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In the history of mathematics, few concepts have been as transformative as zero. Before its introduction, mathematical possibilities were limited. Zero unlocked calculus, physics, and modern science. Jay Gambetta, Director of IBM Research, believes quantum computing could be just as revolutionary—not merely a new tool, but a fundamentally new way of thinking.

"Zero allowed us to develop a whole set of new mathematics that then went on and defined everything from waves to calculus," Gambetta explained in a recent episode of Smart Talks with IBM. "Quantum computing could be that transformative for computation."

A Different Kind of Math

What exactly makes quantum computing different from classical computing? In his conversation with Malcolm Gladwell, Gambetta emphasized that quantum computing represents a fundamentally different approach to processing information.

"While classical computers are built to add numbers together, quantum computers operate on a new kind of math, one that allows them to explore problems that don't have simple numerical representations," Gambetta said.

The core of quantum computing lies in its mathematical foundation. "It turns out that there's a math that is new that we, the quantum mechanics, [have] shown to be true," Gambetta explained. "It's more like a group theory type structure. And the way quantum works is it has a different math as a primitive. If we can exploit that new math and build a machine that does it, it allows us to answer different questions."

This mathematical distinction enables quantum computers to potentially solve certain problems exponentially faster than classical computers, particularly in areas like cryptography, material science, and optimization.

IBM's Quantum Journey

IBM has been at the forefront of quantum computing research for decades, spending the last ten years building its vision for quantum advantage and large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computing.

"In 2017, we set our goal that in 2023, we would be able to build a machine that was beyond classical computers to simulate it. And we achieved that," Gambetta announced. "Now I've made it public that by 2029 we'll build the first fault-tolerant quantum computer—one that can completely handle the noise to the level to allow you to run a very large problem."

Recent advancements unveiled at the Quantum Developer Conference include new quantum hardware, software, and an open, community-led quantum advantage tracker. IBM also showcased an updated fabrication process with chips that begin on 300mm wafers at the always-on Albany NanoTech Complex, leveraging the company's semiconductor expertise to accelerate R&D and enable more complex chip designs.

These developments move quantum computing closer to achieving quantum advantage—the point where quantum systems can outperform all classical-only methods for specific problems.

From Theory to Practice

The transformative potential of quantum computing isn't just theoretical. Enterprises are already beginning to explore real-world applications with IBM's quantum technology.

HSBC, for example, utilized IBM's quantum computers to demonstrate improvements in predictions for algorithmic bond trading. According to Gambetta, "They replaced a tiny part of it with a quantum subroutine. It was 34% better at predicting algorithmic churn. That's a big deal for them." This improvement is particularly significant in an industry where typical advancements often amount to just 1%.

The Human Element

Gambetta's journey to becoming one of the world's leading quantum researchers is as fascinating as the technology itself. Named Director of IBM Research in late September, he carries the responsibility with both excitement and humility.

"IBM Research has been around for 80 years… If you look back at where a lot of the innovation in the technology of the world comes from, you can find IBM's footprints on it," he reflected. "I'm very excited for the opportunity, but I'm also aware that they are big shoes to fill."

His path to quantum computing was unconventional. Growing up in Australia, Gambetta dreamed of becoming a carpenter. It was a fascination with lasers in a TV show that led him to quantum mechanics, then to a PhD, and eventually to Yale, where he joined a team working on superconducting qubits—the fundamental building blocks of quantum computers.

"I didn't even know what a scientist was," Gambetta admitted. "But I had some great teachers, and I ended up loving physics."

The Next Quantum Generation

While quantum theory has existed for a century and the concept of quantum computing for nearly 50 years, Gambetta believes the most significant breakthroughs may come from the next generation of researchers.

"The next generation of superstars," he predicted, "are going to be those applied mathematicians. I'm optimistic that they'll do a much better job than my generation will."

This perspective reflects a broader recognition that quantum computing's full potential will only be realized when diverse mathematical and scientific minds apply their expertise to quantum problems.

Building the Quantum Ecosystem

Beyond hardware and research, IBM is focused on building a comprehensive quantum ecosystem that includes educational resources, software frameworks, and industry partnerships.

The company's educational initiative, "Understanding quantum information and computation," consists of 16 video lessons and accompanying text designed to help newcomers grasp quantum computing fundamentals. Meanwhile, Qiskit—the world's most popular software stack for quantum computing—enables developers to build quantum circuits, leverage quantum functions, and execute workloads in optimized environments.

IBM's Quantum Network connects academic institutions, startups, and organizations worldwide, while partnerships with industry leaders like Boeing, Mercedes-Benz, ExxonMobil, and CERN demonstrate quantum computing's expanding real-world applications.

As the quantum era approaches, IBM's comprehensive approach—from fundamental research to practical applications—positions the company at the forefront of what may be the most significant computing revolution in 60 years. The journey from theoretical concept to practical quantum advantage is underway, and the first steps have already been taken.