# IBM quantum computing development

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ibm-quantum-computing-development
> Updated: 2026-10-07T01:26:59.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2.

Researchers led by Tigran Sedrakyan of BlueQubit have demonstrated a significant quantum advantage using IBM’s Nighthawk r2 quantum processor. In a random-circuit sampling experiment, the 120-qubit processor generated one million samples in 19 seconds, a task estimated to take the Frontier supercomputer approximately 110 years.

Following this demonstration of hardware capability, IBM has advanced to Stage C of the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), a third-phase evaluation led by DARPA. This stage involves independent experts testing hardware and architectures to assess the feasibility of building a fault-tolerant quantum computer. IBM expects to deliver its first fault-tolerant quantum system by 2029.

## Claims

- IBM expects to deliver its first fault-tolerant quantum computing system in 2029. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- DARPA launched the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative in 2024 to evaluate the feasibility of building an industrially useful fault-tolerant quantum computer by 2033. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- IBM has advanced to Stage C, the third phase, of DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Stage C involves independent experts testing and measuring quantum hardware, technology, systems engineering, and architectures. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Zapata Quantum has joined the IBM Quantum Network to develop mission-driven quantum applications. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-07: IBM advances to DARPA's third phase of quantum benchmarking initiative

IBM has entered the third phase of DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative to develop fault-tolerant quantum computing, aiming for a 2029 delivery. Separately, Zapata Quantum joined the IBM Quantum Network.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ibm-advances-to-darpas-third-phase-of-quantum-benchmarking-initiative

### 2026-10-02: IBM Nighthawk r2 demonstrates quantum advantage in new study

IBM’s Nighthawk r2 quantum processor completed a task in 19 seconds that researchers estimate would take the Frontier supercomputer 110 years, demonstrating a potential quantum advantage.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ibm-nighthawk-r2-demonstrates-quantum-advantage-in-new-study

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Cite as: IBM quantum computing development. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ibm-quantum-computing-development