IBM has unveiled its roadmap for advancing quantum computing with the introduction of the Quantum Nighthawk processor, set to debut in 2025. This processor will initially support quantum circuits with
5,000 gates, matching the capabilities of its predecessor, the Quantum Heron. However, IBM plans to significantly enhance this capacity to
15,000 gates by 2028, marking a critical step toward fault-tolerant quantum computing.
The Nighthawk processor is a key component of IBM's broader vision culminating in the
Quantum Starling system, which the company aims to deliver by 2029. Starling is projected to be the world’s first large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer, housed at IBM’s quantum data center in Poughkeepsie, New York. It will feature
200 logical qubits and the ability to run quantum circuits with
100 million quantum gates, representing a massive leap in computational power.
IBM executives express confidence in achieving fault tolerance by 2029, with expectations to reach quantum advantage even earlier, by 2026. The Quantum Starling system is expected to have
20,000 times the computational power of current quantum computers, underscoring IBM’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of quantum technology.
"By 2029, we will deliver IBM Quantum Starling — a large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer capable of running quantum circuits comprising 100 million quantum gates on 200 logical qubits," IBM stated.
This roadmap aligns with IBM’s strategic focus on hybrid cloud and AI sectors, which are vital for its long-term growth, while also promising substantial technological breakthroughs in quantum computing.
The Quantum Nighthawk processor’s phased gate increase from 5,000 to 15,000 by 2028 is a pivotal milestone on the path to fault tolerance, potentially unlocking new applications and efficiencies in quantum computing.
IBM’s plan reflects a significant investment in quantum research and development, positioning the company at the forefront of the race to build practical, scalable quantum machines.
IBM announced the upcoming release of its Quantum Nighthawk processor in 2025, aiming to enhance quantum computing capabilities with 5,000 gates initially and scaling to 15,000 gates by 2028. This development is part of IBM's broader plan to achieve fault-tolerant quantum computing by 2029 with the Quantum Starling system.
