In late 2024 and early 2025, both Google and Microsoft revealed significant breakthroughs from their quantum computing labs. Google introduced the “Willow” chip, featuring remarkable benchmarks and innovative hardware specifications, while Microsoft’s more recent “Majorana” chip took the quantum computing race to new heights. Google released the results of rigorous testing on Willow, showing a new record in qubit count, improved error correction, and greater system stability. Microsoft, meanwhile, announced that Majorana had surpassed the 1 million qubit mark. They also revealed a revolutionary integrated bit error detection mechanism, eliminating the need for external correction systems. In a bold claim, Microsoft attributed these breakthroughs to their discovery of a new form of matter known as topoconductors.
In the weeks following these announcements, the scientific and tech communities have been abuzz with debate over the capabilities and validity of these chips. Until now, quantum computing advancements were mostly confined to specialist labs, with little impact beyond the research community. These new chips, however, mark a pivotal leap forward—bringing us closer to a future where quantum computing is not just theoretical, but commercially viable.
What Is Quantum Computing?
At its core, quantum computing uses quantum particles called qubits to process information. Unlike the binary bits in classical computing, which represent either a 0 or a 1, qubits can represent multiple values simultaneously. This is enabled by two quantum principles: superposition, where qubits exist in multiple states at once, and entanglement, where the state of one qubit is dependent on another, even over long distances. This allows for parallel computation, meaning certain calculations can be performed exponentially faster than with classical methods.
The real significance lies in the way quantum computing challenges the traditional notion that problems must be solved using just 1s and 0s. For decades, engineers designed technology with that assumption. Quantum computing breaks it—opening the door to solving problems once considered intractable.
A Threat to Cybersecurity
This radical shift in computational power has profound implications across many fields, with cybersecurity among the most vulnerable. Today’s internet relies on encryption systems based on the assumption that certain mathematical problems are impossible to solve in a reasonable time. One widely used system, RSA encryption, secures data through the difficulty of factoring large prime numbers. Even using distributed supercomputers, it would take billions of years to crack RSA with current technology.
Quantum computers, however, could do it in minutes. The key is Shor’s Algorithm, developed in the 1990s, which dramatically reduces the time needed to factor these numbers. As a result, experts believe we are nearing the point where traditional encryption will become obsolete. The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has projected that RSA will remain secure only until 2030.
Potential for Positive Disruption
While quantum computing poses real threats to data security, it also holds enormous promise for positive change—particularly in the development of modern AI systems. Models like ChatGPT rely on the optimisation of billions of parameters through matrix operations, an immensely resource-intensive process. Quantum optimisation algorithms could dramatically reduce the time and energy required to train such models, accelerating AI development and reducing its environmental impact.
That said, most of the algorithms promising these gains are still theoretical. They require quantum hardware that doesn’t yet exist at scale. For now, these benefits remain a future possibility—out of reach, but not out of sight.
A New Scientific Frontier
The advent of a practical quantum computer could reshape society in countless ways. Already, the scientific community is adapting. New research areas are emerging under the labels “quantum-safe” or “post-quantum” technologies—fields that aim to develop tools and systems resistant to quantum attacks. For cybersecurity, this means designing encryption methods even advanced quantum computers can’t break. NIST has taken the lead in this effort, with several promising solutions already in development.
“Post-quantum” thinking reflects a deeper transformation in how science approaches complex problems. While progress is still in its early stages, rapid development in these areas is expected as the threat—and potential—of quantum computing becomes more immediate.
Educating the Next Quantum Generation
Such a foundational change demands an overhaul of the education system. A 2021 report by McKinsey highlighted a dramatic shortage of quantum specialists, with demand outpacing supply by nearly three to one. Since then, universities around the world have started integrating quantum mechanics into undergraduate science, engineering, and computer science programs.
Beyond formal education, platforms like YouTube, Khan Academy, and Udemy are making quantum concepts more accessible to a wider audience. Far from being a niche topic, quantum theory is fundamental to disciplines like chemistry, biology, and engineering. As quantum computing becomes more prominent, the need for a “quantum-literate” workforce becomes increasingly urgent.
Quantum Research at UCD
At University College Dublin, the Centre for Quantum Engineering, Science, and Technology (C-QuEST) was established in 2021 to help Ireland stay ahead of the curve. With over 50 researchers across multiple departments, the centre focuses on both theoretical and applied aspects of quantum science. It has built partnerships with major tech firms such as Google and IBM, as well as local startups like Equal1Labs, founded at UCD.
“It is a major goal of C-QuEST to promote quantum science and technologies education,” said Professor Andrew Mitchell, director of the centre. “We aim to play a key role in training up the ‘quantum literate’ workforce of the future—developing the talent pipeline demanded by industry and preparing our graduates for the emerging challenges of advanced technologies.”
Challenges Ahead
Despite major strides, we’re still a long way from a fully reliable, commercially viable quantum computer. The main obstacles remain high error rates and the requirement for extremely low temperatures—near absolute zero (-273 °C)—to maintain qubit stability. Google and Microsoft have made progress in addressing these challenges, but substantial technical hurdles remain.
For now, most quantum computers still operate in experimental settings, with real-world applications limited. Critics—including physics researchers and even the original architects of RSA—have questioned the recent announcements, accusing tech companies of overhyping their progress and distracting from more immediate scientific priorities.
What Comes Next?
The Willow and Majorana chips mark an important step: a shift from theoretical milestones to real-world potential. The next challenge for quantum leaders is producing tangible results—applications that extend beyond the lab and begin to reshape industries.
Experts such as those at NIST estimate that meaningful quantum computing applications could arrive within a decade. That’s a short runway for society to prepare. As we stand on the edge of this transformation, we must ready ourselves not just for the threats, but also for the opportunities. With thoughtful preparation and sustained investment, quantum computing could fundamentally change the world—for the better.
Hugh Fitzpatrick – Contributor
