IBM has announced the creation of the world’s first fault-tolerant quantum computer, Quantum Starling, with a launch planned for 2029. This cutting-edge system is capable of performing 100 million quantum operations thanks to 200 error-corrected qubits, opening a new chapter in computational power and raising concerns among the crypto community regarding the future security of digital assets.
This is reported by Бізнес • Медіа
Features of Quantum Starling and IBM’s Technological Breakthrough
Quantum Starling is distinguished by its high level of fault tolerance, achieved through the implementation of two-dimensional bicycle codes from the LDPC family. This reduces the need for physical qubits by 90% compared to previous technologies. The system is also equipped with a real-time error decoder that operates on FPGA or ASIC processors, allowing errors to be corrected before they impact computations.
“Recently, we reviewed our roadmap, extending it to 2033 and beyond. So far, we have successfully completed all planned milestones. Based on this experience, we are confident in our continued progress,” stated IBM in an official announcement.
Rosa Di Felice, the Technical Director of the IBM Quantum Innovation Center, believes that the architecture of the new processor has great potential for implementing quantum error-correcting codes. In her opinion, Starling could serve as a catalyst for breakthrough solutions not only in cryptography but also in the fields of chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and materials science.
IBM’s Development Roadmap to 2029 and Risks for Cryptocurrency
According to the development plan, IBM is set to launch the Nighthawk processor with 120 qubits in 2025, and in the following years, achieve quantum advantage, scale the system to 1,080 qubits (Cockatoo), and present a prototype of Starling in 2028, with a full launch in 2029.
The emergence of Quantum Starling has prompted experts in the crypto industry to assess potential risks for blockchains, particularly Bitcoin. Michael Saylor, co-founder of Strategy, is convinced that quantum computing primarily poses a threat to the banking system, Google and Microsoft accounts, rather than Bitcoin, as these systems are less secure. Meanwhile, Professor David Bader from the New Jersey Institute of Technology warns that the advent of fault-tolerant quantum computers increases the risk for cryptographic algorithms in blockchains. According to him, the implementation of Shor’s algorithm, which can break cryptography, remains a prospect for the future, but the situation should be monitored closely.
In February 2025, Bitcoin developer Agustin Cruz proposed the BIP “Quantum-Resistant Address Migration Protocol” (QRAMP), which involves a hard fork of the network to protect assets from quantum attacks. This initiative requires the forced migration of Bitcoins from outdated addresses to modern, quantum-resistant wallets. QRAMP includes source code, instructions for changes in consensus, and tools for monitoring the network. After a set deadline, the Bitcoin Core network will be able to reject transactions from vulnerable addresses and effectively remove such coins from circulation, forcing users to transition to secure wallets.
Cruz emphasizes that his BIP provides a “rock-solid opportunity” to protect asset holders’ assets, taking all risks into account while ensuring backward compatibility and security.
Opinions on the impact of quantum technologies on digital assets vary: Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino considers the development of quantum computing positive for the market, as active holders will be able to protect their funds, while BlackRock emphasizes the serious threat to Bitcoin’s security posed by quantum machines.