Google crosses a critical threshold in quantum computing: Going beyond supercomputers

Metaverse Planet October 23, 2025Last Updated: October 23, 2025

4 minutes read

Google’s groundbreaking algorithm has enabled a significant threshold to be crossed in quantum computers. For the first time, a quantum computer has run an algorithm that surpasses the capacity of supercomputers.

It has been discussed for years that quantum computers have a potential far beyond classical computers and can solve problems that even the most powerful supercomputers cannot. However, this potential has been theoretical until now; moreover, some researchers stated that the development of quantum algorithms adaptable to real-world problems would take years. However, Google announced today that this critical threshold for quantum computers has been crossed. The company’s quantum computer successfully ran an algorithm that exceeds the capacity of classical computers. This groundbreaking step indicates that quantum computers are closer to practical application than we thought.

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The Quantum Computer Worked 13,000 Times Faster than a Classical Computer

In the statement made by Google, it was stated, “For the first time in history, a quantum computer has successfully surpassed the capacity of supercomputers by running a verifiable algorithm.” Google’s algorithm allowed the quantum computer to work 13,000 times faster than a classical computer. Google emphasized that this operation, which goes beyond classical computers and, more importantly, is repeatable, brings quantum computers even closer to practical applications. Michel Devoret (who won the Nobel Prize in Physics this month), the head of Google Quantum AI unit, described the announcement as crossing an important milestone. Devoret said, “This marks a new step towards full-scale quantum computation.”

Google’s algorithm, named Quantum Echoes, was designed to maximize the inherent properties of quantum systems such as superposition and entanglement. The algorithm can calculate molecular interactions, which would have to be processed sequentially on a classical computer, over a multitude of possible states simultaneously. This shortens the processing time by 13,000 times.

The algorithm was optimized particularly for simulating the quantum mechanical behavior of molecules. This is critical for understanding how atoms and electrons interact with each other within a molecule, their energy levels, and possible configurations. Google engineers used superconducting qubits to develop the algorithm. These qubits operate at extremely low temperatures and are kept in a special magnetic and thermal isolation environment because they are sensitive to environmental noise.

Another critical point in the algorithm’s design was the application of error correction methods. Quantum Echoes includes an adaptive error correction mechanism that can detect and correct faulty behavior of the qubits. This increased the accuracy rate in complex calculations and ensured the reliability of the algorithm in comparative tests.

The Results Obtained Were Checked and Verified with NMR

The algorithm was tested on two different molecules, and the results were cross-checked with NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) technology. NMR analyzes the structure and dynamics of molecules by measuring the response of atoms to magnetic fields. The results provided by Quantum Echoes revealed interactions that could not be observed with classical NMR.

On the other hand, the tests revealed that the algorithm is repeatable on different quantum chips. Google confirmed the consistency of the results by re-running the same calculation on different hardware; this satisfied a criterion called “verifiable quantum advantage.” Thus, it was proven that quantum computers can reliably solve certain scientific problems.

Google’s Willow Chip Was Used to Run the Algorithm

The Quantum Echoes algorithm was run on Google‘s Willow chip. This chip uses superconducting qubits and has a special architecture that reduces cross-talk between the qubits. The qubits are kept in an environment cooled down to a temperature of approximately 15 millikelvin to minimize atomic vibrations and preserve the superposition state. This ensures that quantum information is protected from environmental noise and electromagnetic effects.

The Willow chip stands out not only for its hardware capacity but also for its computational efficiency and scalability. The qubits on the chip are interconnected via superconducting circuits, allowing them to perform complex quantum interactions more consistently. Google engineers made it possible for algorithms to run for long periods without errors by precisely controlling the energy levels of the qubits and minimizing environmental noise. Thanks to these features, Willow allows complex algorithms like Quantum Echoes to run much faster and more reliably compared to classical computers.

The most important application areas of this technology are drug discovery and materials science. Analyzing the quantum interactions of molecules can dramatically shorten the design time for new drugs. Similarly, it can be used in the development of superconducting or highly conductive materials. Furthermore, the data generated by the algorithm can be fed into artificial intelligence models to increase the accuracy of AI-based discoveries.

It is almost universally accepted that this achievement by Google is a groundbreaking step. However, it is emphasized that there are still significant hurdles to overcome before quantum computers can move into practical use.

Winfried Hensinger, a professor of quantum technologies at the University of Sussex, points out that we are still far from fully fault-tolerant quantum computers (those capable of performing the tasks that the scientific community is excited about). This requires machines with hundreds of thousands of quantum bits (qubits). On the other hand, experts state that Google’s achievement focused on a narrow scientific problem and that a real-world application is still distant. Hensinger added, “It is important to understand that the task Google has accomplished is still far from the world-changing applications that quantum computers are envisioned to bring to life. But this is convincing evidence that quantum computers are becoming increasingly powerful.”