Large-scale quantum computers hold the promise to efficiently solve some computationally hard problems, for which efficient solutions are intractable on classical computers.

However, unavoidable noise limits the capabilities of current intermediate-scale quantum devices. To date, the construction of scalable fault-tolerant quantum computers remains a fundamental scientific and technological challenge.

In my talk, I will first introduce basic concepts of quantum computing and quantum error correction, which allows one to protect quantum information during storage and processing, by redundant encoding of quantum information in logical qubits formed of multiple physical qubits.

I will then discuss recent progress in the area of quantum error correction, based on new theory concepts, such as autonomous measurement-free quantum computing, and collaborative experimental breakthroughs in state-of-the-art physical quantum processors, including trapped ions, Rydberg atoms and superconducting qubits.

These results mark exciting first steps into the era of early fault-tolerant quantum computing with logical qubits.