Quantum Computing Race: Is the US Losing Ground to China?
The race to build practical quantum computers is intensifying as tech giants and innovative startups worldwide push to develop technology that could revolutionize industries from drug discovery to sustainable materials. While artificial intelligence continues to dominate headlines, the quest for quantum supremacy is rapidly gaining momentum — with major players and governments keenly aware of the strategic stakes. (ALSO READ: OpenAI Just Dropped $6.5 Billion to Build the Future of AI Hardware — With Jony Ive!)
Microsoft President Brad Smith recently urged the U.S. government to boost funding for quantum research, warning that the country risks losing ground to China.
“While most believe that the United States still holds the lead position, we cannot afford to rule out the possibility of a strategic surprise or that China may already be at parity with the United States,” Smith wrote in a blog post on April 28. “Simply put, the United States cannot afford to fall behind, or worse, lose the race entirely.”
Tech Titans Leading the Charge
Big companies like Google, IBM, Microsoft, and Amazon are working hard on quantum computing. Their goal is to build machines that can perform complex calculations, such as simulating new drugs, improving supply chains, and creating better materials. But there are still big challenges, like building quantum chips that keep many qubits (quantum bits) stable without errors.
Despite these efforts, key technical challenges remain. Creating quantum chips that can reliably host large numbers of quantum bits, or qubits, in stable states without significant error correction is a major hurdle. Addressing these issues is crucial to making quantum computers viable for practical use.
Startups Driving Innovation
Beyond the tech giants, a growing number of startups are emerging as powerful innovators in the quantum space. Here’s a look at some of the most promising players pushing quantum chip development worldwide:
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PsiQuantum (USA): Founded by Australian academics, PsiQuantum aims to build a million-qubit quantum computer using photonics technology. Earlier this year, the startup announced the Omega quantum photonic chipset, manufactured by GlobalFoundries in New York.
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Atom Computing (USA): This startup focuses on creating practical quantum computers powered by arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms. It has partnered with Microsoft to launch a commercial quantum computer by 2025.
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IQM (Finland): IQM develops superconducting quantum computers and has received funding from Business Finland and the European Innovation Council Accelerator program.
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Pasqal (France): Using neural atoms in a full-stack quantum computing approach, Pasqal counts Nobel laureate Alain Aspect among its co-founders. The company is backed by major investors including Temasek and the European Innovation Council.
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Rigetti Computing (USA): Focused on superconducting quantum computing, Rigetti has developed several products, including the upcoming 336-qubit Lyra system. The company also partners with Taiwan’s Quanta Computer to accelerate development.
Quantum Momentum in India
India is also stepping up. The government supports eight startups under the National Quantum Mission and related programs to promote quantum research. These include:
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Bengaluru-based QNu Labs and QPiAI
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Quan2D Technologies
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IIT Bombay’s Dimira Technologies
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IIT Delhi-incubated Prenishq
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Pune’s QuPrayog
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Delhi’s Quanastra
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Ahmedabad’s Pristine Diamond
This backing aims to foster quantum innovation domestically and position India as a competitive player in this emerging global field.
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