Can Microsoft crack Quantum computing?

Introduction

Every few decades, a technological breakthrough comes through that changes the way we live, work and understand the world. A current great example of this is AI, which is now used by billions of people around the world. Today, many scientists believe quantum computing could become the next great step into the future. Many companies around the world race to build practical quantum computers; Microsoft has taken an unusually ambitious path. They are relying on physics and once theoretically acknowledged particles.  This article explores what makes Microsoft's approach different and whether it could shape the future of computing. More Information!

What is quantum computing?

Quantum computing is a different approach to processing information compared with the computers we use every day. They can be used to discover new drugs, new materials, break codes, and optimise certain logistics. Traditional computers store and process data using bits, which can only exist in either states of 0 or 1. Quantum computers use qubits. Qubits are quantum bits which exist in a superposition, meaning they can represent a combination of both 0 and 1 simultaneously until they are measured. This allows a quantum computer to explore many possible solutions to a problem at the same time.

 

Two or more qubits can become linked so that the state of one is directly linked to the state of another even when they are separated; this is called entanglement. This enables quantum computers to perform certain calculations in ways that classical computers cannot easily replicate. Microsoft in the race to build the ultimate supercomputer | BBC News | BBC News

Why do classical computers have limits?

For many years, advances in computing were guided by Moore's Law, which predicted that the number of transistors on a computer chip would roughly double every two years, leading to faster and more powerful devices. However, this pace of progress has begun to slow as transistors approach atomic-scale dimensions, making further miniaturisation increasingly difficult, expensive, and limited by the laws of physics. At the same time, modern applications such as artificial intelligence, scientific simulations, and large-scale data processing require ever-greater computational power, resulting in higher energy consumption and increased heat generation. These challenges have prompted researchers to explore entirely new computing paradigms, such as quantum computing, which processes information in fundamentally different ways and has the potential to solve certain complex problems beyond the practical reach of today's classical computers.

Microsoft's different approach 

Unlike many of its competitors, Microsoft has adopted a distinctive approach to quantum computing by focusing on the development of topological qubits rather than the more widely used superconducting or trapped-ion qubits. Topological qubits are designed to store quantum information in a way that is naturally protected from many sources of noise and interference, making them potentially more stable and less prone to errors. If this approach proves successful, it could significantly reduce the amount of error correction required, one of the greatest challenges in building practical quantum computers, where thousands of physical qubits may otherwise be needed to create a single reliable logical qubit. Although Microsoft's strategy is considered ambitious and carries greater technical risk, its long-term vision is to develop scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computers capable of solving complex scientific and industrial problems that are beyond the reach of today's classical systems.

What is a Majorana Particle?

The concept behind Microsoft's quantum technology is based on the Majorana particle, first proposed in 1937 by the Italian physicist Ettore Majorana, who predicted the existence of a particle that is its own antiparticle. Although an elementary Majorana particle has not been conclusively observed, scientists have discovered Majorana zero modes—special quantum states that behave in similar ways under carefully controlled conditions. Physicists have spent decades searching for these states because they could provide a more robust foundation for quantum computing. Unlike conventional qubits, quantum information stored using Majorana zero modes is expected to be naturally protected from many forms of environmental noise, making it less susceptible to errors. This built-in stability is the reason Microsoft has invested heavily in topological quantum computing, believing it could pave the way for large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers.

Majorana 1

In 2025, Microsoft unveiled Majorana 1, its first quantum processor based on topological qubit technology, marking a significant milestone in the company's long-term research programme. The announcement demonstrated progress towards creating and controlling the exotic quantum states needed for topological quantum computing, providing evidence that Microsoft's approach may be technically feasible. However, Majorana 1 does not yet represent a large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer, nor has it demonstrated the ability to solve practical problems beyond the capabilities of existing quantum systems. While the announcement generated considerable excitement within the scientific community because of its potential to overcome one of quantum computing's greatest challenges, researchers remain cautious, emphasising that further experimental validation and continued development are needed before the technology can fulfil its ambitious promises.

Why does error correction matter?

