IBM has revealed its roadmap to deliver a fully functional quantum computer by 2029. The company aimed to overcome the key challenge of error correction that currently limits quantum performance. They plan to construct a new quantum system, named Starling. It would be located in a dedicated data centre in Poughkeepsie, New York, marking a major milestone in quantum innovation.
Quantum computers leverage the principles of quantum mechanics to tackle highly complex problems that would take classical computers thousands of years to solve. However, current quantum systems face significant hurdles, including high error rates. A large portion of their qubits is used for correcting these errors, limiting their real-world utility.
Starling: A 200-Logical Qubit Breakthrough
IBM’s Starling system will feature 200 logical qubits, a benchmark figure that experts predict will offer significant advantages over traditional computing systems. These logical qubits serve as error-corrected, functional units capable of performing meaningful computations.This advancement could position IBM at the forefront of the quantum computing race. Other companies in the race include tech giants such as Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, and several deep-tech startups.
Jay Gambetta, IBM’s Vice President of Quantum Computing, shared that the company revised its approach to quantum development in 2019. Instead of designing hardware around theoretical models, IBM began developing error-correction algorithms based on practical chip architectures. This new methodology has dramatically improved IBM’s ability to scale up quantum systems.
Gambetta emphasized, “We’ve answered the science questions. What lies ahead is an engineering challenge—no miracles needed, just smart execution.”
The Road Ahead to 2033
Between now and 2027, IBM plans to release incremental quantum systems, each building on prior achievements. The long-term goal? A significantly larger, scalable quantum system by 2033—a move that could transform industries like cryptography, materials science, finance, and drug discovery.