https://newsroom.unsw.edu.au/news/science-tech/quantum-compu...
https://newsroom.unsw.edu.au/news/science-tech/quantum-compu...
I'd much rather ultimately see silicon-based quantum computers, which may eventually become advanced (streamlined) enough to be used by mainstream users, too. Quantum computers using superconductors and liquid nitrogen will never become mainstream. They would just be used by corporations and governments.
So I hope there will be more investing in silicon-based quantum computing research sooner rather than later. Or if not silicon, at least another material that could one day become as cheap and practical.
EDIT: As for who will be the "first" with a practical quantum computer, it does seem like Google will be the one to release a 50-qubit computer this year or the next [2]. There are like 10 other companies that have built 5-qubit quantum computers, but that was still mainly a science experiment to prove that a quantum computer can be made at all.
A 50-qubit quantum computer would establish a new threshold and according to Martinis [3], at least, it should be easier to scale from that point forward. In other words, the "quantum era" may actually begin then. I imagine those "stuck" at 5-qubits still have a long way to go before they can scale quickly beyond that.
[1] http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/new-spin-on...
[2] https://www.technologyreview.com/s/602283/googles-quantum-dr...