November 25, 2025

Jawadul Islam

Queens High School for the Sciences at York College

10th Grade

During recent years, there have been countless innovations in the field of technology: new devices, computing systems, and even artificial intelligence. But one of the most recent innovations that does not get enough attention is the arrival of quantum computing. With such an intricate name, it would make sense that this innovation is nothing to be slept on. The path to make this innovation have the possibility of being implemented on a large scale was revealed by the company Microsoft, and if it truly does get implemented on a large scale, it could lead to serious impacts and solutions for modern problems.

But what exactly is quantum computing? Well, to understand that, we must discuss the definition of a qubit. Similar to how a bit is the foundational unit for storing information in a computing system, a qubit is the foundation for information in a quantum computing system. But something that is not the same is the way that a bit and a qubit store the information. Unlike a bit, which can only have the value of 0 or 1, a qubit can be in a superposition (a mathematical combination involving complex numbers with both real and imaginary parts), simultaneously having the value of both 0 and 1. Although when the qubit is measured, it only reveals one of the two values depending on probability. This type of probabilistic result of value makes even a single qubit have more representational flexibility than an ordinary bit. But the real magic begins when you combine the strength of multiple qubits; through entanglement, it allows for the computing of multiple situations. This allows quantum computers to be able to, in a sense, create simulations for situations themselves, hence being able to derive a solution much quicker than a normal computer.

The great power of this concept is what got the attention of many people, including experts and, most importantly, Microsoft. On February 19, 2025, Microsoft introduced Majorana 1, a new breakthrough in quantum computing. Majorana 1 is “the world’s first quantum chip powered by a new topological core architecture.” Made from materials that were assembled atom by atom, this accomplishment was the result of a very talented team and lots of hard work and dedication. As a result, the team had worked with precision and made countless discoveries, even if you exclude the final chip. One of these miniature but not so miniature revelations is topoconductors. Due to the use of a topoconductor, or topological superconductor, which is capable of creating a “new state of matter,” that being a topological state, qubits are able to be smaller, faster, and controlled digitally, all of which is accessible without the compromises of other alternatives.

Along with that, there are many things that make quantum computing what it is. But along with these factors and causes, this innovation has its fair share of possible and likely impacts. Due to its ability to seamlessly conduct simulations by itself, it would lead to breakthroughs and discoveries in multiple fields of science. Within fields of material science, experts could run simulations about the interaction of molecules at atomic levels with minimal effort. This could lead to revelations in medicine, biological understanding, energy storage, etc. For statistical fields such as logistics, finance, and manufacturing, quantum computing can be used for optimization and generation of algorithms. Even outside of science, quantum computing has its fair share of effects. Due to being able to simulate seemingly an infinite number of possibilities, it could hypothetically decipher any encryption, and it can also lead to breakthroughs in the speed that AI learns information and the growth of what they can do. Through the use of quantum computing, society would make advancements that were previously thought to be impossible, but let’s see truly how far it can go beyond our imagination.

In conclusion, the concept and real-life implementations still have lots of room to grow. It is unclear what it can lead to, but it is clear that it will be something big. Given the ability for society to grow in various branches and fields, it is safe to say that people will not—and should not—give up on this concept anytime soon. This also refers to readers like you. Although you are directly related to the collection of research and theories of expanding this concept, it is your role in this era of innovation to collect as much information as you can and keep yourself aware and updated. With such innovations on their way, it is tough to predict how life might change and decide how it should change, and that is when you are bound to make a decision, having to use what you know to make the right choice. So remember to stay educated and stay curious!