How IBM Opened the World to Quantum Computing

Dr. Dario Gil, Jay Gambetta and Jerry Chow

IBM Quantum’s journey began in May 2016 with the launch of the IBM Quantum Experience, the first cloud-based platform providing public access to a quantum computer. The five-qubit processor made quantum computing accessible to developers, researchers, and students for experimentation through a user-friendly interface. Located at IBM’s T.J. Watson Research Center, the system allowed users worldwide to remotely program quantum circuits. Within just two weeks, more than 17,000 users had registered to explore quantum computing through the platform​.

This launch was a significant moment for both IBM and the broader quantum computing community, as it was the first time that quantum systems were made publicly available outside of research labs. According to Antonio Córcoles, an IBM research scientist who was heavily involved in the project, the team worked tirelessly to ensure the system’s stability before the launch. “I remember distinctly the night before—at midnight, I was sitting, refreshing my browser waiting for the IBM news release to publish,” he said, recalling the tension of the final moments​.

Antonio Córcoles, Head of Quantum + HPC, Principal Research Scientist

IBM's Qiskit framework, introduced alongside the Quantum Experience, further democratised access by providing an open-source software development kit that allowed users to write quantum algorithms. This combination of hardware and software innovation transformed the way people engaged with quantum computing. IBM’s ambition was to foster a global community of quantum learners and researchers, and by 2021, more than 325,000 users had utilised the platform​.

While the launch was widely celebrated, it also generated a bit of controversy in the tech community. Some experts felt that IBM might have overstated the platform’s immediate capabilities, as the five-qubit system couldn’t outperform classical computers. However, the educational and experimental value was undeniable, with many praising IBM for the public release of such cutting-edge technology​.

The public reaction was largely positive, as evidenced by the high registration numbers and the growing quantum community that IBM cultivated. The platform was seen as a vital step toward advancing quantum computing, providing hands-on experience to thousands of users who would otherwise have no access to such technology​.

IBM’s work in quantum computing continued to evolve after this launch, with significant advancements in hardware such as the 127-qubit Eagle processor in 2021 and the 433-qubit Osprey processor in 2022. The company's roadmap targets even larger quantum systems, with the Kookaburra processor expected in 2025​.

IBM’s Development Roadmap

These milestones reinforce IBM’s leadership in the quantum computing field, cementing its role in shaping the future of this transformative technology.