After AI, Quantum Computing Eyes Its "Sputnik" Moment

Quantum computing, which promises groundbreaking advancements in fields like drug development and climate change, is on the brink of a significant breakthrough, akin to the "Sputnik" moment, according to Steve Brierley, the founder of Cambridge-based Riverlane.

Riverlane's confidence in the sector is underscored by their recent announcement of $75 million in Series C funding.

The company is at the forefront of the quantum race, having developed the world’s first dedicated quantum decoder chip that detects and corrects errors currently hindering the technology.

This progress was reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP).

“Quantum computing is not going to be just slightly better than the previous computer, it’s going to be a huge step forward,” Brierley stated.

John Martinis, former quantum computing lead at Google Quantum AI, highlighted the importance of reliable error correction schemes in realizing the technology’s potential.

Riverlane's confidence in the sector is underscored by their recent announcement of $75 million in Series C funding.

This round is typically the last before an initial public offering (IPO). Earl Campbell, Riverlane's vice president of quantum science, stated that within the next two to three years, they aim to develop systems capable of supporting a million error-free operations, a threshold where quantum computers are expected to outperform conventional ones.