Quantum Computing: Bill Gates vs. Jensen Huang on Timeline
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates believes that useful quantum computing could arrive sooner than expected, potentially within the next three to five years.
Gates expressed this view on Yahoo Finance's Opening Bid podcast, countering Nvidia founder Jensen Huang's prediction of a 15-30 year timeline. Microsoft is a major player in the quantum computing field, and Gates expressed confidence in its progress.
However, Gates acknowledged the challenges involved in developing both quantum hardware and software. He emphasized that the timeline could vary based on technological advancements and the pace of innovation.
Huang's bullish stance on quantum computing, particularly through Nvidia's AI chip technology, has sparked a debate in the tech industry. Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Meta, has expressed skepticism, suggesting a longer timeline for quantum computing's practical applications.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the timeline, Gates maintains that AI development is progressing rapidly and is more predictable.
"There's a great deal of uncertainty there [on quantum computing]," Gates said. "In the meantime, the AI stuff, that's improving at a very, very rapid rate."
Investors in quantum computing startups, such as Rigetti Computing, should be aware of the potential for a longer development timeline and focus on the company's financial trajectory.