
In October 2019, Google made a groundbreaking announcement: they had achieved quantum supremacy. This milestone marks a pivotal moment in the history of computing, signalling a future where quantum computers could outperform the most powerful classical supercomputers on specific tasks. But what exactly is quantum supremacy, and why does it matter?
Quantum supremacy occurs when a quantum computer can perform a calculation that is infeasible for any classical computer to achieve in a reasonable time. Google's quantum processor, Sycamore, reportedly performed a task in 200 seconds that would take the world's fastest supercomputer, Summit, approximately 10,000 years to complete. This is a monumental leap forward, but it's essential to note that the task solved was highly specialised and not of practical use. However, it demonstrates the potential power of quantum computing.
While the achievement of quantum supremacy is a significant milestone, the road to practical and widespread quantum computing is still long. Several challenges need to be addressed:
Despite these challenges, the race towards quantum computing continues to accelerate, with significant investments from governments, corporations, and research institutions worldwide. Quantum supremacy is just the beginning—it's a glimpse into a future where quantum computers could unlock new possibilities and transform the technological landscape.




