Global Scans · IBM · Weekly Summary

• [New] The tech park will be anchored by an IBM Quantum System Two installation, with a 156-qubit Heron quantum processor, the largest quantum computer currently operational in India. Precedence Research
• [New] IBM targets quantum advantage by end of 2026 and fault-tolerant computing by 2029. The Innovation Machine
• [New] IBM projects scaling to 1,000 logical qubits by the early 2030s and quantum-centric supercomputers with 100,000 qubits by 2033, utilizing quantum low-density parity-check codes that reduce overhead by approximately 90%. Medium
• [New] IBM is taking another major step toward its goal of achieving quantum advantage by 2026 and fault-tolerant quantum computing by 2029, unveiling its most advanced quantum processor yet, IBM Quantum Nighthawk. Poseidon
• [New] IBM famously used predictive analytics to identify flight-risk employees with 95% accuracy, allowing them to intervene proactively. LATAM.Hire
• [New] IBM said Confluent will complement its existing data and automation products, including its Red Hat portfolio, and enhance offerings across AI, consulting, and cloud services. Campus Technology
• [New] IBM announced a framework for fault-tolerant quantum computing by 2029. All Things Distributed
• [New] Companies like IBM and NEC Corporation are using AI-driven modeling to predict the potential impacts of disasters and to determine how resources should be allocated during emergencies. Precedence Research
• [New] IBM has announced it will acquire data infrastructure company Confluent for $11 billion in cash, marking the technology giant's largest acquisition in years as it seeks to capitalize on surging enterprise demand for artificial intelligence capabilities. Campus Technology
• [New] IBM and Confluent together will enable enterprises to deploy generative and agentic AI better and faster by providing trusted communication and data flow between environments, applications, and APIs. Campus Technology
• [New] IBM will help Pearson build a custom AI-powered learning platform - similar to IBM Consulting Advantage - that combines human expertise with AI assistants, agents, and assets. IBM Newsroom
• [New] IBM and Google released updated roadmaps showing practical quantum advantage arriving by 2029 to 2030. TechnoRist
• [New] Google's quantum chips went from 53 to 105 qubits in six years, and IBM recently unveiled a 120-qubit QPU that will be the leading device size in 2028. NextBigFuture.com
• [New] In April, IBM Corp. announced that it will invest $150 billion in the U.S. over the next five years to accelerate its role as the global leader in computing. Assembly
• [New] Potential risks and obstacles for IBM center on fierce cloud and AI competition, AI productionization challenges and execution complexity across integrated offerings, along with macro and sector-specific procurement timing that can create revenue volatility. Porter's Five Forces
• [New] India Aims for Top-3 Quantum Economy by 2047: NITI Aayog's Frontier Tech Hub, in collaboration with IBM, unveils a quantum technology roadmap targeting global leadership by 2047. Adda247
• [New] Executives expect a 53% increase in AI-powered self-service use by 2027, but they also emphasise the need to maintain trust and satisfaction, not just volume (IBM Institute for Business Value). Sociality.io Blog
• [New] In tandem, IBM and Cisco outlined plans to build a distributed, fault-tolerant quantum computing network by 2030, promising architectures capable of trillions of quantum gates through advanced networking technologies and a demonstration within three years. Quantum Pirates
• [New] IBM has reduced segments of its HR division through automation; Salesforce has suspended hiring for certain non-technical roles; and McKinsey projects that up to 30% of financial tasks could be automated by 2030. The Times Of India
• [New] IBM expects demand for enterprise-grade AI services to keep rising, and is betting on a broad portfolio of offerings to draw in spend. CIO Dive

Last updated: 04 January 2026