Has Google made a quantum breakthrough?

This week, Google announced that it had made a major step forward in quantum computing with its new quantum chip Willow. The AI and search giant stated that it had successfully completed calculations that would previously have been impossible using its new piece of hardware.

In doing so, Google has taken shots at existing supercomputer infrastructure and driven excited chatter on social media – as well as worried posts about how the end of encryption is just around the corner. But how significant is this breakthrough? And what does it mean for the future of quantum computing?

In this episode, Jane and Rory recap Google’s Willow announcement and detail what its immediate and long-term implications could be.


Read more:

• Meet Willow, our state-of-the-art quantum chip
• Explained: P vs. NP
• Preparing for the quantum revolution
• UK government quantum investment welcomed by industry
• Why experts are warning businesses to prepare for quantum now – or face critical cyber risks when it arrives
• Quantum supremacy is here — so what?
• The quantum computing sector needs to cut the hype and focus on responsible development
• UK quantum computing ambitions need a 'pro-innovation' regulatory approach akin to AI