IBM has taken a decisive step towards the future of quantum computing by announcing the development of IBM Quantum Starlingwhich will be, according to the company, the first large -scale quantum computer and tolerant of world failures. With an execution horizon planned by 2029, the system promises to exponentially multiply the current processing capacity and open new doors to the resolution of complex problems in science, industry and technology.
The new computer will stay in a quantum data center that IBM is building in Paughkeepsie, New York. There, Starling will be designed to execute 100 million quantum operations with 200 logical qubits, a figure that will leave obsolete the current limits of this technology. To represent its complete status, the combined memory of more than one quindecillón (10^48) of the most powerful supercomdators on the planet would be needed.
“IBM is drawing the next border of quantum computing,” says Arvind Krishna, president and CEO of the company. “With our experience in mathematics, physics and engineering we are paving the way to a large -scale quantum computer and tolerant of failures, capable of solving real world challenges and unlocking enormous possibilities for companies.”
Starling is just the beginning. IBM plans that this system is the basis of Blue Jayits future generation of quantum computers, which will reach the 2,000 logical qubits and will be able to execute up to one billion quantum operations.
How it works: the key is in logical qubits
IBM’s innovation is based on the creation of logical qubits, built from groups of physical qubits that work together to detect and correct errors during processing. This autocorrection capacity is essential to climb quantum computing and execute complex algorithms without failures.
The use of QLDPC codes (quantum verification codes) is central to this approach. According to IBM, these codes allow to reduce by 90% the number of physical qubits necessary with respect to other error correction methods, making the construction of practical and reliable quantum systems viable.
Roadmap towards 2029
To achieve its objective, the company has updated its quantum roadmap with a series of intermediate processors:
- IBM Quantum Loon (2025): It will test key components such as “C-co-drivers” to connect distant qubits inside the chip.
- IBM Quantum Kookaburra (2026): It will be the first IBM modular processor, capable of combining quantum memory and logical operations.
- IBM Quantum Cockatoo (2027): It will connect two Kookaburra modules using “L-co-drivers”, creating quantum chips networks without increasing its individual size.
Each of these steps addresses concrete challenges of scalability, modulation and efficiency, laying the foundations for Starling to enter into operation in 2029.
Towards truly useful quantum computing
The objective of IBM goes beyond technical development: it seeks to enable quantum computing really useful for real world applications. With Starling and Blue Jay, the company hopes to revolutionize sectors such as material research, drug design, industrial optimization or artificial intelligence.
If you manage to comply with what is promised, IBM will not only lead the quantum race, but will mark a before and after in the history of computing.
