Google is set to unveil commercial quantum computing applications within the next five years, according to comments made by the head of its quantum division to Reuters on Wednesday. This timeline poses a challenge to rival Nvidia, which has suggested that practical quantum computing use might be two decades away.
“We believe that we will witness meaningful applications that can only be accomplished on quantum computers within five years,” stated Hartmut Neven, founder and leader of Google Quantum AI.
The potential applications discussed by Google include advancements in materials science, such as the development of enhanced batteries for electric vehicles, the creation of innovative pharmaceuticals, and the exploration of new energy alternatives.
This assertion from Google comes at a time of considerable speculation regarding the timeline of quantum computing advancements. Opinions among investors and experts vary widely, with predictions stretching from a few years to as long as 20 years.
Quantum computing has been a topic of scientific discourse for decades, promising computational power that could far exceed that of current computers. While traditional computers process information sequentially, quantum computers utilize “qubits,” which can represent multiple values simultaneously.
The implications of quantum computing extend to many sectors, including cybersecurity, finance, and healthcare, leading both governments and businesses to monitor its potential for transformative disruptions.
There are parallels between quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI). Before the emergence of ChatGPT in 2022, progress in AI was largely incremental and primarily understood by scientists. Even then, there was no consensus on when AI would reach a stage of commercial viability.
Longer Timeline Ahead
Nvidia’s Jensen Huang has expressed skepticism regarding Google’s optimistic timeline for quantum computing, suggesting that practical applications are likely two decades away. In statements made at an analyst event at CES in Las Vegas this January, Huang stated that a realistic timeline might be around 20 years, with 15 years being on the optimistic end and 30 years indicating a much later timeframe.
Huang’s prediction led to a significant decline in market value for several quantum computing stocks, totaling about $8 billion. This came after Google experienced a surge in interest in December when it announced breakthroughs with its new quantum chips.
Google’s quantum computing efforts have been ongoing since 2012, during which time the company has developed various quantum processors. Using this technology, Google claims to have resolved a computational problem in minutes that would take classical computers longer than the age of the universe to solve.
On Wednesday, Google’s quantum scientists reported another milestone toward realizing practical applications within the next five years, presenting their findings in the scientific journal Nature. They unveiled a new method for quantum simulation, marking an important step toward achieving the company’s ambitious goals.
© Thomson Reuters 2025
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
