quantum computing

Oxford physicists set new qubit accuracy record

Physicists at the University of Oxford have achieved a ground‑breaking error rate in quantum logic operations, reducing it to just 0.000015 percent, one mistake in 6.7 million operations. The result marks nearly a ten‑fold improvement over their previous record set in 2014.

The team used a trapped calcium ion qubit controlled by microwave signals instead of lasers to achieve high stability at room temperature and eliminate the need for magnetic shielding. However, this method offers cheaper, more robust control that fits with ion‑trap chip technology.

Reducing the error rate helps shrink the infrastructure needed for error correction, meaning future quantum computers could be smaller, faster and more efficient. They still lag, with around one in 2,000 error rates, highlighting further challenges for full‑scale quantum systems.

The findings, published in Physical Review Letters, bring practical quantum computing a significant step closer. The Oxford researchers involved include Professor David Lucas, Molly Smith, Aaron Leu and Dr Mario Gely.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Quantum computing threatens Bitcoin: Experts debate timeline

Recent breakthroughs in quantum computing have revived fears about the long-term security of Bitcoin (BTC).

With IBM aiming to release the first fault-tolerant quantum computer, the IBM Quantum Starling, by 2029, experts are increasingly concerned that such advancements could undermine Bitcoin’s cryptographic backbone.

Bitcoin currently relies on elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) and the SHA-256 hashing algorithm to secure wallets and transactions. However, both are potentially vulnerable to Shor’s algorithm, which a sufficiently powerful quantum computer could exploit.

Google quantum researcher Craig Gidney warned in May 2025 that quantum resources required to break RSA encryption had been significantly overestimated. Although Bitcoin uses ECC, not RSA, Gidney’s research hinted at a threat window between 2030 and 2035 for crypto systems.

Opinions on the timeline vary. Adam Back, Blockstream CEO and early Bitcoin advocate, believes a quantum threat is still at least two decades away. However, he admitted that future progress could force users to migrate coins to quantum-safe wallets—potentially even Satoshi Nakamoto’s dormant holdings.

Others are more alarmed. David Carvalho, CEO of Naoris Protocol, claimed in a June 2025 op-ed that Bitcoin could be cracked within five years, pointing to emerging technologies like Microsoft’s Majorana chip. He estimated that nearly 30% of BTC is stored in quantum-vulnerable addresses.

‘Just one breach could destroy trust in the entire ecosystem,’ Carvalho warned, noting that BlackRock has already acknowledged the quantum risk in its Bitcoin ETF filings.

Echoing this urgency, billionaire investor Chamath Palihapitiya said in late 2024 that SHA-256 could be broken within two to five years if companies scale quantum chips like Google’s 105-qubit Willow. He urged the crypto industry to start updating encryption protocols before it’s too late.

While truly fault-tolerant quantum machines capable of breaking Bitcoin are not yet available, the accelerating pace of research suggests that preparing for a quantum future is no longer optional—it’s a necessity.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Oxford physicists push qubit precision to new heights

Oxford University physicists have achieved a world-first in quantum computing by setting a new record for single-qubit operation accuracy.

Using a trapped calcium ion as the qubit, the researchers controlled its state using electronic microwave signals instead of lasers.

Their experiment produced an error rate of just 0.000015 percent, or one mistake in 6.7 million operations, nearly ten times better than the previous benchmark set by the same team. The breakthrough brings quantum computers a step closer to becoming viable tools.

This more stable and cost-effective approach was conducted at room temperature and without magnetic shielding, simplifying future hardware requirements.

The precision reduces the number of qubits needed for error correction, making future quantum machines potentially smaller and faster.

Despite the milestone, the researchers emphasised the need to improve two-qubit gate fidelity, where error rates remain significantly higher.

The project is part of the UK Quantum Computing and Simulation Hub, with wider support from the National Quantum Technologies Programme.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Quantum computers might break Bitcoin security faster than thought

Google researchers have revealed that breaking RSA encryption—the technology securing crypto wallets—requires far fewer quantum resources than previously thought. The team found cracking 2048-bit RSA could take under a week using fewer than a million noisy qubits, 20 times less than previously estimated.

Currently, quantum computers like IBM’s Condor and Google’s Sycamore operate with far fewer qubits, so crypto assets remain safe for now. The significance lies in the rapid pace of improvement in quantum computing capabilities, which calls for increased vigilance.

The breakthrough stems from improved algorithms that speed up key calculations and smarter error correction methods. Researchers also enhanced ‘magic state cultivation,’ a technique that boosts quantum operation efficiency by reducing resource waste.

Bitcoin relies on elliptic curve cryptography, similar in principle to RSA. If quantum computers can crack RSA sooner, Bitcoin’s security timeline could be shortened.

Efforts like Project 11’s quantum Bitcoin bounty highlight ongoing research to test the threat’s urgency.

Quantum threats extend beyond crypto, affecting global secure communications, banking, and digital signatures. Google has begun encrypting more traffic with quantum-resistant protocols in preparation for this shift.

Despite rapid progress, challenges remain. Quantum computers must maintain stability and coherence for long periods to execute complex operations. Currently, this remains a major hurdle, so there is no immediate threat.

It seems likely the first quantum-resistant blockchain upgrades will arrive well before any quantum attack on Bitcoin’s network.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

BlackRock flags quantum computing risk in Bitcoin ETF filing

BlackRock has highlighted quantum computing as a potential risk to Bitcoin’s long-term security in its recent Bitcoin ETF filing. The inclusion marks a rare mention of quantum risk in mainstream finance.

Bitcoin has been trading strongly, recently surpassing $105,000 before a slight pullback to around $103,000.

