Microsoft introduced Majorana 2, a new quantum chip created with the help of AI: useful systems by 2029

Microsoft announced the creation of a new quantum chip, Majorana 2, with topological qubits, designed using artificial intelligence. The company claims that by 2029 there will be commercially useful quantum systems capable of solving problems that classical computers cannot.

On June 2, 2026, Microsoft introduced a new quantum processor, Majorana 2, writes xrust. This is an evolution of the topological qubit-based approach that the company has been developing for more than 20 years. The main difference from the previous version (Majorana 1, February 2025) is the use of lead-based materials instead of aluminum, as well as the active use of artificial intelligence tools to search and optimize materials.

According to Jason Zander, executive vice president of quantum technologies at Microsoft, the new chip demonstrates a 1,000-fold improvement in some key parameters. This was made possible by solving a difficult technological problem: integrating lead into the chip without dissolving it during the production process. Lead, as a heavier atom, allows for a larger “topological gap,” which theoretically makes the qubits more stable and error-resistant.

Why is this important

Quantum computers have the potential to solve certain problems exponentially faster than classical supercomputers: modeling molecules for the development of new drugs and materials, optimizing complex logistics systems, advanced calculations in cryptography and chemistry. Microsoft, like its competitors (IBM, Google, Amazon), sees this as a breakthrough for science and industry.

The company now says it expects commercially useful quantum machines—systems capable of performing calculations that traditional computers cannot—by 2029. This deadline coincides with IBM's plans. Previously, Microsoft talked about «years, not decades,» without giving a specific date.

Microsoft's approach: topological qubits

Unlike most competitors that use superconducting qubits (based on aluminum or other materials), Microsoft is relying on topological qubits based on Majorana zero modes. Theoretically, such qubits should be more protected from external interference due to topological information protection.

Majorana 2 is the next step after Majorana 1. The chip is designed to scale, and the company emphasizes the transition from fundamental physics to engineering solutions.

Skepticism of the scientific community

Despite Microsoft's optimism, the company's approach raises questions among some physicists. Critics note a lack of publicly available data to independently verify the results. Microsoft has previously had controversial publications on the topic of Majorana, some of which have been heavily criticized and corrected.

Physicist Henry Legge of the University of St Andrews emphasized the importance of reproducible experiments. Microsoft responds that some of the data is a trade secret, but it was provided confidentially to DARPA (the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), which is evaluating different approaches to quantum systems.

Race context

Quantum technologies are one of the priority areas of global technological competition. The US supports development through government programs. Microsoft is integrating its developments into the Azure Quantum ecosystem, where tools for hybrid quantum-classical computing are already available.

For Russia and the global market, this means the potential emergence of new tools for scientific research, pharmaceuticals and materials science in the coming years. However, before mass practical application there is still a way to go through scaling, creating reliable algorithms and integrating with existing systems.

Microsoft emphasizes that Majorana 2 is the result of interdisciplinary work by physicists, engineers and AI specialists. The company expects that further progress will reduce the time to implement useful quantum applications.

From the pages of reuters.com

Xrust Microsoft introduced Majorana 2 — a new quantum chip created with the help of AI: useful systems for 2029