IBM Advances to Stage C of DARPA Quantum Benchmarking Initiative, Targeting Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computer by 2029
IBM has announced its selection for Stage C of the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), led by the United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). This marks the third phase of DARPA's rigorous evaluation process, which aims to determine if a company can successfully build a fault-tolerant quantum computer. IBM's progression through Stage C will involve independent experts extensively testing and measuring its quantum hardware, technology, systems engineering, and architectures. The company has set a target to deliver the first fault-tolerant system by 2029. DARPA launched the QBI in 2024 with the goal of identifying whether an industrially useful fault-tolerant quantum computer can be developed by 2033, defining such a system as one whose computational value surpasses its cost. IBM has successfully navigated the initial two stages of the QBI, which involved analyzing comprehensive research and development plans and risk mitigation strategies. The company emphasizes its strong quantum fo...
