Google CEO Sundar Pichai signals quantum computing could be next big tech shift after AI - The Economic Times

SynopsisGoogle’s quantum programme is entering a pivotal phase, where it could see some big breakthroughs within the next five years — on par with the rapid acceleration AI saw in the late 2010s, said Pichai, speaking at the BBC Newsnight. Through the quantum computing programme, Google is looking to build machines capable of simulating natural processes more precisely, leading to breakthroughs in materials science, energy, and drug discovery, among other fields.Listen to this article in summarized format ListenANIGoogle CEO Sundar PichaiGoogle CEO Sundar Pichai has suggested that quantum computing may be nearing a turning point similar to where artificial intelligence (AI) stood about five years ago.Speaking on BBC Newsnight earlier this month, Pichai said Google’s quantum programme is beginning to reach a critical stage. He indicated that the field could see major breakthroughs within the next five years, comparable to the acceleration AI experienced in the late 2010s.“I would say quantum is where AI was five years ago. So, I think, in five years from now, we'll be going through a very exciting phase in quantum.”He also said the company has significantly increased investments in quantum computing as part of its long-term technology strategy. “We have the state-of-the-art quantum computing efforts in the world…building quantum systems, I think, will help us better simulate and understand nature and unlock many benefits for society,” he added.According to him, Google’s quantum efforts are focussed on building machines capable of simulating natural processes more precisely, which could eventually lead to breakthroughs in fields such as materials science, energy, and drug discovery.His remarks come days after Google revealed progress on its “Willow” quantum chip, powered by a new algorithm called Quantum Echoes. Tech giant Google revealed that its Willow quantum processor achieved the world’s first verifiable quantum advantage. The breakthrough was detailed in the journal Nature on October 22.Last year, Google reported that its quantum computer performed a highly complex mathematical task in under five minutes, something that would take one of the world’s most advanced non-quantum supercomputers an unimaginable 10 septillion years.Pichai described the achievement as a major step towards practical uses for quantum computing.In another paper posted on the research platform arXiv, Google showed that Quantum Echoes could also improve nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), a technique used to study molecular structures and interactions.Also Read: Google’s AI infra spend triples to over $90 billion as Pichai plays down bubble fears Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!Read more news onquantum computingGoogle quantum programWillow quantum chipSundar PichaiQuantum Echoes algorithmAI breakthroughsGoogle CEOresonance(Catch all the Technology News News, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.)...moreAdd CommentElevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea.GAIL built nation's gas pipelines for 4 decades. Now it is battling to retain the edgeTVS, Bajaj borrow Enfield’s playbook on fallen European brands. Will it work?Indiabulls’ Spanish connection: Will old charges against Gehlaut now gain traction?Can America really bring down your cooking-gas bill?With consumers in mind, India banned rice exports. What will it do for farmers now?‘Hold’ a good business & wealth creation will happen: 16 large & mid-cap stocks for investors with an ability to ignore noisePower sector: Are new tailwinds emerging from an unlikely source? 7 power sector stocks with upside potential of up to 42%ET Prime Special Series - Part 6: Management’s application of altered accounting rules, some right… some wrongSubscribe Now