldwide can harness the power of IBM’s quantum computers with minimal technical expertise. This approach has already fueled thousands of research articles and experiments.

As the quantum race accelerates, IBM’s audacious endeavor promises to reshape the landscape of computational possibilities, offering a glimpse into the extraordinary potential of quantum machines.