IBM on Thursday announced a new partnership with Cisco to develop some of the world’s first networks of quantum computers. The company said the effort could form the basis of a quantum computing internet by the early 2030s.
The collaboration focuses on building large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum systems that can communicate over long distances. IBM said the project “could lay the groundwork for a future quantum computing internet.” A proof-of-concept network is expected within three to five years, followed by expanded long-distance connections in the next decade.
Currently, quantum computers operate independently because no networking infrastructure exists for them. IBM believes connecting these systems will allow advanced workloads requiring “up to trillions of quantum operations,” supporting applications such as large optimisation problems, drug discovery and new materials design.
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The companies also see potential in quantum sensor networks that can detect extremely small environmental or climate changes, an innovation scientists say could transform atmospheric monitoring.
Progress depends on achieving fault tolerance, which remains one of the biggest technical hurdles. Qubits are fragile and easily disrupted by their surroundings, so machines must be able to continue operating even when errors occur. IBM has made this a priority and recently tested quantum error-correction methods using hardware from Advanced Micro Devices.
IBM’s confidence in its timeline is supported by its history of hitting major milestones, including the release of its 1,000-qubit IBM Condor system in 2023.