In an era where data is king, the race to process information at unprecedented speeds has taken a quantum leap forward. IBM Fellow and Vice President of IBM Quantum, Jay Gambetta, has recently projected that quantum computers could soon outpace their classical counterparts in specific computational tasks, marking the dawn of what’s known as “quantum advantage.”

Quantum computing, once a theoretical marvel, is now at the threshold of practical utility, thanks to pioneers like Gambetta, whose work at IBM has been pivotal. Since being named an IBM Fellow in 2018, Gambetta has steered IBM’s quantum strategy towards not just advancing the technology but making it accessible and commercially viable through cloud-based platforms.

IBM’s quantum journey has been marked by significant milestones, including the introduction of the Condor chip in December 2023, a quantum processor boasting 1,121 superconducting qubits. This development is a stepping stone towards IBM’s ambitious goal: a 100,000-qubit system by 2033, in collaboration with global academic powerhouses like the University of Tokyo and the University of Chicago.

But what does this mean for the average person or for industries at large? According to Gambetta, the implications are profound. Fields such as chemistry, finance, life sciences, and mobility stand on the brink of transformation, potentially unlocking value up to $2 trillion by 2035, as per McKinsey’s Quantum Technology Monitor. Quantum computers could simulate molecular structures with unprecedented precision, optimize financial portfolios in real-time, or revolutionize logistics with quantum algorithms.

However, the transition from classical to quantum isn’t without its challenges. Quantum error correction (QEC) remains a critical focus area, aiming to make these systems stable for everyday applications. Gambetta emphasizes the importance of building a “quantum-critical supply chain” — components like amplifiers and controllers that are essential but currently scarce.

Interestingly, Gambetta dismisses the necessity for room-temperature quantum systems, pointing out that the energy to cool these systems is negligible compared to the power needed for their control electronics. Instead, the real engineering marvels are in scaling these systems while maintaining coherence and reducing error rates.

IBM’s roadmap includes demonstrating error correction with the Starling processor by 2029 and introducing the BlueJay processor by 2033, which will handle circuits with a billion gates. These advancements signify not just a technological evolution but a revolution in how we approach complex computational problems.

As we stand on this precipice, Gambetta’s insights remind us that we’re not just witnessing the growth of a new technology but the birth of a new industry. Quantum computing is poised to redefine the boundaries of what’s computationally possible, making what was once the realm of science fiction into tangible reality. However, the journey there is as much about fostering the right talent as it is about technological breakthroughs. IBM’s continued investment in both hardware and human expertise underlines the dual necessity of innovation and education in this quantum era.

As quantum computers begin to outclass traditional ones in specific domains, we’re not just entering a new chapter of computing; we’re potentially opening a new book on how we solve problems in the digital age.