Spain to lead Europe’s quantum future with first IBM Quantum System Two installation

IBM and the Basque Government have announced plans to install Europe’s first IBM Quantum System Two at the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center in Spain, marking a significant advancement in quantum computing within Europe. The installation, expected to be completed by the end of 2025, will be powered by IBM’s Quantum Heron processor, the company’s most advanced quantum computing architecture to date.

This development represents a major milestone in Spain’s efforts to establish itself as a global leader in quantum research and innovation. The initiative is part of the BasQ initiative, a collaborative effort between IBM and the Basque Government that was launched in 2023 to expand quantum computing capabilities in the region. Initially, the partnership planned to deploy an IBM Quantum System One, but that plan has now evolved to incorporate the more powerful IBM Quantum System Two, demonstrating a commitment to staying at the forefront of technological progress.

What is IBM Quantum System Two and why is it significant?

The IBM Quantum System Two is the latest and most advanced modular quantum computing system developed by IBM. Unlike its predecessors, this system is designed to scale beyond a single quantum processor, enabling expanded computational capabilities and more sophisticated algorithm execution. The system being installed in Spain will feature IBM’s Quantum Heron processor, which has been engineered to support utility-scale quantum computing, allowing for calculations that exceed the limitations of classical simulation methods.

One of the key aspects of this system is its ability to leverage Qiskit, IBM’s open-source quantum software, to accurately execute quantum circuits with up to 5,000 two-qubit gate operations. This breakthrough enhances the practical applications of quantum computing across multiple scientific and industrial domains, including materials science, physics, and information science.

How will IBM Quantum System Two benefit Spain’s research ecosystem?

The installation of IBM Quantum System Two at the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center aligns with the Basque Government’s long-term strategic vision, IKUR 2030, which focuses on positioning the region as a global leader in quantum technology. Researchers from universities, laboratories, and industries across Spain will gain access to this state-of-the-art quantum computing infrastructure, allowing them to accelerate advancements in quantum algorithms, sustainable computing solutions, and next-generation material simulations.

Spain’s scientific community has long been investing in quantum research, but access to cutting-edge quantum computing resources has been limited. With this deployment, Spanish researchers will have direct access to IBM’s most powerful quantum technologies, allowing them to develop new methods for data optimization, cryptography, and quantum simulations. The system will also play a critical role in training the next generation of quantum specialists, strengthening Spain’s workforce in a field that is poised for rapid expansion.

What role does the Basque Government play in quantum computing development?

The Basque Government has been actively fostering a high-tech innovation ecosystem, with quantum computing identified as a critical area for long-term investment. The creation of the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center in 2023 was a pivotal moment in this strategy, serving as a hub for quantum research, education, and industry collaboration. By hosting Europe’s first IBM Quantum System Two, the Basque Government is reinforcing its commitment to quantum research and ensuring that Spain remains at the cutting edge of this technological revolution.

Government officials have emphasized the importance of this project in driving economic development, technological sovereignty, and international scientific collaboration. The IKUR 2030 vision includes a focus on using quantum computing to develop new materials, optimize energy consumption, and contribute to sustainability initiatives. The quantum infrastructure provided by IBM will serve as a foundation for these efforts, enabling researchers to conduct experiments that were previously beyond their computational reach.

How does IBM Quantum System Two compare to previous quantum systems?

The introduction of IBM Quantum System Two marks a substantial technological leap from earlier quantum systems. While IBM Quantum System One was a breakthrough in itself, System Two is built with a modular architecture that allows for multi-processor scalability. This means that it is not only more powerful but also designed for continuous upgrades, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of quantum advancements for years to come.

IBM’s Quantum Heron processor is another significant upgrade, designed to support longer quantum coherence times and execute more complex quantum computations with greater accuracy. Compared to previous IBM quantum processors, Heron is specifically optimized for scalable quantum performance, making it an ideal choice for groundbreaking research in quantum cryptography, financial modeling, and artificial intelligence-driven simulations.

What impact will this have on Europe’s quantum ecosystem?

The deployment of IBM Quantum System Two in Spain is expected to have far-reaching implications for Europe’s quantum computing landscape. By establishing a cutting-edge quantum facility, Spain is positioning itself as a leader in quantum research, attracting talent and investment from across the continent. The installation also aligns with broader European initiatives to strengthen quantum capabilities and reduce reliance on external technological resources.

IBM’s continued expansion in Europe’s quantum ecosystem reflects the increasing demand for high-performance quantum computing in solving complex problems that classical computers cannot handle. This initiative will encourage further research collaborations, accelerate the development of practical quantum applications, and contribute to Europe’s overall competitiveness in quantum technology.

What’s next for IBM and Spain’s quantum ambitions?

As the installation of IBM Quantum System Two progresses toward its scheduled completion in late 2025, attention will be focused on how the system can be leveraged to achieve quantum breakthroughs. The IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center is expected to play a central role in shaping Spain’s quantum research agenda, driving both academic and industry partnerships.

IBM and the Basque Government have also committed to workforce development initiatives aimed at expanding quantum expertise within Spain. Through specialized education programs and training workshops, the center will provide opportunities for students and professionals to gain hands-on experience with quantum computing, ensuring that Spain remains at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field.

As Europe’s first IBM Quantum System Two takes shape in Spain, the global scientific community will be watching closely to see how this investment transforms the landscape of quantum computing research, technological innovation, and scientific discovery.