"In the development process of quantum computing, implementing 'quantum practicality,' which is a stage that can be practically utilized, is more important than 'quantum supremacy,' which simply means being faster than classical computers."
On the 7th, Jay Gambetta, IBM's vice president, who participated in the Yonsei Quantum Week 2025 International Conference held at Yonsei University's Incheon campus, expressed confidence that quantum computing could demonstrate a 'quantum advantage' that outperforms existing computer systems within two years. Gambetta is a key figure leading IBM's quantum computing development.
Gambetta emphasized, "We have reached just before the stage where quantum computers can be practically utilized, and proving the quantum advantage within the next two years is the most important goal." He noted, "We will gradually prove the quantum advantage until we reveal a fault-tolerant quantum computer by 2029, which is IBM's goal," adding that "a comprehensive commercialization roadmap will be presented afterward." The quantum advantage refers to a stage where quantum computers provide results that are practically more useful than existing computers in industry or scientific research.
Gambetta stated that the conditions for achieving the quantum advantage include tasks such as error correction, systems that surpass classical computers, and building a community for research on various algorithms, presenting three necessary conditions to implement the quantum advantage.
Quantum computers can theoretically possess superior computational power compared to classical computers, but reliable calculations are challenging without solving error issues. To address this, IBM is concentrating on enhancing reliability through three approaches: error mitigation, error detection, and error correction. IBM believes that increasing the number of operational units called 'gates,' which change the state of the basic unit of quantum computers, qubits, to between one million and one billion will make comprehensive error correction feasible.
At the same time, IBM is researching a 'quantum-centric supercomputing' method that combines quantum computing with existing classical computers. This approach utilizes quantum computers not just as independent computational devices but in conjunction with classical computers to derive optimal computational results. It is akin to the concept of hybrid cars that operate using both electric and internal combustion engines.
Finally, he emphasized the importance of global community cooperation for algorithm research. Gambetta explained, "Currently, we are collaborating with Lockheed Martin, Cleveland Clinic, and researchers from the RIKEN institute in Japan to conduct quantum-based chemical simulation research, and recent studies have demonstrated that quantum computing can exhibit similar performance compared to traditional algorithms."
Gambetta noted that Korea is becoming an important partner. He explained, "After installing quantum computers at Yonsei University, Korean researchers and students are quickly getting involved, at a pace similar to that of Japan," adding that "Given the rapid pace of Korea's research on quantum algorithms and their industrial application, it is likely that Korea will become an important research hub for quantum computing on the global stage."
Gambetta emphasized that the most crucial factor for Korea's growth in the field of quantum computing is focusing on algorithm research. He said, "The Korean market may feel a bit late, but it is growing rapidly," expressing hope that through diverse collaborations in algorithm research, there will be many cases of realizing quantum advantages in various fields such as materials science and biophysics in the near future.
Yonsei University and IBM plan to operate training programs to effectively utilize related infrastructure for students researching quantum computers. They have also set a goal to educate about 40,000 students over the next 10 years with partners from IBM, Yonsei University, Japan, and the United States. Gambetta stated, "Increasing proficiency in technology will contribute to accelerating the practical commercialization of quantum computers."