IBM Sets the Course to Build World's First Large-Scale, Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computer at New IBM Quantum Data Center

Core Viewpoint - IBM has announced its plan to develop the world's first large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer, named IBM Quantum Starling, which is expected to be operational by 2029 and will significantly outperform current quantum systems [1][3][4]. Group 1: IBM Quantum Starling Overview - IBM Quantum Starling will be built in a new data center in Poughkeepsie, New York, and is projected to perform 20,000 times more operations than existing quantum computers [4][6]. - The computational state of IBM Starling will require the memory equivalent to more than a quindecillion (10^48) of the world's most powerful supercomputers [4][6]. - The system will enable users to explore complex quantum states that are currently inaccessible with existing quantum technology [4]. Group 2: Quantum Roadmap and Technical Innovations - IBM is releasing a new Quantum Roadmap that outlines the development of a practical, fault-tolerant quantum computer, which could revolutionize fields such as drug development and materials discovery [5][16]. - The roadmap includes the introduction of two technical papers detailing the use of quantum low-density parity check (qLDPC) codes, which can reduce the number of physical qubits needed for error correction by approximately 90% [14][16]. - Future processors, such as IBM Quantum Loon, Kookaburra, and Cockatoo, are designed to test and implement components necessary for achieving fault tolerance and scalability [17][18]. Group 3: Error Correction and Logical Qubits - Logical qubits, which are essential for error correction, are formed from clusters of physical qubits, allowing for lower error rates and enabling the execution of more operations [8][9]. - The architecture for a large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer must efficiently create logical qubits while minimizing the number of physical qubits used [10][12]. - The success of this architecture relies on the choice of error-correcting codes and the overall design of the system to ensure scalability [11].