Quantum computing holds the promise of carrying out calculations that would take today’s systems millions of years and could unlock discoveries in medicine, chemistry and many other fields.

There are numerous important problems that “classical” computers, of the sort we use every day in our phones, and laptops and power most modern applications, cannot solve.

But these are problems quantum machines might be able to rapidly crack, promising new discoveries by creating new medicines or designing better batteries.

A host of technology firms, including the silicon valley giants, are currently engaged in a multi-billion dollar race to develop a quantum computer powerful enough to solve these problems.

Microsoft is approaching the problem differently to most of its rivals.

Its path to building a quantum computer relied upon being able to create a “topoconductor” or topological conductor.

It uses the newly developed material to create a new state of matter- a so-called “topological state” which isn’t a gas, liquid or solid and, until relatively recently, had existed only in theory.

Specifically, it relies on so-called Majorana particles, which themselves were previously considered theoretical.

The biggest challenge of quantum computers relates to their fundamental building block, called a qubit, which is incredibly fast but also extremely difficult to control and prone to errors.

The more qubits a chip has the more capable it is.

Microsoft says it has put eight of its new topological qubits on its new chip – considerably less than the chips created by some of its rivals.

However, it claims to have a path to scaling it up to a million qubits – which would create immense computing power.

Professor Paul Stevenson of Surrey University said the research published by Microsoft was a “significant step”, but he felt it had tough challenges ahead.

“Until the next steps have been achieved, it is too soon to be anything more than cautiously optimistic,” he said.

Chris Heunen, Professor of Quantum Programming at the University of Edinburgh, told the BBC he felt Microsoft’s plans were “credible”.

“This is promising progress after more than a decade of challenges, and the next few years will see whether this exciting roadmap pans out,” he said.

A new national quantum facility, that will house 12 quantum computers, was officially opened by Science Minister Lord Vallance in late 2024.

The UK’s quantum technology sector is a global leader, with a thriving ecosystem of companies, research institutions, and talent. The UK is home to the second-largest quantum sector globally, backed by substantial private investment.

The NQCC is set to harness the power of quantum computing to solve real-world problems that affect both individuals and industries. The Centre will focus on key areas where quantum computing can offer impactful solutions, including:

• energy grid optimisation – quantum computers can analyse vast amounts of data in real time to identify the most efficient ways to balance energy supply and demand, preventing power outages and minimising energy losses
• faster drug discovery – by speeding up the analysis of molecular structures, quantum computing could dramatically accelerate the development of new medicines, offering faster treatments for life-threatening conditions
• climate prediction – with the ability to process vast amounts of data, quantum technology can enhance climate modelling, allowing for more accurate predictions and improved responses to global environmental challenges
• advances in AI – quantum computing can supercharge artificial intelligence, enhancing areas such as medical diagnostics and fraud detection, leading to better healthcare outcomes and more secure financial systems