In December 2025, researchers from the Quantum Project Group at the Lebedev Physical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (FIAN) announced a significant milestone: the development of a 70-qubit quantum computer prototype using ytterbium ions. This system effectively demonstrated a quantum register comprising 70 qubits and attained notably high operational fidelity—99.98% for single-qubit operations and 96.1% for two-qubit operations—in preliminary control experiments. The initiative was carried out as part of Russia’s comprehensive national strategy for quantum computation, overseen by the state corporation Rosatom and directed by academician Nikolay Kolachevsky.
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This milestone advances Russia into a new stage of quantum research, integrating fundamental physics with practical applications in science and industry. Although still lacking large-scale practical quantum computers, this achievement positions Russia prominently within the active international sphere of quantum technology advancement.
Understanding the Significance of Achievement: The Implications of 70 Qubits
Quantum computing diverges significantly from classical computing. Classical bits denote either 0 or 1, whereas quantum bits, or qubits, leverage quantum phenomena such as superposition—allowing a qubit to exist in multiple states simultaneously—and entanglement, which involves correlations between qubits that cannot be replicated by classical bits. These properties allow quantum computers to simultaneously investigate numerous computational pathways, potentially providing exponential performance advantages for specific problems in comparison to classical computers.
A quantum computer comprising 70 qubits entails a quantum register capable of representing 2^70 possible states—a magnitude so vast that classical simulation becomes impractical at scale. This does not inherently provide a practical advantage for all tasks; however, it signifies a threshold of complexity at which quantum systems start to rival classical supercomputers in solving particular problems.
The Russian prototype employs confined ions, specifically ytterbium ions, a rare-earth element, as the physical medium for qubits. Ions are confined within electromagnetic enclosures and controlled with lasers to execute quantum logic operations. Each ytterbium ion encapsulates two qubits within its internal energy states, facilitating the development of a 70-qubit register at the forefront of existing ion-trap technology.
The Significance of This: Accuracy and Practicality
One of the most important features of the FIAN quantum computer is not just the quantity of qubits but also the accuracy of its operations. High precision is essential due to the fact that actual quantum computers are highly susceptible to noise and defects — problems that escalate rapidly as the number of qubits grows.
The reported accuracy of 99.98% for single-qubit gates and 96.1% for two-qubit gates is remarkable given the magnitude, particularly for a prototype device. Enhancing gate fidelity is crucial for executing complex quantum algorithms with reliability and directly influences the feasibility of implementing quantum error correction, an essential prerequisite for scalable and fault-tolerant quantum computing.
Error correction represents one of the most major obstacles within the discipline. Quantum states are inherently delicate, and even slight interactions with the environment can cause the disintegration of the information being manipulated. Attaining high operational precision at an early stage—prior to the development of fully error-corrected systems—lays a solid foundation for more resilient future architectures.
Russia’s Quantum Vision: Strategic Roadmap to 2030
The 70-qubit system constitutes a component of Russia’s strategic roadmap for quantum computation, as delineated by FIAN and supervised by Rosatom. This roadmap anticipates a progression of progressively advanced devices culminating in medium-scale quantum computers by 2030, endowed with robust error-correction mechanisms and capable of addressing real-world industrial challenges through complex quantum algorithms.
The targeted applications encompass materials design, chemical simulation, optimization problems, cryptography, machine learning, and data analysis—all domains in which quantum computing offers theoretical advantages over classical methodologies. Although these applications currently remain predominantly aspirational, gradual advancements in qubit quantities, gate fidelities, and algorithm development are essential milestones on the path to practical viability.
Rosatom’s participation further emphasizes Russia’s conviction that quantum computing is not solely a scientific curiosity but a strategic technological domain with significant implications for national competitiveness in defense, industry, and economic development.
Global Benchmarks: The Position of 70 Qubits
To comprehend the importance of 70 qubits, it is useful to examine how this number compares on a global scale:
United States: IBM and Google
U.S. corporations and research organizations have been among the most proactive worldwide. In recent years:
Google’s Sycamore quantum processor, a 70-qubit device, famously demonstrated what has been termed “quantum supremacy”—completing a task in seconds that would require classical supercomputers thousands of years to perform—although the claim and its practical significance have generated discussion within the scientific community.
