Google Expands Quantum Program With Neutral Atom Research
Google Quantum AI is broadening its research program by adding neutral atom qubits, signaling a strategic shift after more than a decade focused solely on superconducting technology. As a result, the company is now pursuing a dual-track approach designed to speed up the path toward commercially viable quantum computers.
“We are now increasingly confident that commercially relevant quantum computers based on superconducting technology will become available by the end of this decade,” the company said in a blog post authored by Hartmut Neven, founder and head of Google Quantum AI. “Today, we are excited to share that Google Quantum AI is expanding our quantum computing effort to include neutral atom quantum computing, which uses individual atoms as qubits.”
Meanwhile, each technology offers distinct advantages. Superconducting qubits enable rapid operations, with circuits achieving millions of gate and measurement cycles in microseconds. In contrast, neutral atom arrays support around ten thousand qubits and allow flexible, any-to-any connectivity. Consequently, researchers can design more efficient algorithms and error-correcting codes. The company therefore describes superconducting systems as scaling effectively in time, while neutral atoms scale more naturally in space.
At the same time, the neutral atom initiative will focus on three priorities. First, teams will adapt quantum error correction to match atom array connectivity. Next, they will use advanced computing resources to simulate hardware architectures. Finally, they will develop experimental systems capable of controlling atomic qubits at application scale.
Building Leadership and Research Capacity
To guide this effort, the company has recruited Dr. Adam Kaufman, a JILA Fellow, NIST physicist, and University of Colorado Boulder professor known for his work with optical tweezers. “I am thrilled to join Google’s world-leading program in quantum computing and to expand that leadership to a new and highly promising platform of neutral atoms,” Kaufman said.
Initially, Kaufman will lead a hardware team of about 10 people based in Boulder, Colorado. This decision marks the program’s first presence in the state and also represents a shift from its primary hubs in Seattle and Los Angeles. Additionally, Kaufman will continue operating a lab at JILA, reinforcing collaboration with academic institutions.
“Keeping those ties with JILA and CU Boulder for Adam was a massive plus,” Charina Chou, chief operating officer of Google Quantum AI, told the Colorado Sun.
Leveraging a Strong Regional Ecosystem
Boulder was chosen because it offers deep expertise in atomic, molecular, and optical physics. Specifically, the region brings together resources from CU Boulder, JILA, and NIST, along with nearby quantum-focused companies. Therefore, the location provides both scientific knowledge and industry support.
Moreover, the expansion builds on earlier investments in neutral atom research, including backing for QuEra Computing. As a result, the initiative aligns with a broader effort to strengthen capabilities in this emerging field.
“Google’s decision to root its neutral-atom effort in Boulder reflects what we’ve long known: The Mountain West doesn’t just produce world-leading quantum science, it produces the talent and industry ecosystem to take it to market,” said Zachary Yerushalmi, CEO of Elevate Quantum.