One of the biggest obstacles facing quantum computing is error correction. Unlike classical bits, which are generally stable and predictable, qubits are extremely sensitive to their surroundings and can be disrupted by tiny disturbances such as temperature changes, electromagnetic interference, or interactions with the environment. This loss of quantum information is known as decoherence, and it can cause calculations to fail before they are completed. To overcome this challenge, researchers use multiple physical qubits to create a more reliable logical qubit, which can detect and correct errors during computation. However, this process requires a large number of physical qubits and creates significant engineering challenges. Developing more stable qubits, such as the topological qubits pursued by Microsoft, could reduce the need for extensive error correction and make it more practical to build large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers.

What could Quantum computers actually do?

Although quantum computers are still in the early stages of development, they have the potential to transform industries by solving certain complex problems that are beyond the capabilities of classical computers. In drug discovery, quantum computers could simulate the behaviour of molecules and chemical reactions with greater accuracy, helping researchers develop new medicines more efficiently. They could also improve climate modelling by analysing complex environmental systems, support the development of new battery materials through advanced molecular simulations, and enhance logistics optimisation by finding more efficient solutions for transportation and supply chains. In areas such as financial modelling, quantum algorithms may help analyse complex risks and patterns, while in artificial intelligence, they could potentially improve optimisation and machine learning techniques. Quantum computing may also have major implications for cryptography, as powerful quantum machines could break some existing encryption methods while enabling the development of new quantum-resistant security systems.

 

Challenges ahead

Despite its enormous potential, quantum computing still faces significant challenges before it can become a widely used technology. One of the biggest obstacles is overcoming technical hurdles, including improving qubit stability, reducing errors, and developing reliable methods for large-scale quantum operations. Building and maintaining quantum computers is also extremely expensive, requiring advanced facilities, specialised equipment, and highly skilled researchers. Many quantum systems must operate at temperatures close to absolute zero, creating complex and costly cooling requirements. Another major challenge is scaling—increasing the number of qubits while maintaining accuracy and control. With companies such as IBM, Google, Microsoft, and other quantum technology firms competing to achieve breakthroughs, the field is advancing rapidly, but the timeline for achieving practical, fault-tolerant quantum computers remains uncertain. Researchers continue to make progress, but widespread quantum computing is likely to require years of further development and experimentation.

Conclusion

Quantum computing is often compared to the early days of classical computing. We know it has extraordinary potential, but we're still discovering the best way to build it. Microsoft's bet on topological qubits may prove revolutionary—or it may reveal just how difficult the challenge really is. Either way, the research is expanding our understanding of physics and computing in ways that could shape technology for decades to come. 

Vikram-1: A new era for India’s Space Industry

 A Historic Launch

On 18th July 2026, a privately owned Indian aerospace company called Skyroot successfully launched its first ever rocket named the Vikram-1 into orbit marking a major milestone in the Indian space industry. The launch took place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota as part of Mission Aagaman with the rocket travelling at an altitude of 280 miles (450km) to reach Low Earth Orbit. Vikram-1 specifically aimed to send smaller satellites into orbit without compromising launch schedules or waiting for space on larger orbital vehicles. Vikram-1 carried multiple payloads which included Skyroot's SCOPE satellite, DCUBED's technology demonstration payload, Grahaa Space's SOLARAS S3 satellite, and Cosmoserve Space's Embrace, a robotic arm designed to capture orbital debris. Vikram-1 also carried two symbolic payloads which were Cosmic Bloom, a lotus-shaped artwork made from lab-grown diamonds and an 18-karat gold micro-rocket. The micro-rocket features microscopic sculptures of C. V. Raman, Vikram Sarabhai and A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, paying tribute to India's pioneering scientists.

Figure 1: Vikram-1 on the launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre. 18 July 2026. Image: ISRO

The Technology Powering Vikram-1

Vikram-1 is a 22 metre tall, 4 stage orbital launch vehicle designed to carry payloads of 350kg into low earth orbit. The rocket combines solid fuel stages with a liquid fuel upper stage, incorporating advanced manufacturing techniques including 3D printed engine components and an all carbon composite structure. The image below shows the KALAM 1200 motor which completed its first static test for the first stage of the Vikram-1. The motor is an 11m long, 1.7m dia monolithic composite motor with a propellant mass of 30t. These technologies have helped Skyroot develop a lighter and more flexible launch system aimed at meeting the growing demand for small satellite missions.

