Quantum Tech Set for Major Breakthroughs in Next 5 Years: Sundar Pichai

Google CEO Sundar Pichai has said that quantum computing is poised to enter its most exciting and transformative phase in the next five years, driven by advances in hardware stability, error correction, and practical real-world applications. His remarks come at a time when global tech giants are racing to achieve quantum advantage—where quantum processors can solve problems far beyond the reach of classical computers.

Pichai highlighted that quantum computing is moving from theoretical possibility to industrial readiness, with major breakthroughs expected in materials science, cryptography, drug discovery, climate modelling, and optimization problems. The key turning point, he noted, will be the development of more reliable qubits and scalable quantum processors, reducing the high error rates that currently limit practical usage.

According to Pichai, Google’s roadmap focuses on building a 1,000-logical-qubit quantum computer capable of running stable computations. Achieving this milestone would enable quantum systems to simulate complex molecular interactions, optimize power grids, accelerate battery R&D, and revolutionize secure communications. He emphasized the role of AI in accelerating quantum research, noting that machine learning models are increasingly being used to design better qubits and optimize quantum circuits.

Industry analysts agree that the next half-decade will be pivotal. Nations are investing billions in quantum research, and private companies—from IBM to Amazon and Chinese players like Alibaba—are aggressively developing their quantum ecosystems. The convergence of quantum computing with AI, neuromorphic systems, and high-performance computing is expected to unlock entirely new computing paradigms.

However, Pichai also cautioned that quantum computing’s rise will reshape cybersecurity. Current encryption systems—RSA, ECC, and Diffie–Hellman—will become vulnerable once quantum machines reach sufficient scale. He urged governments and enterprises to begin transitioning to post-quantum cryptography to avoid future security disruptions.

As quantum computing enters its breakthrough era, Pichai believes the next five years will define the foundational technologies that shape the future of science, industry, and national security.