Google Foresees Commercial Quantum Computing Applications in Five Years
Google's head of quantum, Hartmut Neven, has announced that Google is on track to introduce commercial quantum computing applications within the next five years. This ambitious timeline challenges Nvidia's prediction of a 20-year wait for such advancements. Neven expressed optimism, stating, "We’re optimistic that within five years we’ll see real-world applications that are possible only on quantum computers."
The real-world applications Google envisions are primarily focused on materials science, including the development of superior batteries for electric vehicles, the creation of new drugs, and the exploration of new energy alternatives. This prediction from Google comes at a time of uncertainty regarding the timeline for significant breakthroughs in quantum computing, with estimates ranging from several years to two decades.
Quantum computing has long been a topic of discussion among scientists due to its potential to create machines significantly more powerful than traditional computers. While traditional computers process information sequentially, quantum computers utilise "qubits" that can represent multiple numbers simultaneously. The implications of quantum computing extend to various sectors, including modern cybersecurity, finance, and healthcare, capturing the attention of governments and businesses alike.
Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, has expressed a more conservative view, suggesting that practical applications of quantum computers may be around two decades away. Huang's remarks at the CES trade show in Las Vegas indicated that a 20-year timeline is more plausible, with earlier estimates considered premature and later ones deemed too distant. His comments led to a significant drop in market value for quantum computing stocks.
Google's quantum computing journey began in 2012, with the company making significant strides in the field. By leveraging quantum processors, Google claims to have solved complex computing problems in minutes that would take traditional computers an incomprehensible amount of time to process. The recent announcement from Google's quantum computing scientists, published in the journal Nature, highlights a new approach to quantum simulation, bringing them closer to achieving their goal of real-world applications within five years.
Google aims to launch commercial quantum computing applications within five years, focusing on materials science and other innovative fields.
Nvidia's CEO predicts a longer timeline of around 20 years for practical uses of quantum computers, causing a market reaction in quantum computing stocks.
Google's advancements in quantum computing, including solving complex problems efficiently, demonstrate progress towards real-world applications within the next five years.
Source: REUTERS