Quantum computing is advancing at a staggering pace. The numbers don’t lie—every year, quantum computers are getting faster, more powerful, and increasingly useful. While traditional computers rely on bits that are either 0s or 1s, quantum computers use qubits, which can exist in multiple states at once. This unique property allows quantum computers to solve problems exponentially faster than even the best classical supercomputers.
1. In 1998, the first 2-qubit quantum computer was demonstrated
Back in 1998, quantum computing was still a theoretical dream. Scientists built a simple 2-qubit machine, proving that quantum computing was possible. It couldn’t do much, but it laid the foundation for future developments.
Fast forward to today, and we have systems with hundreds of qubits, and companies are aiming for thousands in the coming years. If the progress from 2 to hundreds of qubits in 25 years tells us anything, it’s that quantum computing is not just advancing—it’s accelerating.
2. IBM’s 5-qubit quantum computer became publicly accessible on the cloud in 2016
IBM made a bold move in 2016 when it put a 5-qubit quantum computer online for public access. Before this, quantum computing was limited to researchers in high-tech labs. Suddenly, anyone in the world could experiment with a real quantum system.
This was a game-changer because it allowed more people—scientists, students, and businesses—to explore quantum computing. Today, companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft also provide cloud-based quantum computing services, allowing widespread innovation.
3. Google’s Sycamore processor achieved quantum supremacy in 2019 with 53 qubits
A Defining Moment in Quantum Computing
In 2019, Google’s Sycamore processor made history by performing a specific calculation in just 200 seconds—a task that would take the world’s most powerful supercomputer over 10,000 years.
This event, known as “quantum supremacy,” marked the first time a quantum computer outperformed a classical computer in a meaningful way. But what does this mean for businesses, industries, and the future of computing?
Why Google’s Breakthrough Was More Than Just a Milestone
For businesses, Google’s quantum supremacy wasn’t just a tech flex—it was a signal that we are entering an era where computing power will grow exponentially.
Unlike traditional computers that process information in binary (0s and 1s), quantum computers like Sycamore use qubits, which can exist in multiple states at once. This ability allows quantum machines to process massive amounts of data at unprecedented speeds.
This breakthrough was particularly relevant for industries reliant on complex problem-solving, such as:
- Pharmaceuticals – Simulating molecular interactions to accelerate drug discovery
- Finance – Enhancing risk assessment models and fraud detection
- Logistics – Optimizing supply chains and route planning with unimaginable efficiency
- Cybersecurity – Revolutionizing encryption techniques to counter future quantum threats
4. Google’s Sycamore processor completed a task in 200 seconds that would take a supercomputer 10,000 years
Google’s achievement was not just about speed. It demonstrated that quantum computers can tackle problems that classical computers struggle with.
This doesn’t mean quantum computers will replace traditional computers overnight, but for tasks like optimization, cryptography, and drug discovery, their potential is revolutionary.
5. IBM released a 127-qubit quantum processor, Eagle, in 2021
A Defining Moment for Quantum Computing
In 2021, IBM unveiled Eagle, a groundbreaking 127-qubit quantum processor that sent a clear signal to businesses: quantum computing is no longer a far-off vision—it’s accelerating at an unprecedented pace.
This milestone wasn’t just about increasing qubit count. It was about pushing quantum computing into a realm where classical computers struggle to keep up, paving the way for real-world business applications.
For companies watching from the sidelines, Eagle represented a shift. It signaled the start of an era where quantum capabilities would soon outpace traditional computing in solving complex problems. Those who paid attention began positioning themselves early to leverage this power
6. IBM unveiled the 433-qubit Osprey processor in 2022
Just a year after Eagle, IBM launched Osprey, a 433-qubit quantum processor. This was nearly four times the qubit count of its predecessor.
The pace of growth here is astounding. If this trend continues, quantum computers with thousands of qubits will be available in just a few years.
7. IBM announced a roadmap to reach 4,000 qubits by 2025
IBM has an ambitious goal: to develop a 4,000-qubit processor by 2025. That’s a huge jump from today’s leading systems.
Why does this matter? Because as qubit counts increase, quantum computers will be able to handle larger, more complex calculations—opening the door to solving real-world problems like optimizing supply chains, designing new materials, and simulating molecules for drug discovery.
8. Quantum volume, IBM’s performance metric, has been doubling approximately every year
Understanding Quantum Volume as a Benchmark for Growth
IBM’s quantum volume is one of the most reliable ways to measure the increasing power of quantum computers.
