On February 20, 2025, Microsoft announced the creation of a revolutionary quantum chip called Majorana 1, which uses a new state of matter — a topological superconductor. This development marks a significant breakthrough in the field of quantum computing, paving the way for the creation of ultra-powerful quantum computers capable of solving tasks inaccessible to modern classical systems.
New state of matter: topological superconductor
The basis of Majorana 1 is the use of a topological superconductor — a material that allows the creation and control of so-called Majorana fermions. These subatomic particles have unique properties that make them less prone to errors and more controllable compared to traditional qubits. Using Majorana fermions enables the creation of topological qubits, which are more stable and reliable for scalable quantum computations.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the importance of this discovery, noting that the new material was discovered after nearly two decades of research and is a key element in creating more stable qubits. This breakthrough could lead to the development of quantum computers with a million qubits on a single chip, enabling the resolution of complex problems, inaccessible to current computers.
Potential of quantum computing
Quantum computers have the potential to revolutionize various fields, from cryptography to drug development. Thanks to their ability to process vast amounts of data and perform complex calculations much faster than classical computers, they can contribute to significant breakthroughs in science and technology. For example, in healthcare, quantum computing could accelerate the discovery of new medicines by modeling molecular interactions at the quantum level. In environmental science, they could help develop new materials for cleaning the environment or more efficient energy use.
Competition and prospects
Although Majorana 1 currently has fewer qubits compared to competitors like Google and IBM, its advantage lies in its lower error rate, making it more efficient. Microsoft forecasts that the commercial viability of these powerful quantum computers will be achieved within a few years, not decades, despite the challenges associated with scaling the technology.
The development of Majorana 1 was made possible thanks to the work of Microsoft laboratories in Washington State and Denmark, highlighting the global nature of research in this field. Competitors such as Google, IBM, and even the Chinese government are also actively investing in quantum technologies, which indicates a high level of interest and competition in this area.
Challenges and future
While the development of practical and reliable quantum computers may take several more years, Microsoft aims to create a functional quantum computing system by the end of this decade. This achievement carries significant geopolitical consequences, as both the USA and China are competing in the development of this technology. However, experts call for cautious optimism, as the field of quantum computing remains complex and filled with challenges.
The success of Majorana 1 is the result of nearly two decades of research by the company in the field of quantum computing. This breakthrough opens new possibilities for creating scalable and reliable quantum systems that could have a significant impact on various sectors, from medicine to ecology. Thanks to developments like Majorana 1, the future of quantum computing is becoming increasingly nearer and more tangible.
