Google's new quantum computer chip solves problems in 5 minutes, which would take supercomputers 10 septillion years to complete — longer than the universe has existed:

The achievement, published in Nature, marks a major step forward for quantum computing, proving it can perform tasks beyond the capabilities of classical computers.

The chip is called "Willow."

This breakthrough centers on the random circuit sampling (RCS) benchmark, a complex statistical test used to assess computational randomness. Hartmut Neven, founder of Google Quantum AI, called Willow "the most convincing prototype" of a quantum computer to date, highlighting its potential to tackle real-world problems previously considered unsolvable.

Unlike traditional computers that process information as binary bits (ones and zeros), quantum computers use qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously due to quantum superposition.

This allows them to exponentially increase computing power. However, qubits are notoriously fragile and prone to errors, a challenge Google claims to have overcome with Willow's built-in error suppression system.

Google now aims to leverage this progress to address real-world applications, such as advancements in medicine, nuclear fusion, and clean energy. Neven emphasized that quantum computing, alongside artificial intelligence, will drive transformational changes in technology, pushing humanity closer to solving otherwise insurmountable challenges.