Google’s quantum computer marks a historic milestone, running 13,000 times faster than the world’s supercomputers

On 22 October 2025 Google announced a major achievement in quantum computing.

Unveiling its new algorithm, “Quantum Echoes”, the company said the technology running on its Willow quantum chip can perform calculations 13,000 times faster than the world’s fastest supercomputers.

Mapping molecular structure with unprecedented precision

Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, Google’s new algorithm determined the molecular structure of materials with unprecedented accuracy. This could transform drug discovery, materials engineering and quantum chemistry, as it reveals atomic-level structures that classical computers cannot reproduce efficiently.

The first “verifiable quantum advantage” in history

The result is recognised as the first “verifiable quantum advantage” in history, meaning the results can be confirmed by other quantum computers or independent experiments. This sets Google’s new discovery apart from earlier quantum computing demonstrations.

Practical applications on the horizon

Hartmut Neven, Google’s vice president of engineering, said: “We expect to see real, practical applications that only quantum computers can perform within the next five years.” He added that fully fault-tolerant quantum computers, which require millions of qubits, are still several years away.

The achievement is a decisive step in the transition from classical computing to a new era of quantum computing — one that could transform science, technology and global industry.