 Figure 2: Static test of the KALAM 1200 at Satish Dhawan Space Centre. 8 August 2025. Image: ISRO

 

A Major Milestone for India's Private Space Sector

The mission represents an important milestone for both Indian engineering and the country's emerging private space sector, as it makes India just the third country with private orbital launch capabilities. Until recently, India's orbital launches were led primarily by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Skyroot's achievement proves how private companies can now contribute alongside national space agencies like ISRO by developing rockets therefore creating more highly skilled engineering jobs and increasing access to the space industry for universities, researchers and other companies.

Figure 3: Vikram-1 lifts off on its first attempt. 18 July 2026. Image: Skyroot Aerospace Webcast

From Vikram-S to Vikram-1: A Story of Collaboration

The success of Vikram-1 also highlights the value of collaboration between established public institutions and emerging engineering businesses. Skyroot was founded in 2018 by former ISRO engineers and previously launched Vikram-S, India's first privately developed rocket on a suborbital mission in 2022. The progression from Vikram-S to a successful orbital launch with Vikram-1 shows how testing, iteration and teamwork can transform an ambitious concept into a working space system.

What This Means for Aspiring Engineers

For young and aspiring engineers, the launch of Vikram-1 is a reminder that the future of space exploration will not be shaped by government agencies only. Engineers working with electronics, propulsion, software, materials, communications and manufacturing will all play a role in making satellite launches more accessible and sustainable. Skyroot's achievement marks not only the arrival of a new rocket but the beginning of a wider transformation in India's space industry.

Skyroot’s journey from being a small private startup to launching Vikram-1 into Low Earth Orbit on its first attempt is a reminder that engineering knows no borders and that is exactly what Beyond Borders is here to show you.

 

The Crash on Netflix: An Engineer's Perspective

Introduction 

Automotive failures are often a result of complex interactions between manufacturing, decision-making, priorities and safety. Netflix's Crash is not just a documentary for us, but a case study for anyone interested in the automotive industry. We are going to explore the automotive lessons behind this tragic event, which will interest you whether you are an engineering student, car enthusiast or just someone interested. 

Who, What, When, How, Why?

The events explored in Netflix's The Crash centre on a 2018 Toyota Camry involved in a catastrophic high-speed collision in Strongsville, Ohio, on 31 July 2022. Investigators estimated that the Camry reached approximately 100 mph (161 km/h) before leaving the roadway, travelling across a grass verge and colliding head-on with a brick commercial building. At this speed, the amount of kinetic energy involved is immense, resulting in crash forces far beyond those encountered in standard vehicle safety tests and producing catastrophic damage to both the vehicle and its occupants.

Released by Netflix on 15 May 2026, The Crash examines not only the legal proceedings that followed but also the extensive forensic investigation into the crash. Evidence from the vehicle's event data recorder (EDR), surveillance footage and the crash scene played a significant role in reconstructing the collision. While the court ultimately concluded that the impact was intentional, this article focuses on the automotive aspects of the incident—how the vehicle behaved, what the recorded data reveals, and what engineers and crash investigators can learn from one of the most severe high-speed collisions in recent years.

The Data Behind the Crash

Modern vehicles are equipped with an Event Data Recorder (EDR), a system often compared to an aircraft's black box. Unlike a camera or continuous recording device, an EDR stores specific information about a vehicle's operation during the moments immediately before and during a collision. This data can provide investigators with valuable insight into how a crash occurred.

As part of the investigation, information from the Toyota Camry's EDR was examined, including key factors such as:

• Vehicle speed before impact
• Accelerator pedal input
• Brake application
• Steering activity
• Seatbelt usage
• Airbag deployment timing

According to evidence discussed during the case, the vehicle was recorded as travelling at a very high speed with significant accelerator input immediately before the collision, while little or no braking was recorded. This data became a crucial part of the crash reconstruction process, helping investigators understand the vehicle's behaviour in the final moments before impact.