Quantum computing could theoretically break the cryptography that protects Bitcoin wallets, but experts stress this threat remains decades away. Bitcoin developers have been preparing for quantum resistance with upgrades like Taproot, and emerging cryptographic alternatives are already under testing.

The risk disclosure by BlackRock mainly follows SEC filing requirements rather than signalling imminent danger.

Bitcoin’s price momentum remains robust after breaking key resistance levels near $97,700. However, technical indicators like the RSI suggest the asset is approaching overbought conditions, which might lead to a short-term correction.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot! 

BlackRock raises concerns over quantum computing risks to Bitcoin ETFs

BlackRock has flagged quantum computing as a potential risk to its iShares Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) in a recent regulatory filing. BlackRock highlighted the threat from emerging technologies, specifically quantum computing, to the cryptographic security of Bitcoin and blockchain networks.

BlackRock warned that advances in quantum computing could undermine the cryptographic algorithms protecting digital assets like Bitcoin. It is the first time BlackRock has explicitly mentioned this risk in relation to the IBIT ETF, with $64 billion in net assets.

Despite the warnings, analysts suggest that such risk disclosures are standard practice for financial products. James Seyffart, an analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, noted that firms are required to flag all possible risks, even those with a very low likelihood of occurring.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin ETFs have seen a surge in popularity, attracting over $41 billion in net inflows since their launch.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot! 

IBM boosts US manufacturing with $150 billion pledge

IBM has announced a major $150 billion investment in the US over the next five years, with a significant portion earmarked for expanding production of quantum computers and mainframes.

The move follows similar commitments from tech giants like Nvidia and Apple, as industry leaders respond to the Trump administration’s push for increased domestic manufacturing.

Of the total sum, more than $30 billion will be dedicated to scaling up IBM’s US-based manufacturing of quantum systems and mainframes, vital for processing vast data and critical tasks.

IBM, which operates one of the world’s largest quantum computing fleets, stated the investment reflects both technological ambition and a strategic gesture towards current US trade policies.

While the quantum computing field has seen exciting advancements, including new chip generations from rivals like Google, opinions remain divided on when practical applications will emerge.

IBM’s latest investment signals long-term confidence in the technology, even as the company navigates recent challenges, including the cancellation of 15 government contracts during federal cost-cutting efforts.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot! 

MIT researchers boost quantum computing speed

Researchers at MIT have achieved a significant milestone in quantum computing by demonstrating what they say is the strongest nonlinear light-matter coupling ever recorded.

Using a novel superconducting circuit architecture, the team developed a ‘quarton coupler’ that could dramatically boost the speed of quantum operations, making it possible to run processors about ten times faster than previous systems.

The coupler enables far stronger interactions between photons and artificial atoms—key components of quantum systems—which in turn allows for much faster and more accurate measurements of quantum data.

These improvements are crucial for increasing the number of error-correction rounds that can be completed before qubits lose their coherence, a major limitation in current quantum technology.

Faster readout could therefore pave the way toward fault-tolerant quantum computing, where large-scale real-world applications become possible.

Although the technology is not yet ready for commercial deployment, the research team sees this experiment as an essential foundation.

The architecture could eventually be adapted into more complex quantum processors with built-in readout circuits, allowing scientists to perform quantum computations at greater speed and precision.

The work was supported by the Army Research Office, the AWS Center for Quantum Computing, and MIT’s Center for Quantum Engineering.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Fujitsu and RIKEN expand quantum computing with 256 qubits

Fujitsu and RIKEN, a prominent Japanese research institute, have unveiled a new 256-qubit superconducting quantum computer, marking a major advancement in quantum computing.

Located at the RIKEN RQC-FUJITSU Collaboration Center, the new machine is designed with high-density techniques, building on a previous model with 64 qubits. However, this increase will allow more complex molecule analysis and improved error correction algorithms.

Unlike its predecessors, this quantum computer will not be exclusive to Fujitsu and RIKEN. Both organisations plan to grant access to global companies and research institutes in the first quarter of fiscal 2025, enabling further innovation across various fields.

Alongside the qubit expansion, the teams have developed a breakthrough in cooling technology, using a dilution refrigerator with advanced thermal design to maintain efficiency.

Fujitsu and RIKEN also aim to enhance the platform’s usability by allowing seamless interaction between quantum and classical computers. This will enable users to run hybrid quantum-classical algorithms.

Looking ahead, the two organisations are working on a 1,000-qubit quantum computer, set to be installed next year, and have agreed to continue their partnership until 2029 to foster ongoing development.

While the 256-qubit computer does not yet compete with machines boasting over 1,000 qubits, it represents a crucial step in exploring diverse quantum computing approaches, as some may fail to scale effectively for practical use.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Scientists achieve breakthrough in quantum computing stability

A new study by researchers from the University of Oxford, Delft University of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology, and Quantum Machines has made a major step forward in quantum computing.

The team has found a way to make Majorana zero modes (MZMs)—special particles crucial for quantum computers—far more stable, bringing us closer to building error-free, scalable machines.

Quantum computers are incredibly powerful but face a key challenge: their basic units, qubits, are highly fragile and easily disrupted by environmental noise.

MZMs have long been seen as a potential solution because they are predicted to resist such disturbances, but stabilising them for practical use has been difficult until now.

The researchers created a structure called a three-site Kitaev chain, which is a simplified version of a topological superconductor.

By using quantum dots to trap electrons and connecting them with superconducting wires, they created a stable ‘sweet spot’ where MZMs could be farther apart, reducing interference and enhancing their stability.

Lead author Dr. Greg Mazur believes this breakthrough shows that it is possible to keep MZMs stable as quantum systems grow. With further research, the team aims to build longer chains to improve stability even more, potentially opening the door to reliable, next-generation quantum materials and devices.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.