Quantum computing harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics — superposition and entanglement — to process information using quantum bits (or qubits), which unlike classical bits (strictly 0 or 1) exist in multiple states simultaneously. This capability promises to tackle computational challenges — like molecular modeling or cryptography — that overwhelm traditional systems.
Microsoft took a significant step on Wednesday unveiling Majorana 1: a quantum chip that the company claims required inventing a new topological state of matter.
Majorana 1 features eight topological qubits, constructed from indium arsenide and aluminum, with materials aligned atom-by-atom, as detailed in a new Nature journal paper. Jason Zander, Microsoft EVP, said this research milestone – not destined for Azure cloud – is focused on creating a future million-qubit model. For now, Microsoft will collaborate with national labs and universities, with Zander noting a few hundred qubits are needed before commercial viability discussions begin. Today, Azure Quantum offers access to IonQ and Rigetti chips, with some future chip (based on the Majorana research) potentially joining by 2030.
While IonQ and Rigetti race to cash in on quantum hype — their $14.8 million in revenue sounds adorable next to Microsoft’s $13 billion AI juggernaut — Majorana 1 quietly stakes its claim on the frontier of physics itself. Twenty years of research, a new state of matter, and a chip that's "not for you." That’s not a product launch; it’s a declaration. Get ready. When quantum scales, we’re not just going to compute millions of times faster — we’re stepping into a realm where the future won't just arrive; it will superimpose itself on today.
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P.S. If you're thinking that quantum computing is too far in the future to be important right now, come join us at MMA CMO AI Transformation Summit (March 18, 2025 | NYC). I'm facilitating and co-producing this half-day invitation-only event which will provide insights into the strategies, technologies, and leadership practices for CMOs who are driving successful AI transformations across the world’s best marketing organizations. Request your invitation.
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with technology, media and marketing. Named LinkedIn’s “Top Voice in Technology,” he covers tech and business for Good Day New York, is a regular commentator on CNN and writes a popular daily business blog. He's a bestselling author, and the creator of the popular, free online course, Generative AI for Execs. Follow @shellypalmer or visit shellypalmer.com.
