Will Microsoft's 'Majorana 1' Chip Hasten The Quantum Arms Race?
InformationWeek, Wednesday, February 19th, 2025
Microsoft says it created a 'new state of matter' to power a chip that will allow quantum computers to process a million 'qubits' that can tackle problems out of reach for even all of today's modern computers combined.
Tech giant Microsoft on Wednesday revealed its Majorana 1, a palm-sized 'topoconductor' chip that uses a new type of matter as a conductor that will allow quantum systems to solve incredibly complex problems.
The development could pave the way for a new era of computing -- along with a new era of high-powered cyberattacks.
Quantum computing uses quantum physics to solve problems that are too complex for classical bit-based computers. Businesses and governments have poured billions of dollars into quantum research, with companies and nations jockeying for the promised competitive advantage.