Google Quantum AI
Google Quantum AI is Google’s (Alphabet’s) quantum computing research division, led by VP of Engineering hartmut-neven and Director of Research (Quantum Algorithms) ryan-babbush, among others.
Key Contributions (relevant to this knowledge base)
Google Willow Chip (2024)
A 105-qubit superconducting quantum processor that demonstrated:
- Error correction that improves with qubit count — crossing the fault-tolerant threshold for the first time.
- Published in Nature: “Quantum error correction below the surface code threshold.”
- Described by scott-aaronson as enabling indefinite qubit stabilisation in principle. Source: cottier-2026-quantum-computing-breakthroughs
Quantum Vulnerability Disclosure (2026)
ryan-babbush and hartmut-neven published updated Shor’s algorithm resource estimates for ECDLP-256, showing bitcoin’s cryptography is breakable with < 500,000 physical qubits (~20× fewer than prior estimates). Published via a zero-knowledge proof to avoid providing an attack roadmap. Recommends transition to PQC. Source: babbush-neven-2026-quantum-vulnerabilities-cryptocurrency
Migration Timeline
Google has committed to migrating its own infrastructure to PQC by 2029. It has led PQC transition efforts since 2016.
Sources: babbush-neven-2026-quantum-vulnerabilities-cryptocurrency, cottier-2026-quantum-computing-breakthroughs