Caltech researchers warn that quantum computers capable of breaking modern cryptography-including Bitcoin’s-may be closer than expected. A new study outlines how neutral-atom quantum systems could run Shor’s algorithm with as few as 10,000 qubits.
This approach drastically reduces the previously estimated one billion qubits needed. Oratomic, a Pasadena-based startup founded by Caltech physicists, collaborated on the development.
Dolev Bluvstein, CEO of Oratomic, emphasized the urgency: "People are used to quantum computers always being 10 years away... but the timeline is shortening."
Current systems are nearing 6,000 qubits. Caltech recently demonstrated a 6,100-qubit machine with high accuracy, renewing fears over cryptographic security.
Governments and tech firms are moving toward post-quantum cryptography. Yet challenges remain in building scalable, low-error quantum machines.
Experts predict a functional quantum computer could emerge before 2030, posing risks beyond cryptocurrencies-to global digital infrastructure.