Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan envisions a future where quantum computers don’t replace existing processors, but work alongside them. “In my view, GPUs, CPUs and quantum computing are all forms of computing, so they will run together in certain application areas,” Tan stated while keynoting the Splunk.conf26 conference in Denver, just after attending the U.S. Open tennis tournament.

This suggests a pragmatic integration of quantum technology, positioning it as a complement to, rather than a disruption of, current computing infrastructure as the industry races toward commercial quantum systems. Tan recounted a period when Intel sought assistance from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, revealing a surprising instance of collaboration between the two rivals.

Intel CEO Envisions Quantum Chips Alongside GPUs and CPUs

Intel anticipates a future where quantum chips will not supplant existing processors, but will instead function as a complementary component alongside both GPUs and CPUs, according to Lip-Bu Tan, the company’s CEO. He detailed this vision while keynoting the Splunk.conf26 conference in Denver, following a brief appearance at the U.S. Tan acknowledged the prevalent sentiment that progress in quantum computing is slow, yet reaffirmed his commitment to continued investment, noting, “In quantum computing, people also think the change is taking too long, but I have continued to invest in quantum computing.” This sustained investment signals Intel’s belief that quantum computing will mature into a commercially viable technology within the next few years, potentially impacting multiple sectors.

The NTU-IBM Quantum Hub in Taipei provides a model for this collaborative future, giving access to IBM quantum systems for staff, students, and partners including the Institute for Information Industry and ITRI since January 2019.

Tan also expressed concern about the practicalities of widespread quantum adoption, questioning, “I also think about who is going to pay for it.” He suggested that a focus on error correction and identifying practical applications will be crucial for realizing the full potential of quantum technology, adding, “I am focusing now on error corrections and applications.” He further cautioned against complacency, stating, “Sometimes companies tend to protect what they have rather than attempt disruptive change,” and predicted.

There will be far more variations you can work with using qubits.

Tan Details Error Correction and Quantum Application Focus

Intel’s strategy centers on overcoming quantum error correction challenges to unlock practical applications, according to Lip-Bu Tan. This access, formalized through a technology licensing contract with IBM providing a 20-qubit system, allows researchers to explore practical applications without the immense capital expenditure of building and maintaining quantum hardware independently. Tan also addressed the economic realities of quantum computing, questioning the financial viability of large-scale deployment.

He anticipates a period of refinement and experimentation before quantum computing reaches full-scale use, acknowledging it remains in a trial-and-error phase. Despite the cryogenic infrastructure required, a significant obstacle, Tan believes its impact will be contained to the next three to five years, suggesting potential advancements in cooling technologies or alternative approaches. He envisions a future where qubits offer greater computational flexibility, stating, “There will be far more variations you can work with using qubits,” and believes this will begin to have a noticeable impact over the next three to five years.

In my view, GPUs, CPUs and quantum computing are all forms of computing, so they will run together in certain application areas, and you will be able to use quantum computing more efficiently.

Scaling Qubits Presents Hurdles for Quantum Commercialization

Commercial viability of quantum computing hinges on overcoming practical hurdles beyond simply increasing qubit counts, according to Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan. He indicated that current limitations restrict quantum systems to handling problems requiring only tens or hundreds of qubits, a far cry from the million-plus needed for widespread application. Tan addressed the economic realities underpinning quantum development, acknowledging the critical question of funding. He delivered that message on the 15th at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, taking the keynote stage at.conf26, the annual conference hosted by data management platform company Splunk.

This concern highlights a growing awareness that technological advancement must be coupled with a sustainable financial model for quantum computing to move beyond research labs. The company is actively pursuing commercialization through developments like Tunnel Falls, a silicon spin qubit device designed to operate at comparatively higher temperatures, and ongoing collaborations with academic institutions. Tan concluded with a statement reflecting his enthusiasm for the technology’s potential, saying, “To me, that is very interesting.”

IBM and Microsoft Target 2029 Quantum Computer Release Dates

Tan articulated this expectation while speaking at Splunk’s.conf26 conference in Denver, Colorado, on September 15, emphasizing a collaborative rather than competitive relationship between these computing architectures. He suggested that GPUs drove AI inference while CPUs handled AI training, and quantum chips will similarly fill a distinct role in a future computing ecosystem. The anticipated 2029 timelines set by IBM and Microsoft for commercially viable quantum computers are driving focused development on overcoming key hurdles, including qubit scaling and cryogenic infrastructure.

Tan highlighted the importance of removing unnecessary wiring and noise to improve quantum computer stability, noting this is a core technology for IBM’s system due in 2029. Microsoft unveiled its Majorana 2 chip for quantum computers in June, also targeting commercialization by 2029, demonstrating a parallel effort to address these challenges.

Peter DeSantis of Amazon anticipates the arrival of the first commercially useful small-scale quantum computers within five to seven years, further solidifying the late 2020s as a critical period for the field, Intel says. The U.S. government is actively investing in quantum computing, viewing it as a strategic area of competition with China. The administration of former President Donald Trump provided equity stakes to major companies in the sector, signaling a commitment to securing U.S. leadership in this emerging technology.

This backing reflects a broader international race to develop and deploy quantum capabilities, with significant implications for national security and economic competitiveness. Tan’s comments, delivered after a brief appearance at the U.S. Open tennis tournament, underscore the increasing integration of quantum computing into mainstream technology discussions and the expectation of a hybrid computing future.