Microsoft Targets 2029 for Commercial Quantum Systems
Microsoft has revealed its new Majorana 2 quantum chip developed using AI tools to incorporate lead-based materials for improved performance. The company expects to deploy commercially useful quantum machines by 2029 as it competes with IBM and Google to solve complex scientific and cybersecurity problems.
MICROSOFT CORP unveiled the Majorana 2 quantum chip on Tuesday, setting a 2029 target for commercially viable quantum systems. The timeline aligns Microsoft with competitors like IBM, which recently committed $10 billion to quantum development. The announcement follows Microsoft spinning out a separate quantum chip company with backing from the Trump administration.
### AI-Driven Materials Science Breakthrough The Majorana 2 chip utilizes lead rather than the aluminum superconducting wires favored by Alphabet and Amazon. Microsoft used internal AI tools to solve manufacturing hurdles associated with lead, which is typically water-soluble during chip production. This material change resulted in a 1,000-fold performance improvement in specific metrics compared to the previous Majorana iteration.
