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Microsoft President Brad Smith emphasized the critical importance of the U.S. maintaining its lead in quantum computing during a recent signing ceremony for a cooperation agreement with the Polish Ministry of Defence in Warsaw on February 17, 2025. He articulated this message in a blog post.
Smith warned that the U.S. risks falling behind China in the quest for advanced quantum computing, urging the current administration to enhance financial support for quantum research. He asserted that without decisive action, China could eclipse American advancements, posed as a significant threat to both economic competitiveness and national security.
He stated, “While most believe that the United States still holds the lead position, we cannot afford to rule out the possibility of a strategic surprise or that China may already be at parity with the United States. Simply put, the United States cannot afford to fall behind, or worse, lose the race entirely.”
This call to action reflects a growing recognition among major technology firms and investors that quantum computing could represent the next significant technological frontier, akin to the surge seen with artificial intelligence.
Smith urged the Trump administration to renew the National Quantum Initiative Act and expand the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) capability for testing quantum computers. He also stressed the need to bolster the workforce by fostering educational pathways in math and science, advocating for streamlined immigration processes for Ph.D. candidates skilled in quantum technology, and increasing government procurement of quantum components to establish a robust U.S. supply chain.
While Microsoft did not specify how a Chinese quantum breakthrough could threaten national security, NSA Director of Research Gil Herrera previously articulated potential consequences of such an event. He described a scenario where adversaries could leverage quantum computers to decrypt sensitive transactions, undermining the privacy of banking operations and possibly exposing classified information related to U.S. nuclear capabilities, as discussed in The Washington Times.
In a recent development, Microsoft unveiled its latest quantum chip, Majorana, which the company claims is revolutionary due to its use of newly invented matter to create this prototype. Last year, Google introduced Willow, which marked a significant advancement as it managed to correct computational errors and resolve a mathematical problem in a mere five minutes—a task that would require longer than the universe’s existence on classical computers.
Conventional computers operate using bits that represent either 0 or 1; however, quantum computers utilize qubits, which exist in states of probability, allowing them to process calculations differently. Experts predict that quantum computers will ultimately become invaluable for solving complex problems with myriad possibilities, such as simulating chemical interactions or optimizing delivery routes.
Nevertheless, the current landscape of quantum technology shows that existing systems are far from achieving their full potential. Many industry insiders estimate that it may take several decades for quantum computers to fully mature. Currently, Microsoft’s Majorana chip features eight qubits, with aspirations of reaching at least one million qubits for commercial viability. The company acknowledges the necessity to develop a system with several hundred qubits before evaluating its reliability for practical applications.
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