Sandia and Quantinuum have unveiled the specifications of the 98-qubit quantum processor Helios: record-breaking precision and commercial readiness.
On June 17, Sandia National Laboratories (USA), in collaboration with quantum systems developer Quantinuum, presented peer-reviewed data on the 98-qubit quantum computer Helios. This step marks an important stage in the transition from experimental setups to commercially viable computing machines.
99.99% Accuracy: A New Standard of Reliability
According to the published metrics, the average accuracy of Helios's single-qubit operations was 99.9975%, and for two-qubit operations — 99.921%. For quantum computing, these are exceptionally high figures, especially considering that errors in this field are the main barrier to practical application. The researchers also conducted testing on random Clifford circuits and in the random circuit sampling (RCS) benchmark. The RCS results showed that Helios's performance is "far beyond" the capabilities of classical simulation, confirming its superiority over traditional supercomputers in certain tasks.
Architecture and Commercial Model
Helios is a commercial Quantinuum processor based on barium ions, built on the QCCD (Quantum Charge-Coupled Device) architecture. A key feature is full connectivity: any qubit can interact with any other, which is critically important for complex algorithms. Sandia National Laboratories performed an independent evaluation and certification of Helios's characteristics, using several benchmarking methods, including its own methodology for mid-circuit measurements. Such operations are necessary for quantum error correction — one of the main problems in this field.
"The most important aspect of modern quantum computers is not speed, but reliability," emphasized study co-author Robin Blume-Kohout from Sandia. According to him, errors can arise from dozens of factors, including failures in laser tuning or the movement of individual atoms. Verification of system components should help in the development of fault-tolerant quantum computers.
Partnership and Market Expansion
The partnership between Sandia and Quantinuum has lasted for four years under a cooperative research and development agreement. In May 2026, the parties extended the agreement, indicating long-term plans for scaling the technology. Quantinuum introduced Helios in November 2025, stating that the system is available via a cloud service and in an on-premises deployment format. Early users include Amgen, BMW Group, JPMorganChase, and SoftBank Corp., indicating high interest from the corporate sector.
Recall that in December 2025, Singapore-based company Horizon Quantum launched the city-state's first quantum computer for commercial use, confirming the global trend toward the commercialization of this technology.
My analysis: Helios's metrics are impressive, but the key challenge is scaling while maintaining such accuracy. 98 qubits is a significant step forward, but solving real-world problems in cryptography, materials science, and machine learning will require thousands of logical qubits. Nevertheless, progress in error correction and full connectivity makes this platform one of the most promising on the market. For the crypto industry, this is a signal: quantum-resistant algorithms and post-quantum cryptography should become a priority, as commercial quantum computers are approaching the threshold beyond which they could break current encryption standards.