It's a milestone in Google’s six-step plan to build a one-million-qubit system
Google’s parent company Alphabet Inc. saw its shares climb 6% on Tuesday after unveiling Willow, a next-generation quantum computing that can solve problems beyond the reach of conventional computers.
The Willow chip improves on its 2019 predecessor by demonstrating better performance on quantum benchmarks. Using quantum bits, or qubits, instead of traditional transistors, Willow operates in states of uncertainty, which enables complex computations.
Google stated that the chip offers progress in reducing errors—a critical hurdle in scaling quantum systems for practical use.
"Willow brings us closer to running practical, commercially relevant algorithms that can’t be replicated on conventional computers," Google wrote in a blog post, adding that the experiments suggest insights into the nature of reality, including the possibility of parallel universes.
The chip represents the second phase of Google’s six-step plan to create a functional quantum computer. While Willow operates with about 100 qubits, Google aims to eventually build a system featuring one million qubits to unlock transformative applications in fields such as drug discovery, energy, and material science.
Quantum computing remains a developing technology with significant challenges, and experts suggest its full potential—such as large-scale simulations and advanced cryptography—may not be realized for decades. Google’s efforts are part of a larger competition involving companies like IBM, Microsoft, and Nvidia, alongside numerous universities and startups.
CNBC reported the announcement generated significant interest, with technology leaders such as Tesla CEO Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman voicing their support on social media. Pichai even responded to Musk’s comments, hinting at the possibility of building a quantum computing cluster in space using SpaceX’s Starship.
