IBM Achieves Quantum Computing Milestone Using Standard Consumer Chips:
As commercial quantum computers enter the market, their biggest challenge is reducing qubit error rates—just as bit errors occur in the digital world. IBM has made significant progress in this area, successfully running its advanced error-correction algorithm on off-the-shelf AMD hardware.
In the research paper, submitted to arXiv on Friday, IBM researchers reported running quantum algorithms on standard AMD FPGA chips—and they ran 10x faster than a quantum computer.
Rebecca Krauthamer (CEO, QuSecure) stated that this is a major breakthrough in error correction, which will help take a significant step towards IBM’s 2029 goal—the Starling large-scale quantum computer.
He explained, “IBM always differentiates its quantum roadmap. This achievement is significant because it appears to have arrived a year ahead of the error correction timeline.”
Earlier this year, IBM introduced a new error-correcting algorithm that runs on the BP+OSD decoder. This classical decoder runs in parallel with the quantum algorithm and tells it which correction to apply.
But this decoder had two problems:
- Accuracy was low, so the error-correcting code was not as effective.
- Speed was slow, which could cause quantum computers to slow down drastically.
IBM then proposed a new decoder—called “Relay-BP”—which is said to be faster and more accurate.
Now IBM has implemented Relay-BP on an AMD FPGA, proving that it is fast enough and will not slow down a quantum computer.
Experts say this is an important result, as it removes a major bottleneck that could limit the performance of future quantum computers.
Classical Hardware: The Backbone Behind Quantum Evolution:
With this latest development, IBM has once again made it clear that in the near future, classical computers will control and improve the performance of quantum computers, a point also highlighted by Izhar Medalsy (CEO, Quantum Elements). He explained that classical computing capabilities are crucial for advancing quantum hardware.
According to him, this announcement proves that quantum computers can be upgraded in conjunction with classical devices. Otherwise, quantum hardware noise reduction and performance improvement depend on classical device innovations.
Simon Fried (VP, Classiq) explained that IBM’s results show that classical hardware can now simulate and optimize quantum error-correction workflows that were previously thought to require smaller quantum processors. Running the QEC algorithm on AMD CPUs is a major step toward improvements in the software modeling and control layer—not in the performance of qubits.
But he also says that these improvements won’t directly speed up the quantum hardware timeline. Key hardware challenges—such as stable logical qubits, error thresholds, and scalable design—still play a major role.
According to them, a useful fault-tolerant quantum computer is possible by 2029, but that success will depend more on breakthroughs in hardware physics, not on classical simulation.
Quantum Computers in 2026?
Roger Grimes, CISO consultant at KnowBe4 (Clearwater, Florida), is quite optimistic about the quantum computer timeline.
He says, “I think practical quantum computers will arrive by next year, and this discovery by IBM isn’t necessary to advance quantum technology.”
He points out that many companies and vendors are developing quantum computers, so this improvement is just a small addition.
In his opinion, this technique is certainly an improvement in quantum qubit error correction, but many other similar techniques exist.
And he also believes that applying quantum error correction to traditional, cheap binary chips is the right direction, because cheaper solutions are better.
But he also says that companies that adopt quantum technology early won’t mind a cost difference of a few million dollars, because their focus will be on the best quantum performance.
Luke Yang, equity analyst at Morningstar Research Services (Chicago), described IBM and AMD’s deepening quantum partnership as positive.
In his opinion, pairing AMD’s FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) with IBM quantum systems makes sense, as FPGAs are low-volume production chips and are ideal for simultaneous testing.
FPGAs are cheaper than dedicated quantum chips (like IBM’s Heron), but still more expensive than CPUs/GPUs.
Yang explained that adding FPGAs to quantum systems is a good step in reducing the overall cost of quantum computing,
but this breakthrough alone will not lead to widespread quantum adoption, as commercial-level use cases are still limited.
Quantum Security Implications:
Philip George, executive technical strategist at Merlin Cyber (Vienna, VA), says this latest development creates some concern.
The reason? It shows that one of the most stubborn engineering problems in quantum computing—error handling—may have a practical solution.
He explains, “The most important thing is that this solution works on FPGA chips, which are already readily available on the market. They don’t require any new fabrication processes.”
If this method proves successful, cryptographically powerful quantum computers—which both countries and companies can use—could arrive sooner than thought. This means both government and industry have very little time to adopt quantum-safe security.
Jason Soroko, Senior Fellow at Sectigo, said that running real-time quantum error-handling on off-the-shelf AMD FPGAs is a strong signal that the classical control stack for quantum systems is maturing and costs are also falling.
This will make it much easier to scale, replicate, and integrate quantum systems with normal data center practices.
But he also said that this development does not change near-term encryption risks.
They believed, “When control moves from bespoke electronics to commodity hardware, the attack surface increases—firmware, drivers, orchestration software, and physical interfaces all become vulnerable.”
QuSecure CEO Rebecca Krauthamer said IBM’s announcement is further proof that quantum technology is advancing rapidly—from NIST’s post-quantum cybersecurity guidelines to U.S. DoD guidance.
She says, “Earlier, warning signals came sporadically, but now they’re coming almost weekly. Timelines are accelerating. The day is not far off when quantum computers will break all public key cryptography systems. And the world’s 20 billion devices will have to be made quantum-safe—and that too in just a few years.”
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