A quantum computer just outperformed classical machines at modeling real physics. IBM and Qedma, an Israeli quantum software startup, have demonstrated what they call “trusted quantum computation” by simulating Hamiltonian dynamics within tilted-field Ising models. They used a quantum computer to model how particles interact under magnetic fields, and they did it with 95-97% accuracy on magnetization observables.

What actually happened

The breakthrough centers on Qedma’s QESEM software, which stands for Quantum Error Suppression and Error Mitigation. Quantum computers are famously noisy. Every computation introduces errors that compound quickly, which is why most quantum results have historically come with giant asterisks. QESEM suppresses and corrects those errors to produce reliable outputs.

The software has been tested on IBM’s most advanced processors, including the 127-qubit Eagle and the 133-qubit Heron. QESEM became available as an integrated Qiskit Function on IBM’s quantum platform in September 2024. Since then, it has expanded beyond IBM hardware to include integration with Quantinuum’s systems.

Qedma raised $26 million in Series A funding in July 2025, with IBM itself participating as an investor. IBM has committed over $10 billion to quantum computing initiatives and has publicly targeted achieving early quantum advantage by 2026.

Why this matters beyond the physics department

The Trotterized Hamiltonian simulations demonstrated here involve the same linear algebra operations that underpin Shor’s algorithm, the quantum algorithm that could theoretically factor large numbers and break RSA encryption. The error mitigation techniques that make physics simulations reliable are the same techniques that will eventually make cryptographic attacks feasible.

Every major blockchain relies on cryptographic assumptions that quantum computers could eventually challenge. Bitcoin uses SHA-256 hashing and ECDSA signatures. Ethereum relies on similar elliptic curve cryptography. Post-quantum cryptography standards already exist. NIST finalized several algorithms in 2024. Some blockchain projects have begun integrating quantum-resistant signatures. Many have not.

The investment landscape shifts

IBM’s $10 billion commitment signals that major technology firms see quantum computing transitioning from research curiosity to commercial infrastructure within this decade. The expansion of QESEM to multiple hardware platforms, including Quantinuum, suggests the software layer of quantum computing is becoming hardware-agnostic.