Unlike classical computing metrics such as clock speed or transistor count, quantum volume captures the real-world performance of a quantum system by factoring in not just the number of qubits but also their connectivity, coherence time, and error rates.
In simple terms, it tells us how effectively a quantum computer can solve complex problems.
Over the past several years, IBM has successfully doubled its quantum volume nearly every year. This is a strong indicator that quantum computing power isn’t just advancing—it’s scaling at a pace that businesses need to pay attention to.
9. In 2020, Honeywell claimed its quantum computer had a quantum volume of 64
Honeywell entered the quantum race with a system boasting a quantum volume of 64 in 2020. At the time, this was a significant improvement over other systems.
Quantum volume matters because simply adding qubits isn’t enough—those qubits need to be reliable. Honeywell’s success showed that performance can improve in ways beyond just increasing qubit numbers.
10. IBM’s quantum volume increased to 128 in 2021
By 2021, IBM doubled its quantum volume to 128, reinforcing the trend of consistent growth.
Quantum computers need both high qubit counts and high quantum volume to be useful. This improvement brought us one step closer to real-world applications.
11. IBM’s Heron processor in 2023 showed a significant improvement in error reduction
Errors are one of the biggest challenges in quantum computing. IBM’s Heron processor introduced new techniques to reduce error rates significantly.
The impact? Fewer mistakes mean more reliable computations, bringing us closer to practical quantum computing.
12. In 2022, Google announced plans to build a 1,000,000-qubit quantum computer by the end of the decade
A Bold Vision That Signals a Quantum Future
In 2022, Google made a game-changing announcement: its goal to develop a 1,000,000-qubit quantum computer within a decade.
This isn’t just a bigger and better machine—it’s a transformative leap that could redefine computing, problem-solving, and entire industries.
This declaration wasn’t just about pushing the limits of technology. It was a clear message to businesses, governments, and researchers worldwide that quantum computing is moving from theory to reality.
Companies that fail to prepare now may find themselves outpaced in a landscape that is rapidly shifting toward quantum-driven solutions.
13. In 2021, IBM introduced the roadmap for a 1,121-qubit Condor processor
Why IBM’s 1,121-Qubit Plan Was a Tipping Point
When IBM revealed its ambitious roadmap in 2021 for a quantum processor with 1,121 qubits—named Condor—it wasn’t just another announcement. It was a declaration of intent.
Quantum computing was no longer an experimental science project. It was heading straight for large-scale commercial application, and businesses needed to take notice.
Condor represented a significant leap in power, but more importantly, it marked the beginning of a shift where quantum systems would move beyond research labs and into real-world problem-solving.
Companies that previously dismissed quantum computing as “not relevant yet” suddenly found themselves reconsidering their stance.
14. Rigetti’s quantum processors have been increasing qubit counts by roughly 2x every 1-2 years
The Rapid Expansion of Rigetti’s Quantum Processors
Rigetti Computing has been making significant strides in quantum computing, steadily doubling its qubit counts every 1-2 years.
Unlike traditional computing, where performance gains follow Moore’s Law, quantum computing’s progress is less predictable—but Rigetti has managed to maintain a consistent and aggressive scaling trajectory.
This means that businesses tracking quantum advancements need to pay attention. More qubits don’t just mean more power; they mean new possibilities—faster simulations, better AI models, and stronger encryption, among many other breakthroughs.
15. D-Wave’s quantum annealers have scaled from 128 qubits in 2011 to over 5,000 qubits in 2020
D-Wave specializes in quantum annealing, a different approach to quantum computing. Their systems jumped from 128 qubits in 2011 to over 5,000 in 2020.
Though quantum annealers are different from gate-based quantum computers, their rapid growth is still a sign of how fast the field is evolving.
16. IonQ announced a 32-qubit quantum computer with industry-leading fidelity in 2021
In 2021, IonQ announced a 32-qubit quantum computer, but what made it stand out was not just the number of qubits—it was its fidelity (the accuracy of its calculations). Fidelity is just as important as qubit count because a quantum computer with high qubits but low fidelity produces unreliable results.
IonQ’s system was significant because it demonstrated that qubits could be both numerous and reliable. This is a key step toward making quantum computing useful for solving real-world problems.
17. Intel developed a 49-qubit superconducting quantum processor called Tangle Lake in 2018
Intel is better known for classical computer chips, but in 2018, they entered the quantum space with Tangle Lake, a 49-qubit superconducting processor.
