Microsoft warns U.S. risks falling behind China in quantum computers

Microsoft’s Vice Chair and President, Brad Smith, has warned that the US can’t risk falling behind China in the race to a quantum computer. Smith, in a blogpost from yesterday, urged President Trump and federal agencies to boost support for quantum research. 

Microsoft seeks funding from the U.S. government to stay ahead of China in the quantum computer race

Smith argued that without the support, the country could be overtaken, potentially blindsided by a strategic leap from China. Although many assume the U.S. still leads, Smith warned against complacency. 

Smith pointed to the possibility that China has already reached parity. He further noted that losing the quantum computer race entirely is not out of the question.

Quantum research, once niche, is now attracting heavy interest from major tech companies and investors. It’s estimated that in a decade, Quantum computing will take over just like AI has in recent times. 

Smith even suggested specific policy recommendations in the blog post. He seeks support from the US government in renewing the National Quantum Initiative Act, expanding DARPA’s testing programs, investing in STEM education, easing immigration for quantum Ph.D.s, and increasing federal purchases of quantum components to secure a domestic supply chain.

Microsoft didn’t indeed how Chinese lead in quantum computers would undermine U.S. security. But NSA Director of Research Gil Herrera has previously warned that a breakthrough could expose encrypted financial transactions and even reveal classified military data, including nuclear systems.

The Redmond tech giant wants to build an advanced quantum chip

In February, Microsoft introduced Majorana 1, a new quantum chip built using what it claims is a novel phase of matter. Google’s Willow device, unveiled last year, was touted as a milestone for its ability to solve in minutes a problem classical computers couldn’t crack in any practical timeframe.

However, usable quantum systems remain years—if not decades—away. Microsoft’s current quantum chip holds just eight qubits. Its goal is to hit a million. The near-future challenge for the company is to build a few hundred that can operate reliably.