Researchers from Caltech and Oratomic, a Caltech-linked startup, have developed a new approach for reducing errors in quantum computers. Their findings indicate that a fully realized quantum computer could be built with as few as 10,000 to 20,000 qubits, far fewer than the previously estimated millions. This breakthrough means quantum computers could become operational by the end of the decade, with the potential to impact fields like cryptography, scientific research, and more.