NVIDIA Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang apologized on the 20th (local time) for his earlier statement that it would take 20 years to commercialize quantum computers.
On this day, the fourth day of NVIDIA's annual developer conference GTC 2025, Huang noted his comment from January during the first 'Quantum Day' with industry leaders.
During the briefing at that time, when asked about the advancement of quantum computers, he said, "If I say 15 years for a very useful quantum computer, it would probably be in the early stages," adding, "30 years would likely be in the later stages." He then remarked, "But if I choose 20 years, I think many people would believe it," predicting that it would take 20 years for useful quantum computers to emerge.
Huang's remarks at that time caused shares of quantum computer development corporations such as IonQ and Rigetti to fall by about 40% on the New York stock market.
At 'Quantum Day' on this day, he brought up his earlier comments, saying, "Someone asked me, 'How long will it take for quantum computers to become practically useful?'" He added, "The day after I answered the question, I learned that the entire quantum computing industry's stock had dropped by 60%."
He continued, "My first reaction was, 'Are these quantum computer corporations publicly traded?' It was only then that I learned these corporations were listed," expressing regret over the sharp decline in stock prices due to his statement. He added, "In any case, I am glad to have learned about that (the fact that they were publicly traded)."
He explained that he held the first 'Quantum Day' at the GTC event to clarify his comments. Huang stated, "These corporations may explain to me that I was wrong and that quantum computing is being developed faster than I expected."
Additionally, Huang announced the establishment of the NVIDIA Accelerated Quantum Research Center (NVAQC) in Boston, signaling the beginning of serious research into quantum computing development. He said, "This research center will also involve Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, QuEra, Quantum Machines, and Qureca Computing," adding, "Quantum computing will strengthen AI supercomputers to solve some of the world's most critical issues, from drug development to materials development."
He continued, "I will hold Quantum Day again next year," adding, "My predictions can be wrong at any time, and I hope people pay attention to those who continue excellent research."