SAN FRANCISCO 24 Oktober 2025, IBM announced a major breakthrough in quantum computing after successfully running an error-correction algorithm (error-correction algorithm) on a conventional AMD chip — a crucial step toward the commercialization of quantum computers.
Quantum technology has long been considered difficult to scale because of qubit instability, but with this achievement, IBM demonstrates that its algorithm can operate efficiently on more accessible, cost-effective hardware.
Why Is This Important?
Quantum computers use qubits, which can represent both 0 and 1 simultaneously, allowing them to perform extremely complex calculations — such as simulating reactions among trillions of atoms — that classical computers cannot handle efficiently.
However, qubits are extremely sensitive to environmental disturbances, making error correction (Quantum Error Correction, QEC) a key challenge.
Back in June 2025, IBM had developed an advanced QEC algorithm capable of running alongside quantum processors. Now, the company has confirmed that the same algorithm can also operate on AMD’s Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) — a conventional, programmable chip — with performance measured 10 times faster than the required threshold.
This result could drastically reduce the cost and accelerate the path toward large-scale quantum systems.
Development Timeline
Early Research and Announcement
In June 2025, IBM publicly revealed that it had created a QEC algorithm capable of detecting and correcting quantum computing errors in real time.
Implementation on AMD Hardware
The latest results show that the algorithm can now run efficiently on AMD’s FPGA — a general-purpose chip not originally designed for quantum applications — achieving real-time operations with superior performance.
Market Reaction
On the day of the announcement, IBM’s stock rose by 7.9%, while AMD’s shares jumped nearly 7%, signaling strong investor confidence in this technological milestone.
Roadmap Ahead
IBM confirmed plans to build a large-scale quantum computer named Starling by 2029 — now reportedly one year ahead of schedule thanks to this advancement.
Technical Details: What IBM Achieved
IBM explained that the QEC algorithm was executed on a commercially available AMD FPGA chip — described as “not too expensive” and widely accessible.
According to Jay Gambetta, IBM’s Director of Quantum Research:
“Implementing it, and showing that the implementation is actually 10 times faster than what is needed, is a big deal.”
This statement highlights not only the technical success but also the maturity of the system for real-time operations, not just simulations.
The integration of FPGAs enables classical systems to assist in quantum control, forming a bridge between traditional hardware and future quantum devices.
Short Analysis
Commercialization Potential
Running a QEC algorithm on a commercial chip lowers both cost and complexity, opening the door for broader access to quantum computing research and development.
Industry Competition
This advancement places IBM in direct competition with Microsoft and Google, both of which have also made progress in quantum innovation.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite these achievements, scalability and physical qubit stability remain difficult problems. Moreover, quantum security and regulatory frameworks must evolve before full deployment can occur.
Impact on the Tech Ecosystem and Markets
For the semiconductor industry, this development strengthens AMD’s position as a major player beyond traditional GPUs — marking its entry into the quantum computing field.
Investor reactions have been positive, as companies anticipate new partnerships in quantum-classical hybrid systems.
For cloud providers, research institutions, and enterprises, this progress could lower the cost of accessing quantum resources and accelerate adoption.
For startups and investors, it signals the beginning of a new wave of funding focused on “practical quantum computing”, rather than speculative hype.
Implications for Indonesia and the Asia-Pacific Region
Although the announcement came from the United States, its effects will likely be felt globally:
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Universities and R&D centers in Indonesia may gain easier access to affordable quantum computing platforms.
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Technology startups can start preparing for a “quantum-ready” roadmap as classical computing reaches its limits.
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Local talent specializing in quantum algorithms and error correction will become increasingly valuable.
Conclusion
IBM’s revelation that quantum error-correction algorithms can run on AMD’s conventional chips represents a historic step toward quantum commercialization.
This breakthrough shows that the long-awaited “hybrid quantum era” — where quantum and classical systems coexist — is finally becoming reality.
If further challenges are resolved, the next decade could see quantum computers move from labs to enterprise data centers — redefining the future of global computing.