Fireside Chat with Steven Girvin

Academic discussion of all things quantum computing from hardware through algorithms. Not the place for business speculation, memes, or philosophy. Join us on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 11:00 AM EST / 5:00 PM CEST for an exclusive live webinar. Register to get the link Quantum computing has been a field of intense research and development, with numerous breakthroughs and significant progress in recent years. Here are some of the latest breakthroughs in quantum algorithms: Google's Quantum Supremacy Demo: In 2019, Google demonstrated quantum supremacy by solving a problem on a quantum computer that would take the fastest classical supercomputer thousands of years. "The first big, splashy achievement that people probably heard about was Google's 'quantum supremacy' demo in 2019." Random Circuit Sampling: This method has been used to generate random numbers that are difficult for classical computers to replicate, showcasing the potential of quantum computing. "This is random circuit sampling, basically, a way of generating random numbers that is simultaneously very difficult for classical computers and fairly easy for quantum computers." Willow Quantum Chip: Google's Willow chip has shown significant progress in suppressing errors, a major challenge in quantum computing. "Then, late last year (2024), our new Willow quantum chip showed how to dramatically suppress errors, solving a major issue that challenged scientists for nearly 30 years." Fault Tolerant Quantum Computing: Researchers are close to achieving fault-tolerant surface codes, which are crucial for building stable quantum computers. "I predict fault tolerance will have moved on a little bit, we’re pretty close to having an error corrected surface code now." Drug Discovery and Material Science: Google's Quantum Echoes algorithm is a significant step toward using quantum computing for practical applications like drug discovery and material science. "Google breakthrough in using Quantum computing for drug discovery and material science." Simulating Molecules: Quantum computers are now capable of modeling molecules, which could revolutionize fields like medicine. "Classical computer: too slow, can't model molecules. Quantum computer: now able to model molecules." Quantum Teleportation: Oxford scientists have achieved teleportation with a quantum supercomputer, which could bring quantum computing closer to large-scale practical use. "Oxford scientists achieve teleportation with quantum supercomputer - Breakthrough brings quantum computing closer to large-scale practical use." Data Teleportation: This breakthrough allows quantum processors to be linked together, enabling them to work as one. "We did, for data. No matter is being moved." 10-Year Outlook: Experts predict that in 10 years, we will have quantum computers with thousands of qubits, running small surface codes with significantly reduced error rates. "I’d guess we have QCs with a few thousand qubits, running small surface codes with gates getting logical errors down to like 10-8(?) and a few dozen logical qubits." Market Growth: Qubit packages on a subscription model are expected to be available, making quantum computing more accessible. "Qubit packages on a subscription model will be available to everyone." r/QuantumComputing r/Physics r/singularity These communities are great places to ask more specific questions and get insights from experts and enthusiasts in the field. Create your account and connect with a world of communities. Anyone can view, post, and comment to this community