Jeff Kagan: The quantum theory behind the new Google Willow chip

February 18, 2025 at 11:11 AM EST

In recent years we have all been overwhelmed by wave-after-wave of new technology like IoT, 5G, wireless broadband, FWA, streaming, satellite and more. Now, there are two new technologies which will have a significant impact on all of us and in fact, our entire world and most of us do not have a clue.

Quantum technology and AI are massive growth opportunities and change agents for companies, workers, customers and investors around the world.

The impact on our world of AI and quantum are very misunderstood. So, let us try and blow away the fog of confusion a bit and help us all prepare.

At this early stage, simply understanding gives you and edge. Don’t worry if you do not know. Two years ago, I recall the question being asked of the Microsoft and Google CEO and they didn’t understand yet either. In fact, these changes are so rapid and so profound it can be difficult for anyone to really understand and steer this runaway race car.

Does Google Willow quantum chip let us peer into this new world?

In a recent announcement, Google said it has developed the Willow quantum chip. This could indeed be a major advancement in the space. It shows how intensely Alphabet GOOG is working to advance quantum technology.

We should also expect to see many other companies developing other quantum chips moving forward, both here in the United States and worldwide. Both large and small developers. The players all want to drive this new technology faster and further than ever before. They all have the unquenching thirst to be first and to change the world.

Google say its superconducting qubits require specialized cryogenic environments and customer control electronics to achieve greater computational power than we have ever seen before. They are taking a full-system approach to building superconducting systems from chip architecture and gate development to fabrication and calibration.

Google says Willow exemplifies this new approach. Built in its state-of-the-art facility in Santa Barbara, Calif., this chip was designed for performance and flexibility. And this is still just the early versions of this new technology.

Has Google Willow quantum chip discovered a parallel universe?

I have in fact been reading about a breakthrough where the Google Willow quantum chip has potentially discovered what may be an alternate-universe or a parallel-universe. And if there is one, could there be more? In fact, could there be countless others?

This is what Hollywood sci-fi movies call the multiverse. Countless universes all playing out at the same moment, each with different storylines, some better and some worse.

Like everyone else, I still have plenty to learn about this new space. Parallel universes could translate into incredible bursts of speed and productivity, among other things.

Today, we are still in the training-wheels stage of this new world. Imagine what our world could look like five years from today. Ten years. Twenty years.

Theory behind Google Willow quantum chip

The theory behind Google Willow quantum chip sounds simple. We think linearly. Our computers also think linearly. However, quantum physics thinks vertically. Three dimensionally. If we can understand this, it has the power to change everything.

Jeff Kagan: The quantum theory behind the new Google Willow chip

They say it would take today’s most powerful computers gazillions of years, no joke, to solve a complex problem. But the same problem could be solved in mere minutes using quantum physics. This sounds crazy, but if this is true, is this not astounding?

Remember, at one point electricity, the automobile, air travel, space travel, wireless and more all sounded impossible as well.

When looking at the molecular scale, a neutron circles an electron. This holds everything in place. Quantum physics say when looking at this, we see neutrons spinning around an electron. But when we don’t look at it, the neutrons come and go. They appear, disappear and appear again. So, if that is the case, where did they go?

The theory is these neurons move between parallel universes. Then they come back. That means they can compute incredibly faster than ever before, because they do so on countless different levels, simultaneously.

We are still in the very early stages of understanding quantum technology. If it is what experts think it is, it would be a most incredible discovery of all time.

Expect rapid growth, expansion, M&A and IPOs in quantum and AI space

What we think we understand at this early stage is just one slice of a huge pie. Today, we are all like infants in this new world. Going forward we should expect more quantum chip technology and AI enhancements, more M&A and more IPO activity in this space.

Think of this like the first version of the iPhone or Android in a 2G world with only a few hundred apps. We did not know how it would change our lives, but it did. Today, wireless is faster than ever. Today, wireless has millions of apps. Today, the smartphone has become a necessary technology. In fact, we never leave home without it.

Going forward we should also expect Quantum and AI to generate an intense level of interest from industry watchers, workers, investors, governments and regulators.

Quantum is used in computing, but it is much more than that. Who knows where this will lead us moving forward at light-speed. This technology could empower breakthroughs in advanced science, technology, medicine and more.

And while some companies and leaders will take a responsible approach, others may rush in with little regard to how it will impact the world for the better and worse.

Quantum tech, Artificial Intelligence and other new technologies yet to come all require us to think more deeply than ever before. The question I ask is can we both grow quickly, carefully and responsibly, all at the same time? I put it to you, we must.

Meeting with leaders in AI and quantum, I will share what I learn

Quantum and AI have the power to transform everything we know, both for better and for worse. Every industry. Every company. Every product and service. Every part of our business and personal lives. Every thought. Even reality itself.

Are we prepared today? Will we have to make some serious mistakes before we learn? We cannot stop this train. So, the challenge is we must prepare for the unknown.

Going forward, as I meet with executives and scientist in these areas, and as I learn more, I will write more about this fascinating new world.

I want to help you understand how our world is changing and what is coming next. This is important to every investor, executive, worker, regulator and more in this ever expanding, new growth opportunity.

More from Jeff Kagan: Why quantum and AI are the new growth wave, Part 2

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Jeff Kagan: The quantum theory behind the new Google Willow chip

Does Google Willow quantum chip let us peer into this new world?

Has Google Willow quantum chip discovered a parallel universe?

Theory behind Google Willow quantum chip

Expect rapid growth, expansion, M&A and IPOs in quantum and AI space

Meeting with leaders in AI and quantum, I will share what I learn

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