IBM Targets Practical Quantum Computer by 2029, Reveals Roadmap for Larger Systems

IBM announced on Tuesday its goal to deliver a practical quantum computer by 2029, detailing the steps it will take to achieve this milestone. The company also plans to develop a much larger quantum system by 2033.

Quantum computers utilize principles of quantum mechanics to solve complex problems that classical computers could take thousands of years to address. However, current quantum machines dedicate significant resources to error correction, limiting their overall speed advantage.

IBM aims to build the “Starling” quantum computer at a new data center under construction in Poughkeepsie, New York. The system is expected to feature about 200 logical qubits—units of quantum information—enough to demonstrate computational advantages over classical systems.

Competing alongside tech giants Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and various well-funded startups, IBM confronts the challenge of qubit errors by innovating in error-correction algorithms. Since 2019, IBM has adopted a novel approach by designing error-correction methods suited to practical, buildable chips rather than purely theoretical designs.

Jay Gambetta, IBM’s vice president of quantum initiatives, emphasized that the company has resolved the fundamental science questions and now faces a significant engineering challenge to scale up quantum systems. “We’ve answered those science questions. You don’t need a miracle now,” he said. “Now you need a grand challenge in engineering.”

IBM plans to release a series of quantum systems between now and 2027, paving the way toward the more powerful machines targeted for 2029 and beyond.