Quantum Advantage
The point at which a quantum computer solves a problem faster or more efficiently than any classical computer can. Also called quantum supremacy for specific benchmark demonstrations.
Quantum advantage refers to the point at which a quantum computer can solve a specific problem that a classical computer cannot solve in any practical timeframe, or solve it with significantly fewer resources. It is the primary long-term goal of quantum computing.
Google's Willow chip, announced in December 2024, is best known for demonstrating below-threshold quantum error correction, a separate and arguably more important result for the field's long-term trajectory. Willow also ran a random circuit sampling benchmark that Google described as far beyond classical reach, though, as with earlier Google results, that sampling claim has been contested as classical simulation has improved.
The distinction between 'quantum advantage' and 'quantum supremacy' is largely semantic. 'Supremacy' was used by Google in 2019 to describe their Sycamore chip result; 'advantage' is now more common as the industry has moved away from the more absolute-sounding term.
Google's Boulder lab, opened in 2026 after hiring Adam Kaufman from CU, is building on the Willow chip's below-threshold error correction result. The ecosystem views Google's entry into Boulder as bringing this research directly into the Colorado quantum community.