Quantum computing has long been viewed as a technology of the future, but Q-CTRL CEO Michael Biercuk says the future is now. Speaking at IBM's Think 2026 conference in Boston, Biercuk announced the first demonstration of 'practical quantum advantage' using publicly available IBM hardware. The company achieved a 3,000-fold performance improvement over conventional computing on a commercially relevant materials science problem involving electron behavior in advanced materials.
'The practical machines are already here,' Biercuk said.
Biercuk's optimism counters the prevailing narrative that quantum computing remains years from practicality. Instead of building its own hardware, Q-CTRL develops infrastructure software that stabilizes and optimizes existing quantum platforms. The software suppresses errors and optimizes qubit usage, enabling algorithms involving more than 14,000 entangling operations.
Last year, Q-CTRL demonstrated a GPS-independent navigation system using quantum sensors. The company now counts Lockheed Martin and Airbus among its customers.
Biercuk believes quantum computers will become specialized accelerators in hybrid workflows, similar to graphics processors. 'Software is what makes the hardware sing,' he said. The industry has already crossed the chasm from science to engineering, with IBM CEO Arvind Krishna stating, 'Quantum advantage will be reached this year.'