From an automotive engineering perspective, the EDR demonstrates the growing role of onboard vehicle technology in modern crash analysis. Data collected from a vehicle's electronic systems can help reconstruct events with a level of detail that was previously impossible.

The Moment Motion Becomes Destruction

Speed is one of the most important factors in determining the severity of a collision. As a vehicle's speed increases, the amount of energy involved in a crash rises exponentially due to the physics of kinetic energy.

The kinetic energy of a moving vehicle can be calculated using the equation: KE = ½mv²

where m represents the vehicle's mass and v represents its velocity. The key factor is that velocity is squared, meaning that a small increase in speed creates a much larger increase in output energy. For example, doubling a vehicle's speed does not double the energy involved—it increases it by four times.

To put this into perspective, consider a typical passenger vehicle weighing approximately 1,500 kg:

• 30 mph → approximately 135 kJ of kinetic energy
• 60 mph → approximately 540 kJ of kinetic energy
• 100 mph → approximately 1,500 kJ of kinetic energy

This means that a vehicle travelling at 100 mph carries roughly 11 times more kinetic energy than the same vehicle travelling at 30 mph. During a collision, this energy cannot disappear; it must be transferred somewhere.

The energy is absorbed through several processes, including:

• Vehicle deformation, as the structure crumples and absorbs impact forces
• Damage to surrounding objects, such as barriers, buildings, or other vehicles
• Heat and sound energy produced during the impact
• Forces transferred to vehicle occupants, which can result in severe injuries

This is why high-speed collisions are so difficult for even modern vehicles to protect occupants from. Safety systems such as airbags, seatbelts, and crumple zones are designed to manage and distribute crash energy, but they have physical limits. At extreme speeds, the amount of energy involved can exceed what vehicle structures and human bodies can safely withstand.

Why the Building Won?: Vehicle vs Structural Strength 

One of the most significant aspects of the collision was the interaction between the Toyota Camry and the brick commercial building it struck. From an engineering perspective, this was a collision between a lightweight, energy-absorbing structure and a much more rigid, stationary object.

Unlike a vehicle, which is designed with controlled deformation zones to absorb and manage crash energy, a building's foundations and masonry walls are built to remain stable under large structural loads. The difference in mass, stiffness, and structural purpose meant that the vehicle absorbed the vast majority of the impact forces.

During the collision:

• The vehicle's crumple zones compressed and deformed, absorbing some of the crash energy.
• The engine compartment collapsed, reducing the space available to absorb further impact forces.
• The vehicle's structural components absorbed and redirected energy through deformation.
• The building, due to its significantly greater mass and rigid construction, experienced comparatively little movement.

While the vehicle absorbed much of the energy through structural damage, the remaining forces were transferred through the passenger compartment to the occupants. The result was an extremely rapid deceleration, exposing those inside the vehicle to forces that modern safety systems are designed to reduce but cannot completely eliminate in extreme high-speed impacts.

This highlights a key principle of automotive safety engineering: vehicles are not designed to be indestructible—they are designed to manage energy in a controlled way to improve the chances of survival during a collision.

How did the driver survive?

One of the most interesting engineering questions raised by this collision is how the driver survived. While the outcome of any crash depends on many factors, including seating position, restraint use, and the exact path of the impact, vehicle safety systems play a major role in managing the forces experienced by occupants.

Modern vehicles are designed around the principle of controlled energy absorption. Rather than creating a structure that remains completely rigid, manufacturers engineer specific areas of the vehicle to deform during a collision, reducing the amount of force transferred to the passenger compartment.

Key safety features include:

• Front crumple zones, which collapse progressively to absorb impact energy.
• A reinforced passenger safety cell, designed to maintain occupant space during a collision.
• Side-impact protection beams, which improve resistance to side collisions.
• Airbags, which reduce the forces acting on occupants during rapid deceleration.
• Seatbelt pretensioners, which tighten restraints instantly to secure occupants before impact forces peak.

