Technology company IBM (NYSE: IBM) announced new advances in quantum computing research, including advances in processors, software, and error correction.
At Quantum’s annual developer conference in New York on Wednesday, the company outlined plans to achieve volume advantage by 2026 and fault-tolerance systems by 2029.
Advantage of quantity defines to the point where a quantum computer can solve a problem faster or better than any classical supercomputer. IBM says the new “nighthawk” processor will play a key role in reaching that milestone, delivering circuits that are 30% more complex than the previous generation while maintaining low error rates.
The company also introduced “Loon,” an experimental processor that combines key hardware for fault-tolerant quantum computing, systems capable of detecting and correcting their own faults in real-time.
IBM said This made the error correction system 10 times faster than before, completing the milestone a year ahead of schedule. The company also doubled its chip development speed after moving production to a new 300-millimeter wafer facility in New York.
Related: US Eyes Quantum Computing Investments Amid Rising National Security Stakes
Quantum Computing and Bitcoin
While quantum computing is in its early stages, its potential to one day break the encryption that has secured Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies using proof-of-work algorithms has become one of the most widely discussed issues in the crypto space.
Amit Mehra, a partner at Borderless Capital, said in October that quantum computing is expected to pose significant security risks by the end of the decade, driving the firm’s focus on startups working on Volume-resistant technology.
Others, like Charles Edwards, the founder of Bitcoin volume and Crypto Asset Fund Carpriole, see the threat more immediately. “If bitcoin doesn’t solve the volume next year, gold will keep outperforming it forever,” wrote in X.
Gianluca di Bella, an astute contract researcher, echoes Edwards’ concern. In An interview with Cointelegraph In November, he warned that the industry “must move now” to post-quantum encryption, citing the risk of “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks—where data stolen today could be locked away once adult computers mature.
Also in November, Onchain analyst Willy Woo said that bitcoin holders could Protect themselves against mass computing By transferring their coins to an address compatible with segwit and holding until a solution is created that resists the whole.
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