IBM Advanced to Stage C in DARPA Quantum Initiative
The company will now have its quantum hardware tested and verified by independent experts.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Quantum Computing
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IBM has officially moved into the third phase of the DARPA Quantum Benchmarking Initiative. Independent experts will now evaluate the firm's quantum hardware, architecture, and systems engineering to verify performance.
Why it matters
The program aims to determine if an industrially useful fault-tolerant quantum computer can be constructed by 2033. Achieving this milestone marks progress toward hardware that delivers computational value exceeding its total cost.
More than 340 organizations currently use IBM quantum computers as part of the company's network. DARPA defines a fault-tolerant system as one capable of producing computational value that exceeds the cost of operations.
The players
IBM
This multinational technology corporation is a leader in quantum computing research and development.
DARPA
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is a research and development agency of the U.S. Department of Defense.
The details
During the first two stages of the program, IBM submitted its initial technical concepts and R&D plans for review. The company is now working toward its stated goal of delivering a fault-tolerant quantum system known as IBM Quantum Starling by 2029.
Timeline
2024: DARPA launched the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative.
April 2025: Stage A performers were announced by the agency.
October 7, 2026: IBM advancement to Stage C was announced.
2029: IBM plans to deliver a fault-tolerant quantum computer.
2033: Target date for building a useful quantum computer.
The Tech Race
The DARPA Quantum Benchmarking Initiative serves as a critical framework for validating whether hardware can achieve practical fault tolerance. By participating in this program, IBM is positioning itself to lead the industry-wide push toward scalable, useful quantum architectures.
The transition to Stage C helps determine the feasibility of quantum computing for commercial and defense applications. Successful results in this program may eventually accelerate the development of new materials and complex chemical simulations in various industries.
The takeaway
The move to Stage C highlights the shift from early research planning to rigorous hardware testing. As IBM pushes toward a 2029 release for its Starling system, the program remains the primary standard for proving commercial quantum utility.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving landscape of hardware development, visit the Quantum Computing section.
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