While other companies have surpassed this qubit count, Intel’s focus has been on scalability and manufacturability. They’re exploring ways to mass-produce quantum chips, similar to how they manufacture classical processors.
If successful, this could accelerate the adoption of quantum computing across industries.
18. In 2023, QuEra developed a neutral-atom-based quantum processor with 256 qubits
While most quantum computers use superconducting qubits, QuEra took a different approach in 2023 by developing a 256-qubit neutral-atom processor.
Neutral-atom quantum computing uses individual atoms trapped in an optical lattice. This method has some advantages over superconducting qubits, such as longer coherence times and the potential for better error correction.
If this technology scales, it could compete with the leading quantum architectures.
19. IBM’s Falcon quantum processor in 2019 had a quantum volume of 32
A New Benchmark for Measuring Quantum Performance
When IBM unveiled its Falcon quantum processor in 2019, it introduced a quantum machine with a quantum volume of 32. While qubits often steal the spotlight in discussions about quantum computing, quantum volume is a far more practical measure of a processor’s real-world performance.
Quantum volume considers multiple factors beyond just the number of qubits, including error rates, connectivity, and gate fidelity. This makes it a more accurate representation of a quantum computer’s ability to solve complex problems efficiently—which is exactly what businesses need to pay attention to.
20. IBM’s Hummingbird processor in 2020 had 65 qubits
A year later, IBM launched Hummingbird, a 65-qubit processor. While the increase in qubits was important, IBM also focused on reducing errors and improving connectivity between qubits.
Each new processor builds upon the lessons of the previous one, gradually improving performance and reliability.
21. By 2022, IonQ claimed a computational volume 32,000 times greater than their 2019 system
A Quantum Leap That Caught the Industry’s Attention
By 2022, IonQ made a bold claim—its quantum systems had achieved a computational volume 32,000 times greater than its 2019 models. This was not just an incremental improvement; it was a paradigm shift.
For businesses keeping an eye on quantum advancements, this was a moment of reckoning. IonQ’s achievement proved that quantum computing was evolving at a pace far beyond conventional computing trends.
Companies that had previously dismissed quantum as “not mature enough” had to reassess their timelines. The acceleration was happening now, not decades down the road.
22. Researchers demonstrated a 1,000-qubit logical quantum computer concept in 2023
Why the 1,000-Qubit Logical Quantum Computer Concept Is a Game-Changer
In 2023, researchers unveiled a 1,000-qubit logical quantum computer concept, marking one of the most significant advancements in quantum computing to date.
This breakthrough isn’t just about increasing qubit counts—it’s about scalability, error correction, and real-world usability.
Logical qubits are different from physical qubits. While physical qubits are prone to noise and errors, logical qubits combine multiple physical qubits to create a stable, error-corrected quantum state.
The leap to a 1,000-logical-qubit system means quantum computers are moving closer to solving problems that classical computers simply cannot handle.
For businesses, this milestone means that quantum computing is no longer an abstract concept but a tangible technology with real commercial potential. Companies that plan their quantum strategy now will be in a prime position to capitalize on the coming revolution.
23. Quantum error rates have been decreasing by a factor of 10 roughly every 3-4 years
The Race to Reduce Quantum Errors
Quantum computing isn’t just about increasing qubits; it’s about making those qubits reliable.
One of the biggest challenges in early quantum computers has been error rates, which occur due to the fragile nature of qubits and their tendency to lose information (decoherence).
But here’s the breakthrough: quantum error rates have been decreasing by a factor of 10 roughly every 3 to 4 years. This means quantum computers are becoming significantly more stable, more accurate, and, most importantly, more useful for solving real-world business problems.
24. Quantum coherence times have improved by a factor of 100 since the early 2000s
The Silent Revolution Behind Quantum Computing’s Breakthrough
Quantum computing is often measured in qubits and processing power, but one of the most significant advancements has been in quantum coherence time—the duration a qubit can maintain its state before errors creep in.
Since the early 2000s, coherence times have improved by a factor of 100x, dramatically extending how long quantum processors can perform calculations before they lose stability.
For businesses, this shift isn’t just technical jargon—it’s the key to unlocking real-world quantum applications. Improved coherence means fewer errors, longer computations, and the ability to tackle more complex problems that were previously beyond reach.
Companies that understand this shift are positioning themselves ahead of the curve.
