A fresh critique in Nature by Henry Legg of the University of St. Andrews challenges Microsoft’s key quantum computing evidence, arguing the software used to detect Majorana zero modes in nanowires produced inconsistent results. Legg likens the findings to “finding an image of Jesus in toast,” where adjusting analysis parameters determines whether one sees a breakthrough or noise.
The critique targets a February 2025 paper that claimed a methodological innovation, not a direct discovery. Microsoft has dismissed the criticism, saying the software is already used in operational quantum chips and recently unveiled the Majorana 2 chip. The company aims to deliver a useful quantum system by 2029.
DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative is evaluating quantum claims industry-wide, adding accountability. Microsoft’s history includes two prior Nature retractions, and this third round of questioning creates a growing credibility gap that engineering milestones may not fully close.