SAN FRANCISCO: Google has announced a major breakthrough in quantum computing with the development of a new algorithm called Quantum Echoes, which the company says will enable practical applications in fields such as artificial intelligence, materials science, and drug discovery.
According to the company, Quantum Echoes — running on its advanced quantum chip — is 13,000 times faster than the best existing classical computing algorithms used on supercomputers. This leap in processing speed represents a landmark step toward real-world use cases of quantum technology.
Company executives said the algorithm could eventually help scientists measure molecular structures with unprecedented precision, aiding in the discovery of new drugs and materials. Google is one of several global technology leaders — alongside Amazon and Microsoft — investing heavily in quantum computing, which promises to solve complex problems far beyond the reach of today’s classical machines.
Last year, Google introduced its quantum chip Willow, which addressed a critical issue with “qubits,” the core building blocks of quantum computing. Executives said the creation of the Quantum Echoes algorithm is as significant as the chip itself.
The algorithm can also be verified using other quantum computers or experimental methods — a crucial factor for practical deployment. “If I can’t prove to you the data is correct, how can I do anything with it?” said Tom O’Brien, staff research scientist at Google.
For AI, engineers hope the algorithm will generate unique, verifiable datasets in areas like life sciences, where quality training data is scarce. Details of Quantum Echoes were published in Nature on Wednesday, marking a major milestone in the race to make quantum computing commercially viable.
