Hartmut Neven, leader of Google’s quantum AI team, is a believer in “the idea that we live in a multiverse” after the company’s latest supercomputer feat.
The new quantum chip from Google, called Willow, solved an incredibly complex computational problem in less than five minutes. For comparison, even the most advanced supercomputers in the world would take about 10 septillion years to solve the same problem.
The feat aroused controversy, highlights the . Hartmut Neven, leader of Google’s quantum AI team, suggested that Willow’s astounding performance supports the theory of parallel universesa cornerstone of the “many worlds interpretation” of quantum mechanics. This interpretation postulates that quantum calculations occur in several universes simultaneously.
However, not all scientists agree with Neven’s conclusion. Astrophysicist Ethan Siegel, in an article published in , criticized Neven for confusing quantum mechanics with the concept of the multiverse. Siegel clarified that the mathematical structure of quantum mechanics, known as Hilbert space, does not necessarily imply the existence of parallel universes.
Siegel further explained that the two main interpretations of the multiverse – one involving separate universes born from their own Big Bangs, and another suggesting that each decision creates a branching timeline – are not related to quantum computing.
Despite everything, the expert recognized the technological significance of Willow’s success, calling it “a truly excellent step forward for quantum computing.”
In addition to theoretical debates, Google highlights the practical potential of quantum computing. Willow’s capabilities can accelerate progress across multiple domains, including medicine, clean energy and advanced materials. For example, quantum computers could help design more efficient batteries, discover new medicines and improve fusion energy technologies.
“These future revolutionary applications will not be viable on classical computers,” Neven said in a statement. “They are waiting to be unlocked with quantum computing.”
Winfried Hensinger, director of the Sussex Center for Quantum Technologies, described Willow’s results as a “very important milestone.”
