Redmond, WA / Copenhagen, Denmark, February 19, 2025 – Microsoft on Wednesday introduced its new Majorana 1 chip, an advanced quantum computing component that the company claims could shorten the timeline for practical quantum computers to "years, not decades."
The announcement positions Microsoft alongside Google and IBM in forecasting an imminent revolution in computing technology.
Quantum computing promises to perform calculations that would take today’s classical systems millions of years, potentially unlocking breakthroughs in medicine, chemistry, and other fields with complex molecular interactions. However, the key challenge has been managing qubits – the quantum equivalent of classical bits – which, while operating at incredible speeds, are notoriously prone to errors.
Microsoft’s Majorana 1 chip, developed over nearly two decades, is designed to overcome these challenges by leveraging a subatomic particle called the Majorana fermion. First theorized in the 1930s, Majorana fermions possess properties that can make qubits less error-prone. Fabricated using indium arsenide and aluminum, the device employs a superconducting nanowire to observe and control these particles with standard computing equipment.
“The hardest part has been solving the physics. There is no textbook for this, and we had to invent it,” said Jason Zander, Microsoft’s executive vice president overseeing long-term strategic projects, in an interview with Reuters. Describing Majorana 1 as a “high risk, high reward” initiative, Zander emphasized that while the chip currently contains far fewer qubits than rival systems from Google and IBM, the lower error rates could mean that fewer qubits will be needed to build a useful quantum computer.
Industry debates have long centered on when quantum computing will become a practical reality. While Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recently predicted that quantum technology might not overtake conventional AI chips for two decades, Google has suggested that commercial quantum applications could emerge within five years, and IBM forecasts large-scale quantum computers by 2033.
Philip Kim, a Harvard University physics professor not involved with the research, called Microsoft’s work an “exciting development” that could advance the scaling of quantum chips. “Microsoft’s use of a hybrid between traditional semiconductors and exotic superconductors appears to be a promising route toward chips that can be scaled up into more powerful systems,” he said.
Microsoft did not provide a specific timeline for when the Majorana 1 chip might be scaled up to create quantum computers that outperform today’s systems, but its recent announcement indicates that a fundamental shift in computing technology could be on the horizon—potentially within years.
As researchers continue to refine the underlying physics and engineering challenges, the unveiling of Majorana 1 adds momentum to the global race toward achieving practical quantum computing, promising to transform industries and computational capabilities across the board.
Feb 19 (Reuters) - Microsoft, opens new tab has developed an artificial intelligence model of a videogame which can help generate visuals and actions, the company announced on Wednesday.
Microsoft has announced a $700 million investment in Poland, focusing on expanding its data center, advancing AI, and enhancing cybersecurity.
OpenAI has introduced ChatGPT Gov, a secure, government-tailored version of its AI chatbot designed to enhance efficiency and service delivery across U.S. federal, state, and local agencies.
Microsoft has adjusted its long-standing partnership with OpenAI, ending its exclusivity as the sole provider of cloud infrastructure for the artificial intelligence firm. The shift comes as OpenAI diversifies its cloud partnerships with companies like SoftBank, Oracle, and others, as part of its re
Microsoft plans to invest nearly $100B in AI-enabled data centres by FY 2025, aiming to drive global innovation and maintain U.S. leadership in AI technology.
Pope Francis is showing improvement, the Vatican said, as the pontiff began his eighth day in hospital. Francis was admitted after struggling with breathing and is being treated for pneumonia.
EU boosts undersea cable security with nearly €1B reallocation, enhancing surveillance, deterrence, and rapid response. A new data-sharing system, drone program, and emergency repair fleet aim to protect critical infrastructure amid rising sabotage concerns.
China's centuries-old treasures have been pulled out of storage to be restored for display at Beijing's Forbidden City and Palace Museum. Meticulous repairs are needed ahead of the museum's 100th anniversary this year.
USAID has long promoted itself as a supporter of press freedom, but reports suggest its media funding may have influenced domestic narratives in Europe and post-Soviet states. With the Trump administration freezing its grants, the agency’s role in shaping global information is under scrutiny.
A Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday, injuring 18 people. Officials are investigating whether strong winds and snow played a role in the incident.
A tragic crowd crush at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night left 18 dead and 10 injured as thousands of people, many heading to the Kumbh Mela festival, attempted to board delayed trains. The incident highlights the ongoing risks of overcrowding at public transportation hubs in India.
Moscow, February 20, 2025 – Russia is intensifying its push to join the global artificial intelligence race, aiming to harness AI for both civilian and military applications and to bolster its economy despite ongoing sanctions and stiff competition from the United States and China.
China is set to leverage artificial intelligence in its ambitious mission to explore the outer reaches of the solar system, aiming to enhance spacecraft autonomy and improve data processing for deep space exploration.
China has launched PUMCH-GENESIS, an AI model designed to speed up and improve the diagnosis of rare genetic diseases. Developed with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, it helps detect conditions, recommend specialists, and manage appointments.
Polish startup Clone Robotics has unveiled Protoclone, the world’s first anatomically accurate humanoid robot, featuring artificial muscles, bones, and joints that enable lifelike movements.
Google on Wednesday rolled out an update for iOS that lets users search what’s on their screen with a simple gesture. The new feature, available in both the Google Chrome and Google Search apps, is similar to Android’s built-in “Circle to Search” function.
Pope Francis is showing improvement, the Vatican said, as the pontiff began his eighth day in hospital. Francis was admitted after struggling with breathing and is being treated for pneumonia.
EU boosts undersea cable security with nearly €1B reallocation, enhancing surveillance, deterrence, and rapid response. A new data-sharing system, drone program, and emergency repair fleet aim to protect critical infrastructure amid rising sabotage concerns.
China's centuries-old treasures have been pulled out of storage to be restored for display at Beijing's Forbidden City and Palace Museum. Meticulous repairs are needed ahead of the museum's 100th anniversary this year.
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