Quantum Computing Breakthrough: Inside Microsoft’s Majorana 1

In February 2025, Microsoft announced a major quantum computing breakthrough with the launch of Majorana 1—the world’s first quantum processor built using topological qubits. This advancement is more than just a technical achievement; it could reshape the future of computing itself. 

Quantum computing promises to tackle problems too complex for even today’s fastest supercomputers. From revolutionising drug discovery to simulating new materials, the possibilities are vast—but the path to practical, stable systems has been slow. Majorana 1 aims to change that. Built on over two decades of research, it offers a scalable, digitally controlled approach that may solve the long-standing challenges of fragility and error correction. 

Let’s take a closer look at what sets this innovation apart and why it matters. 

Why quantum computing matters?

Quantum computers solve problems too complex for today’s fastest supercomputers. From designing new medicines to modelling climate change, their potential is huge. But building one that works reliably remains a tough challenge. Most quantum systems today are fragile and error-prone. Tiny disturbances—like heat or electromagnetic noise—can crash calculations. 
Quantum supercomputing advancements are needed to overcome these hurdles. Microsoft believes its new processor could change that. 

What sets Majorana 1 part 

Majorana 1 is different because it uses topological qubits. These are made from particles called Majorana zero modes. First theorised in the 1930s by Ettore Majorana, these particles are unique—they are their own antiparticles. 

Unlike traditional qubits, topological qubits are designed to be far more stable. They are less likely to be disturbed by noise. This makes them easier to manage, especially when scaling up to build larger systems. The chip uses special materials known as topoconductors. These combine indium arsenide (a semiconductor) and aluminium (a superconductor). The materials form nanowires when cooled near absolute zero and exposed to magnetic fields. At the ends of these nanowires, Majorana zero modes appear. 

This allows Microsoft’s Majorana platform to build small, fast, and digitally controlled qubits. Digital control simplifies quantum error correction, which is crucial for building usable machines. 

The science behind the breakthrough 

In 2023, Microsoft researchers provided experimental evidence of Majorana zero modes. They used a technique called Coulomb blockade spectroscopy to detect the particle’s unique signature.

This discovery supported years of theoretical work led by Dr Chetan Nayak, a Technical Fellow at Microsoft. He also teaches at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Dr Nayak’s research into topological phases of matter paved the way for this innovation. His work, in collaboration with Nobel Prize-winning physicist Frank Wilczek, explored how Majorana particles might stabilise quantum systems.

Quantum processor development like Microsoft’s chip is the first attempt to apply this research in a real quantum device. 

Competing with a unique strategy 

Unlike Google and IBM—who use superconducting and trapped-ion qubits—Microsoft has followed a less-travelled road. Topological quantum computing has been considered highly theoretical.

But Microsoft has invested over two decades in building hardware and simulations to make it real. 
This alternative path is now showing promise. Majorana 1 is not just a lab experiment—it’s a functioning chip with a clear path to scale. According to Microsoft, the architecture could eventually support one million qubits on a single chip.

This would mark a true quantum computing breakthrough for the industry. 

Backing from DARPA 

The innovation has caught the attention of DARPA—the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

Microsoft has been selected for its US2QC programme (Underexplored Systems for Utility-Scale Quantum Computing). This aims to fast-track the development of a fault-tolerant quantum computer within a few years. Such backing shows growing belief in the potential of Microsoft’s Majorana-based architecture.

If successful, it could make quantum supercomputing advancements truly practical and commercially viable. 

Real-world potential 

The future applications of stable, large-scale quantum computers are wide-ranging.

They could revolutionise drug discovery, materials science, cryptography, and supply chain optimisation. Microsoft envisions the development of self-healing materials and breakthroughs in sustainable farming. 
By focusing on quality over quantity, Microsoft’s Majorana approach hopes to leapfrog rivals.

While others chase more qubits, Microsoft is building a system that simply works better. 

The cautious view 

Despite the excitement, experts remain cautious. Quantum computing has seen many bold claims fall short.

Microsoft’s evidence for Majorana particles is promising—but it needs independent verification. 
The chip does not yet power a working quantum computer. That step is still ahead. The next goal is to build a topological qubit that performs better than today’s alternatives. Quantum processor development remains a work in progress. Microsoft knows this is just the beginning.

As Dr Charlie Marcus, a lead researcher, explained, this step lays the foundation—but more work remains. Moving from lab proof to practical hardware will take time and global collaboration. 

UK and global momentum 

Governments around the world are betting big on quantum tech. The UK government has pledged over £2.5 billion towards quantum research in the next decade. This push includes funding for partnerships with private firms and universities. With breakthroughs like Majorana 1, Microsoft’s Majorana project is likely to play a key role in shaping this global future.

Its focus on topological qubits positions it uniquely in the competitive quantum landscape. 

Distilled 

Quantum computing promises to transform industries, economies, and science. But this transformation will not happen overnight. Microsoft’s Majorana 1 chip is a hopeful sign that the quantum computing breakthrough is within reach. The discovery of Majorana zero modes moves the field beyond theory. It shows that stable, scalable quantum processor development is possible in thought experiments and hardware.

As more research validates these findings, we may look back to 2025, which was the year quantum supercomputing advancements truly turned a corner.