It looks like a golden chandelier and contains the coldest place in the universe. What I am looking at is not just the most powerful computer in the world, but technology pivotal to financial security, Bitcoin, government secrets, the world economy and more. Quantum computing holds the key to which companies and countries win - and lose - the rest of the 21st Century.

In front of me suspended a metre in the air in Google's facility in Santa Barbara is Willow, an oil barrel-sized series of round discs connected by hundreds of black control wires descending into a bronze liquid helium bath refrigerator keeping the Quantum microchip a thousandth of a degree above absolute zero. Welcome to our Quantum AI lab, says Hartmut Neven, Google's Quantum chief.Many aspects of the lab are subject to export controls and secrecy, as its technology is at the heart of a global race for commercial and economic supremacy. Each quantum computer produced at the facility is given unique names and wrapped in contemporary art, reflecting a blend of high science and California's vibrant culture.

Neven explains that Willow's recent performance milestones have significant implications, settling a major debate about the capabilities of quantum computers. It has been shown to solve benchmark problems that would defy classical computers for an unimaginable time span. Furthermore, he believes the advancements brought by Willow will allow humanity to tackle pressing global issues like medicine discovery, climate change, and food production efficiency.

The implications of quantum computing extend beyond mere technological breakthroughs. Experts like Professor Sir Peter Knight indicate that Willow could redefine encryption techniques, impacting everything from military secrets to cryptocurrency security. As we move into the Quantum era, global powers are accelerating their efforts, with significant investments being funneled into research and development around the world, particularly in China.

Back in the lab, Neven hints at even more profound implications, suggesting that the extraordinary speed of Willow raises questions regarding the existence of parallel universes and the very nature of reality. This exploration melds the edges of technology and philosophy, pointing toward a future where quantum computers could reshape our understanding of the universe.