IBM has achieved another major breakthrough in quantum computing. On November 12, 2025, at the annual Quantum Developer Conference, IBM unveiled two revolutionary quantum processors: Loon and Nighthawk, marking a critical step toward the company’s goal of achieving fault-tolerant quantum computing by 2029.
Loon: Experimental Milestone for Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing
IBM Quantum Loon is an experimental processor that, for the first time, demonstrates all the key processor components needed for fault-tolerant quantum computing. This breakthrough technology integrates multiple high-quality, low-loss routing layers, providing longer on-chip connection pathways that can physically link distant qubits on the same chip, surpassing previous limitations of only connecting nearest-neighbor qubits.
Key Technical Features
The Loon processor employs advanced c-couplers technology capable of resetting qubits between computations. More importantly, IBM has proven it’s possible to use classical computing hardware to accurately decode quantum errors in real-time (less than 480 nanoseconds) using qLDPC codes for immediate error correction.
The team achieved significant progress in quantum error correction decoding efficiency, delivering a 10x speedup over the current leading approach and completing this technical breakthrough one year ahead of schedule.
Nighthawk: 120-Qubit Processor Delivering by End of 2025
Unlike the experimental nature of Loon, Nighthawk is a practical quantum processor ready for user deployment. Expected to be delivered to IBM users by the end of 2025, Nighthawk features 120 qubits connected through 218 next-generation tunable couplers, enabling more complex computations than its predecessors.
Manufacturing Breakthrough: Leap from 200mm to 300mm Wafers
IBM achieved a major advancement in quantum chip manufacturing by successfully transitioning to a 300mm wafer fabrication facility, doubling development speed. Simultaneously, to meet the fault-tolerant error correction roadmap requirements, the physical complexity of quantum chips increased 10-fold.
This manufacturing technology upgrade not only improves capacity but also lays the foundation for future large-scale quantum computing systems. The 300mm wafer technology is widely used in the traditional semiconductor industry, and IBM’s successful introduction of this technology into quantum computing demonstrates its manufacturing capabilities and industry integration strength.
2029 Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing Roadmap
According to IBM’s published technology roadmap, the company plans to achieve quantum advantage by the end of 2026 and reach fault-tolerant quantum computing by 2029.
Quantum advantage means quantum computers can solve specific problems that classical computers cannot handle or would require extremely long processing times. Fault-tolerant quantum computing means the system can effectively detect and correct quantum errors during computation, achieving stable and reliable long-duration operations.
Industry Impact and Application Prospects
IBM’s quantum computing breakthrough has attracted widespread industry attention. According to Apple Magazine reports, Apple is also closely monitoring quantum computing developments, with rumors suggesting alignment with IBM’s quantum technology progress.
Quantum computing is viewed as the next major technological revolution following AI. CNN Business reports that quantum computing breakthroughs could bring “seismic shifts” in computing, impacting areas including drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, cryptography, and more.
Practical Application Scenarios
Once fault-tolerant quantum computers are realized, they will bring revolutionary breakthroughs in the following fields:
- Drug Discovery: Simulating molecular structures and chemical reactions to accelerate new drug development
- Materials Science: Designing novel materials, optimizing battery and superconductor performance
- Financial Modeling: Executing complex risk analysis and portfolio optimization
- Cryptography: Developing quantum-safe encryption systems to address future security challenges
- Climate Simulation: Building more accurate climate change prediction models
Quantum Computing Competitive Landscape
Besides IBM, tech giants like Google and Microsoft are also investing heavily in quantum computing. Google has already demonstrated quantum advantage, while Microsoft focuses on topological quantum computing research.
IBM’s advantage lies in its complete quantum computing ecosystem, including the Qiskit open-source software platform, IBM Quantum Network partner network, and cloud quantum computing services. The release of Loon and Nighthawk processors further solidifies IBM’s leadership position in quantum computing hardware.
Opportunities for Developers and Researchers
IBM continues to cultivate quantum computing talent and ecosystem through Quantum Developer Conferences and open platforms. The Nighthawk processor will be made available to IBM Quantum Network members by the end of 2025, allowing researchers and developers to test algorithms and applications on real quantum hardware.
As quantum processor performance improves and error correction technology advances, quantum computing is gradually moving from the laboratory toward practical application. IBM’s technology roadmap clearly shows that the era of practical fault-tolerant quantum computers is approaching.
Conclusion
The release of IBM’s Loon and Nighthawk quantum processors marks quantum computing technology entering a new phase. From experimental breakthroughs to practical deployment, from 480-nanosecond real-time error correction to 300mm wafer manufacturing upgrades, IBM is systematically addressing the core challenges of fault-tolerant quantum computing.
The goal of fault-tolerant quantum computers by 2029 is no longer distant. This technological breakthrough will have profound impacts on scientific research, industrial applications, and human society. The curtain on the quantum computing era has been raised, and all industries should begin thinking about how to prepare for this computing revolution.
