IBM has reached Stage C of the DARPA Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), advancing its efforts to build a fault-tolerant quantum computer. This third phase involves rigorous testing by independent experts to evaluate IBM's quantum hardware, technology, systems engineering, and architectures. Jay Gambetta, Director of IBM Research, emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating that IBM aims to deliver the first fault-tolerant system, IBM Quantum Starling, by 2029.
The QBI, launched by DARPA in 2024, seeks to determine whether an industrially useful fault-tolerant quantum computer can be built by 2033. IBM has successfully navigated the first two stages, which involved submitting a technical concept and a comprehensive research and development plan. Stage C marks the transition from conceptual plans to hands-on testing of the company's hardware.
IBM's progress is supported by its extensive quantum computing foundation, including the largest fleet of quantum computers globally and Qiskit, the leading quantum software. The company collaborates with over 340 organizations across various industries to develop practical applications for fault-tolerant quantum computing. Recent breakthroughs include core hardware components for fault tolerance and efficient error correction decoding.
Beyond QBI, IBM continues to work with partners in industry, government, and academia to accelerate the timeline for fault-tolerant quantum computing. The company remains committed to its mission of delivering innovative solutions in AI, quantum computing, and hybrid cloud platforms.