The world of quantum computing has taken a huge step forward after tech giant Google unveiled a new, ultra-powerful chip.

Named Willow, Google’s “mind boggling” quantum chip is reportedly capable of solving in just five minutes a problem that would take even the greatest current supercomputer a septillion years to work out. A septillion, for the record, is a one followed by 24 zeroes – and a septillion years would be vastly more than the age of the universe.

The quantum world is where computing and cutting-edge physics meet – utilising knowledge about the behaviour of subatomic particles to create devices that would make even today’s top-of-the-range systems look primitive. Such devices could revolutionise countless industries – with medicine (specifically drug development) among the most oft-cited beneficiaries.

Armed with a whole new level of processing power, quantum computers could run a seemingly infinite number of calculations at speed, cycling all potential options and alternatives to reach data-driven conclusions. In the world of medicine this could open up a whole new world of unique treatment, with solutions tailored to each individual patient.

Google’s latest development looks to have brought this new world one step closer, although real-world usage is still some way off yet.

Whilst showing great promise, Willow is currently largely experimental. A chip that would be capable of deployment at scale is, the BBC notes, “years – and billions of dollars – away.”

Of course, this isn’t to detract from Google’s enormous achievement in developing Willow.

Writing for Forbes, tech journalist Tim Bajarin enthused: “This chip represents a giant leap forward in the field. Based on its specs and capabilities, Willow could be the breakthrough that transforms quantum computing from technical curiosity to a practical tool.”

For its part, Google explained that Willow’s greatest achievement could actually be in its error rate reduction – thereby solving a problem that has plagued the quantum computing world for decades.

Project lead Hartmut Neven explained: “The more qubits we use in Willow, the more we reduce errors, and the more quantum the system becomes.”