On the 12th (local time), at its annual quantum developer conference, IBM unveiled its state-of-the-art quantum processor, IBM Quantum Nighthawk.
The processor is designed to enable Quantum Supremacy—where quantum computers offer superior problem-solving capability over traditional supercomputers—by 2026. Nighthawk, with 120 Qubits and 218 next-generation tunable couplers, can execute circuits 30% more complex than existing processors with lower error rates and higher accuracy.
That day, IBM announced key technological innovations to achieve Quantum Supremacy by 2026 and realize fault-tolerant Quantum Computing by 2029. IBM also said it will rapidly develop quantum software, hardware, manufacturing, and error-correction technologies to lead the transition to the quantum era.
IBM is also accelerating technology development for fault-tolerant Quantum Computing. The newly unveiled IBM Quantum Loon is an experimental processor that implements core elements for practical, high-efficiency quantum error correction, demonstrating technology that can accurately decode a quantum computer's errors in real time.
IBM plans to continue its research not only to achieve Quantum Supremacy by 2026, but also to build a large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computer by 2029. To that end, IBM is using a 300mm manufacturing facility to accelerate production of quantum processor wafers and is focusing on improving Qubit connectivity and performance.