Amazon AMZN believes commercially useful quantum computing may be closer than many investors think, with a top executive predicting the technology could begin delivering real-world value within the next 5 to 7 years.
Speaking to CNBC, Amazon AI chief Peter DeSantis said the first commercially useful small-scale quantum computers could emerge during that timeframe. He compared the industry's future development to Moore's Law, arguing that once practical systems arrive, capabilities could improve steadily year after year.
DeSantis emphasized that quantum computers are not simply faster versions of today's machines. Instead, they are designed to solve specific classes of problems that traditional computers struggle with, particularly in areas such as chemistry and materials science. Amazon has been investing heavily in the field and last year unveiled Ocelot, a quantum chip focused on improving error correction, one of the industry's biggest technical challenges.
The comments come as competition intensifies among Amazon, Microsoft MSFT, Google GOOG and IBM IBM to commercialize quantum computing. Microsoft has previously said it expects a commercially viable quantum machine by 2029.
