Microsoft is leading the development of topological quantum computing which it claims is far less error-prone than rival quantum computing approaches.

Microsoft wants to apply 1000 low error topological quantum qubits in about five years on the Azure cloud computing service.

"We are very close to figuring out a topological qubit. We are working on the cryogenic process to control it, and we are working on 3D nano printing," said Todd Holmdahl, Microsoft corporate vice-president in charge of quantum computing.

The error rate of topological quantum computing could be three to four orders of magnitude better.

Microsoft has begun to apply its quantum computing research to solve real-world problems, according to Holmdahl. For example, it has created a "quantum-inspired optimization" to work out the lowest traffic flow in Beijing.