Microsoft has announced a historic breakthrough in quantum computing, unveiling Majorana 1, its first quantum processor built using a revolutionary new state of matter. This marks the culmination of two decades of research into Majorana particles, a discovery that could dramatically accelerate the timeline for practical quantum computing.
“Today, That Changed.”
Reflecting on this milestone, Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella stated:
“Most of us grew up learning there are three main types of matter that matter: solid, liquid, and gas. Today, that changed.”
Microsoft’s breakthrough introduces an entirely new state of matter, unlocked by a new class of materials called topoconductors. These materials form the foundation of Majorana 1, the first-ever quantum processing unit (QPU) built on a topological core.
“After a nearly 20-year pursuit, we’ve created an entirely new state of matter,” Nadella continued. “It powers Majorana 1, enabling a fundamental leap in computing.”
A 20-Year Pursuit of the Impossible
Microsoft’s journey to this milestone has been a relentless pursuit of a theoretical particle first proposed in 1937—the Majorana fermion. These elusive particles, forming a fourth state of matter distinct from solids, liquids, and gases, were widely considered impossible to harness.
For years, Microsoft bet on these particles as the key to overcoming one of the biggest obstacles in quantum computing: qubit instability. Unlike conventional quantum bits (qubits), which lose their state in fractions of a second, topological qubits built from Majorana particles are inherently resistant to errors.
“The qubits created with topoconductors are faster, more reliable, and smaller,” Nadella emphasized. “They are 1/100th of a millimeter, meaning we now have a clear path to a million-qubit processor.”
This breakthrough allows for more reliable and scalable quantum systems, offering a path to creating a truly meaningful quantum computer not in decades, as some have predicted, but in years.
Introducing the Majorana 1 Quantum Processor
Microsoft’s newly developed Majorana 1 chip is the first-ever processor to use topological qubits. This new architecture is based on a pioneering material stack of indium arsenide and aluminum, engineered “atom by atom” by Microsoft researchers.
Key Features of Majorana 1:
- Built on top conductors, a new category of superconducting material
- More stable and reliable qubits, reducing the need for excessive error correction
- Can scale up to a million qubits, surpassing all current quantum chips
- Small enough to fit in the palm of a hand
“Imagine a chip that can fit in the palm of your hand yet is capable of solving problems that even all the computers on Earth today combined could not!” Nadella exclaimed.
Revolutionizing the Quantum Race
Microsoft’s announcement comes at a pivotal moment in the race for quantum supremacy, where tech giants like Google, IBM, Intel, and Nvidia are all competing to develop the first commercially viable quantum machine.
- Google claims its Willow chip can solve problems that would take a classical computer 10 septillion years.
- IBM recently unveiled Condor, the largest quantum chip in the world.
- Intel has been investing in silicon spin qubits and advanced control systems.
However, unlike these companies, which use traditional electron-based qubits, Microsoft has pioneered a new category of matter to power its quantum future.
“Sometimes researchers have to work on things for decades to make progress possible,” Nadella reflected. “It takes patience and persistence to have big impact in the world. And I am glad we get the opportunity to do just that at Microsoft.”
Microsoft and DARPA’s Quantum Mission
In recognition of the significance of Microsoft’s research, DARPA—the U.S. Department of Defense’s advanced technology agency—has selected Microsoft as one of two companies to demonstrate large-scale quantum computing capabilities. The only other company selected was PsiQuantum, which is pursuing a photon-based quantum computing model.
Microsoft’s Zulfi Alam, Corporate VP of Quantum, emphasized the long-term nature of this research: “Our leadership has been working on this program for the last 17 years. After 17 years, we are showcasing results that are not just incredible, they’re real. They will fundamentally redefine how the next stage of the quantum journey takes place.”
The Road Ahead: From Research to Reality
While Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recently claimed practical quantum computers are two decades away, Microsoft is far more ambitious. The company believes that with Majorana 1, useful quantum computing will be achieved in years, not decades.
As quantum computing moves closer to commercialization, the implications for drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, and artificial intelligence are staggering.
Nadella concluded with a vision that extends beyond technological hype:
“This is our focus: When productivity rises, economies grow faster, benefiting every sector and every corner of the globe. It’s not about hyping tech; it’s about building technology that truly serves the world.”
