In a significant development for European quantum computing, IQM Quantum Computers has been selected to deliver two advanced quantum computers as part of the Euro-Q-Exa hybrid system. The Finnish company will provide a 54-qubit system in 2025 and a 150-qubit system by the end of 2026, which will be integrated into the high-performance computing infrastructure at the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre in Germany.
This marks a crucial step towards establishing a European supercomputing infrastructure accelerated by various quantum technologies, accessible to researchers across Europe. The Euro-Q-Exa project is jointly funded by the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, and the Bavarian State Ministry of Sciences and the Arts. Key individuals involved in this collaboration include Markus Blume, Bavarian State Minister for Science and the Arts, Dr. Jan Goetz, Co-CEO at IQM Quantum Computers, and Prof. Dr Dieter Kranzlmüller, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre.
Euro-Q-Exa: A Hybrid Quantum Computing System for European Research Community
The EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (JU) has signed a purchase agreement with IQM Quantum Computers to deliver two advanced Radiance quantum computers as part of the Euro-Q-Exa hybrid system. This system will be integrated into the high-performance computing infrastructure at the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ) in Germany, making it accessible to the European research community.
The two distinct systems, featuring high-quality qubits and industry-leading fidelities, will play a pivotal role in executing quantum algorithms across a range of application domains. The 54-qubit system is expected to be delivered in the second half of 2025, followed by a 150-qubit system at the end of 2026. These systems will enable scientists, researchers, and European end-users from industry to utilize fully hybrid HPC-QC workflows developed as part of the Munich Quantum Software Stack (MQSS).
The Euro-Q-Exa system is part of a larger European supercomputing infrastructure that will be accelerated by various quantum technologies. This infrastructure is jointly funded by the EuroHPC JU, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), and the Bavarian State Ministry of Sciences and the Arts (StWK). The collaboration between IQM and LRZ will further unlock new possibilities in quantum computing innovation, building on their previous successful collaboration.
Quantum Computing Innovation in Europe
The EuroHPC JU has established agreements with six data centres in Europe to host and operate hybrid quantum computers. The aim is to establish different platforms for quantum computing and hybrid quantum architectures, making them available as soon as possible to end-users from all over Europe. This requires dedicated research and development on a hybrid software stack that manages both HPC and quantum computing (QC) workloads.
During the integration work, all sites will work closely with European standardisation bodies. The EuroHPC JU’s efforts are remarkable, and their collaborative approach is perfectly aligned with IQM’s technology strategy. As IQM continues to meet the accelerating needs of its customers globally, it is excited to deploy its advanced systems at LRZ, driving scientific breakthroughs, fostering R&D, and creating new opportunities for industrial innovation in Germany and across Europe.
The Future of Quantum Computing
The acquisition of the European quantum system Euro-Q-Exa at the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre in Garching secures the Free State of Bavaria a leading position in Europe. According to Markus Blume, Bavarian State Minister for Science and the Arts, “54 qubits doesn’t sound like much, but it is the gateway to a whole new universe. In the future, researchers will be able to provide answers to previously unsolvable questions.”
The collaboration between IQM and LRZ makes this step possible, allowing them to continue working at the forefront of global quantum computing development. As Prof. Dr Dieter Kranzlmüller, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre, stated, “We are very proud to be able to build the foundation of a European quantum ecosystem with Euro-Q-Exa.”
About IQM Quantum Computers and EuroHPC Joint Undertaking
IQM is a global leader in designing, building, and selling superconducting quantum computers. They provide both on-premises full-stack quantum computers and a cloud platform to access their computers anywhere in the world. IQM customers include leading high-performance computing centres, research labs, universities, and enterprises.
The EuroHPC Joint Undertaking is a legal and financial entity established in 2018. Its aim is to establish different platforms for quantum computing and hybrid quantum architectures, making them available as soon as possible to end-users from all over Europe.
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