Developers of quantum computers are struggling to attract investors as there is no clarity on when the much-vaunted machines will become a reality and what their applications will be.
Recently, Microsoft made an announcement about its new topological qubit which prompted some physicists to query the results.
While Microsoft says the scientific community is traditionally sceptical of this kind of announcement and that it’s confident in its device, some believe there are discrepancies in the results that have been presented, recalling a similar incident in 2021 when Microsoft had to retract a claim.
In contrast, companies such as Google, Amazon and several start-ups have announced a series of incremental improvements, but these are seen as a long way from being useful.
The US, European Union and the UK have invested billions in the technology with China, for the US, being the main rival in this field.