Quantum Computers Are Here

Summary

Colton Dillon explains that quantum computers like IonQ Forte, D-Wave, and IBM systems are reaching an exponential inflection point, solving problems beyond classical supercomputers and having implications for cryptography.

• Quantum computers are here and outperform classical computers probabilistically on specific problems.
• IonQ's 32-qubit Forte can do useful work when the machine is well calibrated.
• At 52 fully connected qubits, the problem becomes intractable for the largest classical supercomputers.
• D-Wave published a March 2025 paper showing its system solves Ising models faster than the second-largest supercomputer.
• IBM demonstrated a proof of work solving hidden subgroup problems up to a size relevant for breaking cryptography.
• The technology is described as being at an exponential inflection point.