IBM chief executive Arvind Krishna outlined a bold trajectory for quantum computing, explaining that a mix of commercial players could begin deploying quantum systems within the next five years and gradually replace traditional, classical computing architectures. The remarks came during a media interview where Krishna laid out the business case for quantum technology and its potential to transform industries that rely on heavy computation, optimization, and complex simulation. As the landscape evolves, IBM is actively shaping an ecosystem where quantum accelerates progress across sectors while maintaining rigorous standards for reliability and security.
Krishna described a rapid expansion of practical quantum applications within a three- to five-year horizon. He projected that quantum processors moving from roughly 4,000 qubits to around 10,000 qubits would provide capabilities sufficient to tackle commercially meaningful problems. The emphasis was on real-world impact: optimization in logistics, breakthroughs in material science, and accelerated drug discovery where quantum advantages could shorten development timelines and unlock new product possibilities. The emphasis on scalability reflects IBM’s ongoing commitment to engineering robust, fault-tolerant systems that can operate within business environments and alongside existing computing infrastructure.
Beyond hardware milestones, Krishna announced a strategic collaboration with the University of Tokyo and the University of Chicago aimed at building a quantum computer with on the order of 100,000 qubits over the next decade. IBM plans to invest a substantial sum toward this ambitious effort, signaling a long-term bet on a future where large-scale quantum machines become practical tools for industry, research, and national priorities. The partnership underscores a global approach to quantum development that leverages academic leadership, specialized talent, and industrial resources to push the boundaries of what quantum systems can achieve at scale.
According to Krishna, quantum computers hold the promise of solving problems that are either intractable or prohibitively time-consuming for today’s most powerful supercomputers. He noted that advancements from leading research centers, including teams in Japan, are making notable progress in quantum hardware, software, and control systems. The dialogue around these developments reflects a broader trend in which researchers, suppliers, and end users are coalescing around practical use cases and the standards needed to transition from experiments to enterprise deployments. The conversation also highlights the importance of cross-border collaboration in accelerating the timeline to viable commercial quantum solutions.
In a parallel development during the spring, Russian researchers demonstrated remote access to a five-qubit ion-trap quantum computer, enabling scientists to run basic quantum algorithms by connecting to the processor from a classical personal computer in real time. This milestone illustrates the growing accessibility of quantum experimentation and the rapid iteration possible when traditional computing resources are integrated with quantum hardware. While still at an early stage, such demonstrations help illuminate the path from laboratory demonstrations to field-ready tools that could eventually support practical tasks in optimization, simulation, and cryptography. The progress signals a broader, worldwide momentum in quantum research, with many teams contributing to the shared goal of turning quantum methods into everyday computing assets.