IBM continues to invest in expanding its capabilities, unveiling processors featuring hundreds to over a thousand qubits (for example, the Condor processor with 1121 qubits). However, these systems also advance the challenges related to error rates, connectivity, and coherence.
These figures demonstrate that the number of qubits alone does not serve as the solitary measure of performance; the quality of qubits, coherence durations, connectivity configurations, and error rates all impact practical computational capability.
China
Chinese institutions and corporations have also achieved significant progress. They have reported quantum processors and simulators at competitive scales, including systems that have demonstrated specific quantum tasks with performance exceeding classical simulation—although the platforms often differ in technology (e.g., photonic qubits, ion traps, superconducting circuits).
European and Other Efforts
European research laboratories and companies are advancing quantum processors employing diverse qubit modalities, with the goal of achieving greater scalability and seamless integration with classical computing systems. Collaborations within the European Union and with international partners seek to establish innovation ecosystems focused on quantum computation and communication.
Technical Challenges and Prospective Developments
Although advancements have been made in qubit quantities, operational fidelity, and strategic planning, substantial technical obstacles still must be overcome before quantum computers can surpass classical computers in practical applications.
1. Error Detection and Fault Tolerance
Current devices, including the 70-qubit prototype, are classified as noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) systems. They are capable of demonstrating promising physics and compact algorithms but lack comprehensive, error-corrected, fault-tolerant architectures. Practical applicability will be contingent upon advancements in quantum error correction and fault tolerance.
2. Capacity for Growth
Expanding from tens to hundreds or thousands of high-quality qubits necessitates advancements in hardware design, manufacturing accuracy, cryogenic technology, and control electronics.
3. Development of Algorithms
Developing quantum algorithms that provide substantial advantages on real-world problems—beyond narrowly designed benchmarks—remains a primary area of research. Industries and research communities are investigating quantum algorithms in the fields of optimization, machine learning, and simulation.
4. Integration with Classical Computing
In the near term, utility may be derived from hybrid quantum-classical systems, in which classical computers and quantum processors operate collaboratively. Effective frameworks to facilitate such collaboration constitute a dynamic area of ongoing research.
Societal and Industrial Effects
Although practical quantum computation remains in development, its potential implications are significant:
Science and Inquiry
Quantum computing offers the potential for significant advancements in physical sciences, materials science, and chemistry through the simulation of quantum systems that are beyond the efficient modeling capabilities of classical computers. Research into superconductors, catalysts, pharmaceuticals, and complex materials could advance significantly with the development of quantum simulation capabilities.
Optimization and Supply Chain Management
Quantum algorithms possess the theoretical capacity to enhance optimization problems in logistics, supply chain management, financial modeling, and large-scale data analysis, potentially resulting in more efficient utilization of resources across various sectors.
Cryptography and Information Security
Quantum computing also intersects with the domain of information security. Powerful quantum algorithms—particularly Shor’s algorithm—possess the potential to compromise conventional public-key cryptographic systems such as RSA and ECC. This prospect has stimulated interest in post-quantum cryptography, which aims to develop cryptographic techniques resilient to quantum attacks.
Economic Rivalry
Countries investing in quantum technologies seek not only scientific distinction but also long-term economic competitiveness. Quantum computing is regarded as a fundamental technology with the potential to transform industries and establish significant technological leadership.
Conclusion: A Critical Milestone, Not a Final Destination
The declaration of a 70-qubit quantum computer prototype by Russian researchers signifies a significant milestone in the country’s progress in quantum computing. With exceptional operational accuracy and a well-defined plan for developing medium-scale machines by 2030, Russia is harmonizing its scientific community with international initiatives in this transformative
Although 70 qubits does not represent the ultimate objective for achieving practical quantum advantage, it indicates a progressing maturation in quantum technology research and establishes a conducive environment for future advancements. As research advances globally, collaborations, competition, and interdisciplinary innovation will persist in shaping the quantum computing landscape—driving progress toward devices capable of addressing real-world problems beyond the capabilities of classical machines.