Quantum computing is advancing faster than many scientists expected, with breakthroughs in scalability, error-correction, and infrastructure expediting the timeline for achieving quantum advantage. A recent survey revealed that 74.9% of the quantum computing community expects quantum computers to outperform classical computers for specific tasks within the next decade. Quantum computers are now operational in labs run by IBM, Google, Microsoft, D-Wave, QuEra, and others worldwide.
The primary challenge is making these systems useful and scalable, which will only happen once they become profitable and can tackle tasks that classical computers cannot. Innovations in error-correcting, fault-tolerance, and infrastructure have produced quantum systems operating at room temperature and demonstrating quantum advantage. Quantum computers are designed to solve complex problems that will remain unsolvable even as classical computing approaches its zenith.
Riverlane, a Cambridge-based company, has developed a chip capable of detecting and correcting the errors currently hindering quantum computing. The company’s founder, Steve Brierley, anticipates that quantum computing will soon achieve its “Sputnik” breakthrough, representing a huge step forward. John Martinis, former quantum computing lead at Google Quantum AI, explained that the progression of quantum computing requires a significant improvement in scale and reliability, necessitating dependable error correction mechanisms.
Riverlane advances quantum computing capabilities
Riverlane has created the world’s first dedicated quantum decoder chip to address and correct these errors. Quantum computers operate fundamentally differently than traditional computers, using qubits that can represent all values between 0 and 1, exponentially increasing the amount of information that can be processed.
However, the quantum domain’s peculiarities demand repeated readings and complex algorithms to handle the information, amplifying the need for precise control of qubits and robust error correction. Technology giants such as Google, IBM, Microsoft, and Amazon are investing heavily in developing error-resistant qubits. Riverlane’s recent $75 million Series C funding boost will aid the scaling up of this technology and further the integration of error correction systems.
As quantum computing edges closer to practical application, its potential to disrupt and enhance numerous fields is prompting regulatory attention. Brierley urges a proactive approach to understanding and guiding the technology, mirroring lessons learned from the rapid advancement of AI. Quantum computing startups have been receiving significant investment attention this year, with nearly $1.4 billion raised across more than two dozen rounds.
This figure is almost double the $777 million that similar startups raised throughout last year, signaling a promising future for the technology as it moves closer to mainstream adoption.
