Hajra Naz
Microsoft has introduced Majorana 2, a new quantum chip that it claims is about 1,000 times more reliable than its earlier version. The company also says it moves practical quantum computing closer than before.
Quantum computers hold huge power, but stability has always been the weak point. Qubits break down fast. That makes long calculations difficult. Microsoft says Majorana 2 improves that problem.
The company reports qubit lifetimes now reach around 20 seconds on average. Some last up to a minute. That marks a clear jump from earlier systems.
The key change sits in the materials. Earlier designs used aluminum. The new chip uses lead. It helps protect qubits from outside noise. That reduces instability and improves performance.
Microsoft technical fellow Chetan Nayak said the system is “1,000 times better” than last year. He also said steady yearly progress is needed to reach commercial use.
AI also played a role in the work. Microsoft used its Discovery platform to support research. It helped run measurements, adjust manufacturing steps, and scan large research datasets.
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Nayak said AI tools are now part of the research process. They help spot patterns that are hard to see manually.
Microsoft now expects a scalable quantum computer by 2029. Earlier estimates placed that milestone further out.
The company believes quantum systems could impact drug discovery, materials science, and energy research. It has also opened its Discovery AI platform for broader use.
Not all experts agree on Microsoft’s approach. The company has faced questions in the past around its work on Majorana particles. A 2018 research paper was later withdrawn after scrutiny. Still, development continued, leading to the 2025 chip and now Majorana 2.
