A quantum computer chip small enough to fit in your hand could solve problems that today’s supercomputers would take thousands of years to crack, signaling a major leap toward practical quantum computing.

This new chip, named Majorana 1, redefines how quantum computers are built and operated. Unlike current quantum computers, which take up entire rooms and rely on intricate cooling systems, Microsoft’s breakthrough suggests these powerful machines could eventually become as common as the processors in our smartphones.

To understand the difference, imagine solving a jigsaw puzzle the traditional way versus having thousands of hands working on it at once. Traditional computers process information step by step, but quantum computers can explore multiple solutions simultaneously.

The biggest challenge has always been maintaining stability in quantum systems. They’re incredibly fragile, and even the slightest disturbance can cause errors. Microsoft’s solution introduces a new material called a top conductor, which makes quantum bits (qubits) more stable and reliable.

The innovation lies in how these qubits are created. Instead of using conventional methods, Microsoft developed a unique material combining indium arsenide and aluminum, constructed atom by atom. This material produces exotic particles called Majoranas, which protect quantum information more effectively than ever before.

The chip’s design is also groundbreaking. It features H-shaped structures, with each ‘H’ containing four controllable Majoranas that form one qubit. These structures can be connected like tiles across the chip, providing a clear path to scaling up to one million qubits—a critical milestone for solving meaningful problems.

This approach stands in stark contrast to traditional quantum computers, which face two major hurdles: they require massive spaces and complex systems to operate, and their qubits are highly unstable. The Majorana 1 chip addresses both issues with its compact design and inherently stable architecture.

The real-world applications of this technology are vast. It could revolutionize how we tackle global challenges, from developing self-healing materials that repair bridge cracks or car scratches to breaking down microplastics polluting our oceans. It could also lead to more effective medicines by understanding molecular interactions at a quantum level and even improve agricultural processes to combat global hunger.

The chip’s precision is another standout feature. It can detect the difference between one billion and one billion and one electrons in a superconducting wire. Unlike traditional quantum computers, which require constant adjustment, Majorana 1’s measurements are as simple as flipping a light switch, making quantum computing more practical and accessible.

This advancement has caught the attention of the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which has included Microsoft in its program to evaluate quantum computing technologies. Microsoft is now one of two companies in the final phase of DARPA’s Underexplored Systems for Utility-Scale Quantum Computing program.

The complete system goes beyond the chip itself. It includes control electronics to operate the qubits, a specialized refrigerator that keeps the chip colder than outer space, and software that allows the quantum computer to work alongside traditional computers and AI systems. Microsoft has already placed eight topological qubits on the chip, demonstrating its potential for scaling to larger systems.

Microsoft isn’t working alone in this endeavor. Through partnerships with Quantinuum and Atom Computing, as well as its Azure Quantum platform, the company is advancing quantum computing capabilities while making current systems accessible to researchers and businesses. These collaborations reflect a broader trend in the field, where combining different technological approaches accelerates progress.

While there’s still engineering work to be done to refine processes and scale up the technology, Microsoft has already overcome significant scientific challenges, as validated by peer review in Nature. What was once considered a high-risk approach is now showing promising results.

This development brings practical quantum computing—once thought to be a distant future technology—closer to reality. When fully realized, it could transform how we address society’s most pressing problems, from climate change to medical research, turning the impossible into the possible. The ability to solve complex problems in chemistry, materials science, and other fields could drive innovation across industries, leading to breakthroughs that benefit society as a whole.