IBM Sets Sights on Quantum Computing Milestone by 2026
IBM has recently made significant strides in its quantum computing roadmap. The tech giant aims to reach quantum advantage—the stage at which a quantum computer can outperform classical methods—by the end of 2026. Furthermore, IBM is targeting fault-tolerant quantum computing by 2029.
During the annual Quantum Developer Conference in November 2025, IBM introduced its most advanced quantum processor to date, the IBM Quantum Nighthawk. This processor boasts 120 qubits and the capability to run circuits with up to 5,000 two-qubit gates. Future iterations are projected to deliver up to 7,500 gates by the end of 2026 and 10,000 gates in 2027. By 2028, Nighthawk-based systems could potentially support up to 15,000 two-qubit gates, enabled by 1,000 or more connected qubits.
In addition to the Nighthawk, IBM also unveiled the IBM Quantum Loon. This experimental processor showcases all the essential components required for fault-tolerant quantum computing. Impressively, IBM has achieved a significant milestone by demonstrating its ability to decode errors in real-time in less than 480 nanoseconds using qLDPC codes. This achievement was accomplished a year ahead of schedule.
IBM has also successfully scaled its quantum processor fabrication to advanced 300mm wafer facilities at the Albany NanoTech Complex in New York. This advancement has doubled development speed and resulted in a tenfold increase in chip complexity. The company anticipates that the first instances of verified quantum advantage will be confirmed by the wider community by the end of 2026. Potential breakthroughs could be seen in areas such as drug development, materials science, and financial optimization.
Source: IBM Think News