Intel put a quantum computer on a chip
Dutch quantum computing company QuTech, among with US chip maker Intel, announced a two-qubit quantum computer running on a silicon chip. Quantum computers are supposedly able to do things that no "conventional" computer could do such as unhackable communications and complex molecular simulations. Despite all the potential, we are still in the early stages of development and research. The technology is incredibly fragile, takes up huge amounts of resources and can only do a few thing currently. In short, quantum computers aren't ready for prime time.
Putting quantum computers on a chip could change that. Researchers for the two companies used a special type of qubit called spin quibits to run two different quantum algorithms on a chip. Intel's other quantum system, the 49-qubit computer, rely on superconducting materials and near absolute zero temperatures. A spin qubit doesn't require either, it is an electron that has been agitated by microwave pulses. While not as useful as other quantum systems, spin qubit systems have the potential to work with existing, all electrical operation according to the white paper published by the team.
The two-qubit systems are still experimental right now but the experiment proves that the concept works. It will take more experiments to create systems to get to the point where they'll be more powerful than conventional computers. Quantum computers may be the future but before they can exist anywhere other than laboratories, someone will have to figure out a way to manufacture them and silicon chips looks like a great place to start.