IBM Sets 2029 Target for Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computer

IBM has set a target of building a fault-tolerant quantum computer, Starling, by 2029. The system will have 200 logical qubits and support up to 100 million quantum operations. IBM is using a quantum low-density parity check code to reduce the number of physical qubits needed by 90%, marking a shift from scientific theory to engineering execution. The roadmap to Starling includes three new processors: Nighthawk (2025), Kookaburra (2026), and Cockatoo (2027).

IBM has set an ambitious target to build a fault-tolerant quantum computer, codenamed Starling, by 2029. The system will feature 200 logical qubits and support up to 100 million quantum operations. This represents a significant milestone in the evolution of quantum computing, aiming to overcome current limitations and pave the way for practical applications.

The company is leveraging a novel quantum low-density parity check (qLDPC) code to reduce the number of physical qubits needed by 90%. This innovation marks a shift from theoretical quantum computing to engineering execution, making large-scale systems far more feasible. IBM’s roadmap to Starling includes several intermediary processors: Nighthawk (2025), Kookaburra (2026), and Cockatoo (2027).

IBM’s updated Quantum Roadmap outlines a series of milestones leading up to Starling. The IBM Quantum Loon processor will begin testing architectural components in 2025. Kookaburra, scheduled for 2026, will be the company’s first modular processor capable of both storing and processing encoded information. By 2027, the Quantum Cockatoo system will integrate two Kookaburra modules, enabling scalability without physically building larger chips.

IBM’s stock has gained more than 22% this year and 60% in the last 12 months, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s quantum computing initiatives.

References:
[1] https://dev.ua/en/news/ibm-stvoryt-kvantovyi-kompiuter-na-200-lohichnykh-kubitakh-iz-100-mln-operatsii-do-2029-roku-1749653224
[2] https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/ibm-plans-to-launch-starling-quantum-computer-by-2029-it-can-detect-and-fix-its-own-errors-without-crashing-2739566-2025-06-12
[3] https://newsable.asianetnews.com/markets/ibm-plans-to-build-starling-quantum-computer-by-2029-targets-2033-for-billion-operation-blue-jay-/articleshow-8p5slcd