These systems are designed to sacrifice parts of the vehicle structure in order to protect the people inside. However, at speeds approaching 100 mph, the amount of energy involved can exceed the conditions that most safety systems are designed to manage. Automotive safety technology can significantly reduce injury risk, but it cannot completely overcome the immense forces created by very high-speed crashes.

Restraint Systems

In crash investigations, seatbelt use is a crucial factor in understanding how occupants moved during an impact. Restraint systems are designed to keep occupants correctly positioned within the vehicle, allowing other safety features such as airbags and crumple zones to work as effectively as possible.

Investigators can examine seatbelt evidence alongside vehicle damage and injury patterns to help reconstruct the sequence of events inside the passenger compartment. This can provide insight into:

• Occupant movement during the collision
• How effectively restraint systems performed
• The interaction between occupants and airbags
• The forces experienced during rapid deceleration 

Seatbelts are one of the most important safety systems in a vehicle. They do not prevent a crash, but they help control occupant movement and reduce the likelihood of severe injuries by managing the forces transferred to the human body.

Digital Forensic

Modern crash investigations are no longer limited to physical evidence at the scene. Digital data has become an increasingly important tool for understanding a vehicle's movements before and during a collision.

Investigators can analyse information from multiple sources, including:

• GPS history, which can show vehicle location and movement over time.
• Phone data, which may provide additional timelines and activity records.
• Vehicle movement data, which can help establish speed, direction, and driving patterns.

In this case, reports indicate that investigators examined previous journeys along similar routes, which prosecutors argued could provide context regarding the events leading up to the collision.

 

Digital forensics has transformed crash reconstruction. GPS and electronic vehicle systems can provide a detailed, timestamped record of vehicle behaviour, allowing investigators to build a more accurate picture of what happened in the moments before impact.

Conclusion

Netflix's The Crash highlights how vehicle design, crash physics, and safety technology work together to help us understand collisions. While modern vehicles are equipped with advanced systems to protect occupants, extreme forces can exceed their limits. Analysing incidents like this helps engineers improve future vehicle safety and develop better crash protection technologies.

Disclaimer

We recognise that this case study concerns sensitive topics like injuries, death and accidents, and can be distressing to some readers. If you need more support, please check out this page: Victim/Family support link.

Welcome to EWB CSG: Beyond Borders

Introduction

Engineering is about more than building structures or solving technical problems. At its core, engineering has the power to improve lives, strengthen communities, and create sustainable solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges.

This blog explores how engineering extends beyond traditional boundaries. Through discussions of humanitarian engineering, sustainability, innovative technologies, real-world case studies, and Engineers Without Borders initiatives, we aim to highlight the impact engineers can have on society both locally and globally.

Whether you are an engineering student, a practising engineer, or simply curious about how engineering shapes the world around us, we hope this blog provides valuable insights and inspires meaningful conversations about the role of engineering in creating positive change.

Who We Are

Engineers Without Borders (EWB) CSG is a student-led society at City St George's, University of London, dedicated to exploring how engineering can be applied in real-world contexts. We bring together students from a range of engineering disciplines who share an interest in using their skills to address challenges faced by communities around the world.

Our society aims to promote ethics, sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility. Through events, workshops, and discussions, we encourage students to think beyond technical solutions and consider the wider social, environmental, and ethical impacts of engineering. This blog is managed by the EWB CSG Communications Manager, who oversees its content and development while helping to share the society's activities, ideas, and perspectives with a wider audience.

At EWB CSG, we believe engineering is not only about designing systems and technologies, but also about understanding people, communities, and the challenges they face. By fostering curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to sustainable development, we hope to inspire the next generation of engineers to make a meaningful difference in the world.

Why We Started This Blog

We started EWB CSG: Beyond Borders to share ideas, insights, and experiences that highlight the role of engineering in creating positive change. Through this blog, we aim to explore real-world challenges and promote sustainable thinking.

Get Involved

We’d love for you to be part of our journey. Follow EWB CSG: Beyond Borders to stay updated on our latest posts, events, and activities. You can also connect with us on Instagram and TikTok to see what our society is working on and learn more about how engineering can create positive change. New posts will be published every two weeks, so be sure to check back regularly for fresh content.

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