25. Fidelity of quantum gates has improved from ~90% in the early 2000s to over 99.9% in 2023
The Evolution of Quantum Gate Fidelity and Why It Matters
Quantum computing has long faced a critical challenge: error rates. Unlike classical computers, where bits can be stored and processed with near-perfect accuracy, quantum computers rely on qubits that are highly sensitive to noise and interference.
In the early 2000s, quantum gate fidelity—the measure of how accurately a quantum operation is performed—was around 90%. This meant that errors were frequent, making it difficult to perform complex calculations.
Fast forward to 2023, and fidelity levels have surpassed 99.9%. This marks a fundamental shift: quantum computers are no longer just experimental—they are approaching practical usability.
For businesses watching quantum computing’s progress, this milestone signals a major shift toward reliability and scalability. It’s no longer just about more qubits; it’s about better, more accurate qubits that businesses can trust for real-world applications.
26. In 2021, Google demonstrated quantum error correction with 100+ physical qubits
A Major Leap Toward Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing
In 2021, Google took a critical step toward making quantum computing practical by demonstrating quantum error correction using 100+ physical qubits.
This wasn’t just an incremental improvement—it was a major milestone on the path to scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computers that could solve real-world business problems.
Error correction has always been the Achilles’ heel of quantum computing. Qubits are incredibly fragile, easily disturbed by noise, and prone to errors. Without effective error correction, quantum computers remain unreliable for large-scale applications.
Google’s achievement signaled that the industry is now actively solving this challenge, bringing us closer to quantum machines that businesses can rely on.
27. IBM aims to develop fault-tolerant quantum computers by 2030
The Race Toward Error-Free Quantum Computing
IBM’s goal to develop fault-tolerant quantum computers by 2030 is more than just an ambitious target—it’s a defining moment for businesses looking to gain a competitive edge in the quantum era.
Today’s quantum computers, while powerful, still struggle with error rates that limit their practical applications. Fault tolerance is the missing piece that will transform quantum computing from an experimental technology into a mainstream business tool.
For companies in finance, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and beyond, this milestone signals one thing: quantum computing is about to become commercially viable, and the window to prepare is shrinking fast.
28. Quantum processors have seen a Moore’s Law-like doubling of qubits approximately every 18-24 months
Quantum Processors and the Exponential Growth of Qubits
For decades, Moore’s Law has been the guiding principle of classical computing, predicting that transistor counts (and thus computing power) would double approximately every two years.
Now, a similar trend is emerging in quantum computing: the number of qubits in quantum processors has been doubling every 18 to 24 months.
This rapid expansion of qubits is not just a theoretical milestone—it’s a game-changing shift that signals the acceleration of quantum computing’s commercial potential.
Businesses that once viewed quantum as a distant future technology must now reconsider how and when to integrate quantum into their strategy.
29. Superconducting qubit lifetimes have increased from microseconds to milliseconds over two decades
Quantum coherence time has improved dramatically over the years. Superconducting qubits, which once lasted only microseconds, can now maintain their state for milliseconds.
This improvement means quantum computers can perform more complex calculations before errors occur, making them increasingly practical for real-world applications.
30. In 2023, researchers successfully entangled over 1,000 trapped ions in a scalable quantum system
A Turning Point for Large-Scale Quantum Computing
In 2023, researchers achieved a major milestone by successfully entangling over 1,000 trapped ions in a scalable quantum system. This was more than just a scientific achievement—it was a paradigm shift in how quantum computers will be built and scaled in the near future.
Entanglement is the backbone of quantum computing, allowing qubits to work together in ways classical bits never could. But scaling entanglement to thousands of qubits has been a challenge due to instability, noise, and error rates.
By entangling over 1,000 trapped ions in a controlled, scalable system, researchers proved that quantum computers could move beyond small, proof-of-concept experiments and start tackling real-world problems at unprecedented speeds.
wrapping it up
The rapid advancements in quantum computing over the past two decades prove one thing: quantum technology is no longer a distant dream—it’s an accelerating reality. From the first 2-qubit machine in 1998 to today’s processors with hundreds of qubits, progress has been nothing short of extraordinary.
But qubit count isn’t the only thing that matters. Improvements in quantum volume, error correction, coherence times, and gate fidelity are making these machines more accurate, stable, and scalable. Companies like IBM, Google, and IonQ are pushing the boundaries, with ambitious roadmaps aiming for thousands—and eventually millions—of qubits within the next decade.
