IBM announced it can successfully run a key quantum error correction algorithm on commercially available chips from Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), representing a significant step toward building practical quantum computers. This demonstration showcases that IBM’s error-mitigation techniques not only function in real-world conditions, but can operate on readily accessible and affordable AMD hardware. The breakthrough accelerates IBM’s multi-year plan to develop a quantum computer, dubbed Starling, by 2029, and follows the June announcement of their novel error-addressing algorithm. Shares of both IBM and AMD rose sharply on Friday following the news, signaling investor confidence in this advancement. The paper is expected to be released on Monday, 27th October 2025, according to Reuters.
Quantum Error Correction Advances on Standard AMD Chips
IBM announced it can now run a key quantum error correction algorithm on readily available chips from Advanced Micro Devices. This represents a significant step toward the commercialization of powerful quantum computers, addressing a core challenge in the field. The company demonstrated the algorithm’s functionality on field programmable gate arrays manufactured by AMD, moving beyond theoretical simulations.
Jay Gambetta, director of IBM research, explained that the work shows the algorithm not only functions in a real-world setting, but can operate on an AMD chip that isn’t prohibitively expensive. Implementing the algorithm and achieving a performance ten times faster than required is a major achievement, according to Gambetta. This development allows for more accessible and scalable error correction solutions for quantum computing systems.
Building on this, the algorithm work was completed a year ahead of IBM’s original schedule, signaling rapid progress in quantum error correction. Shares of both IBM and AMD experienced gains following the news, closing up 7.88% and 7.63% respectively. This positive market reaction highlights the growing investor confidence in the potential of quantum computing and the importance of overcoming error correction challenges.
IBM Accelerates Quantum Computing Timeline with New Algorithm
According to the company, this advancement positions IBM a year ahead of schedule in its multi-year plan to construct the Starling quantum computer by 2029. The successful implementation of the error correction algorithm on AMD chips demonstrates a significant acceleration in the timeline for building practical, scalable quantum systems. This proactive approach underlines IBM’s commitment to overcoming the substantial challenges inherent in quantum computing development.
The algorithm’s performance exceeded expectations, operating at a speed ten times faster than initially required for effective error mitigation. This improved efficiency is crucial as qubits are highly susceptible to errors, which can quickly render quantum calculations unreliable. The ability to run these algorithms on readily available AMD chips, rather than specialized hardware, lowers the barrier to entry and facilitates broader access to quantum computing technology.
Shares of both IBM and AMD experienced notable gains following the announcement, closing up 7.88% and 7.63% respectively. This positive market reaction reflects investor confidence in IBM’s progress and the potential for AMD to benefit from the growing quantum computing sector. The combined impact of algorithmic advancements and readily available hardware suggests a maturing ecosystem poised for further innovation and commercialization.
Running IBM’s error correction algorithm on readily available AMD chips represents a significant step towards practical quantum computing. This development could enable more widespread testing and refinement of these crucial algorithms outside of highly specialized environments. For industries facing complex computational challenges, such as materials science and financial modeling, this offers a pathway toward leveraging quantum capabilities sooner than previously anticipated.
The implications extend beyond quantum computing itself, potentially accelerating advancements in algorithm development and error mitigation techniques. IBM’s work, as shown by Jay Gambetta and his team, demonstrates a clear focus on building a more accessible and robust quantum ecosystem.
