IBM and Basque Government announce plan to install Europe's first IBM Quantum System Two at the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center in Spain

Rhea-AI Summary

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 San Sebastian, Spain. The system will be powered by a 156-qubit IBM Quantum Heron processor, representing IBM's most advanced modular quantum computer to date.

The installation, expected to be completed by the end of 2025, updates the original plan to install an IBM Quantum System One. The Heron processor can execute utility-scale algorithms beyond classical simulation methods, capable of running certain quantum circuits with up to 5,000 two-qubit gate operations.

This initiative is part of the BasQ program launched in 2023, aimed at establishing the Basque Country as a leading technology hub. The center's members will utilize the system to advance research in physics, information science, and materials science, supporting the Basque Country Government's IKUR 2030 vision for quantum technologies.

Positive

• First IBM Quantum System Two installation in Europe, positioning IBM as a leader in European quantum computing
• Advanced 156-qubit Heron processor demonstrates significant technological capabilities
• Strategic expansion of IBM's quantum computing market presence in Spain
• Partnership with government entity ensures stable, long-term commitment

Negative

• Long implementation timeline with completion not expected until end of 2025
• Quantum advantage still not achieved, mentioned as a future goal within two years

Insights

Technology Infrastructure Expert

IBM's planned installation of Europe's first Quantum System Two in Spain represents a strategic expansion of the company's quantum computing infrastructure. The deployment at the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center marks an upgrade from the originally planned Quantum System One to IBM's most advanced modular quantum system, demonstrating increased commitment to this partnership.

The system will feature IBM's 156-qubit Heron processor, which can execute utility-scale algorithms beyond classical simulation methods. This positions IBM at the forefront of quantum computing's transition from theoretical to practical applications, with the company boldly projecting "achieving a quantum advantage within the next two years."

For IBM, this deployment strengthens their quantum ecosystem strategy by establishing a prominent European foothold. While quantum computing remains primarily research-focused, this installation creates pathways for future algorithm development in materials science and sustainability applications. The end-of-2025 completion timeline indicates this announcement represents future potential rather than immediate financial impact.

The partnership with the Basque Government aligns with IBM's approach of building regional quantum hubs through government collaborations, similar to their initiatives in other markets. This deployment will provide Spanish researchers and industry partners with access to cutting-edge quantum capabilities that could accelerate practical applications development in the region.

• IBM Quantum System Two to be powered by a utility-scale 156-qubit IBM Quantum Heron processor.
• Installation of IBM Quantum System Two at the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
• Members of the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center intend to use IBM's most performant architecture to advance discovery and solutions in physics, information science, and materials science.

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, N.Y., March 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Basque Government, and IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced plans to install Europe's first IBM Quantum System Two at the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center on Ikerbasque Foundation's main campus in San Sebastian, Spain (Gipuzkoa, Spain). The deployment builds on the organizations' partnership, which began in 2023 as part of the BasQ initiative to further establish the Basque Country as a leading technology hub. Since the initial announcement, the parties have agreed to update the original plan to install an IBM Quantum System One, to now deploy IBM's most advanced modular quantum computer, IBM Quantum System Two, which is expected to be complete by the end of 2025.

BasQ's IBM Quantum System Two, to be managed by IBM, will be powered by an IBM Quantum Heron, the company's most performant quantum processor to date, engineered to expand to multiple processors in the future. IBM Heron is capable of executing utility-scale algorithms beyond the capabilities of brute-force, classical simulation methods, including leveraging Qiskit software to accurately run certain classes of quantum circuits with up to 5,000 two-qubit gate operations.

This installation dedicated to Spain's quantum innovators across academia, research labs, and industries represents IBM's continued effort to expand Europe's quantum ecosystem. Members of the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center will have access to these capabilities and resources to help build a quantum workforce, promote economic development, and develop new, useful algorithms to, in turn, help accomplish the Basque Country Government's IKUR 2030 vision for quantum technologies. These efforts in algorithm development would be directly applied toward accomplishing IKUR 2030 goals, such as research into modeling new materials, research into how quantum computing can be used as part of the initiative's broader sustainability efforts.

"With this scientific infrastructure, the Basque Country will be positioned as a global reference hub in quantum computing. This technology will help progress in the digital transformation and provide us with a state-of-the-art scientific infrastructure that will strengthen the scientific, technological and innovation ecosystem that must facilitate this transformation. The IBM Quantum System Two will be a key tool for the Basque Network for Science, Technology and Innovation to generate cutting-edge knowledge in the Basque Country, to implement highly specialized higher education programs at our universities, and to be prepared for the impact of quantum computing in the coming years by both the Basque public sector and the industry. The arrival of this computer will be a great opportunity for the Basque Country's economic and social development and will enable us to cooperate with other regions, countries and actors in the development and impact of this technology," said the President of the Basque Country Government, Mr. Imanol Pradales.

"The IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center's dedicated IBM Quantum System Two will give Spain's quantum community of researchers, developers, and industry experts unparalleled access to our most performant, most advanced quantum technologies—including the tools to develop algorithms that will help drive the entire quantum ecosystem toward achieving a quantum advantage within the next two years," said Jay Gambetta, Vice President, IBM Quantum.

About the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center

The IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center was announced in 2023 to promote the use of advanced technology across all the Basque Country Government and the General Deputations (Araba, Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa), further elevating research institutions by expanding international research collaborations, performing world-class fundamental scientific research, and increasing the quantum-trained talent in the region. The center will provide computational infrastructure for researchers from the Basque Government and its partners to help researchers meet these goals.

IBM and the Basque Government are also collaborating to develop workforce programs aimed at building and establishing world-class talent in the Basque Country and across Spain. The IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center programs are driving internal and external awareness, education, and skill building through the development of immersive and integrated learning programs.

About IBM

IBM is a leading global hybrid cloud and AI, and business services provider, helping clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Nearly 4,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and business services deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's legendary commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service.

For more information, visit https://research.ibm.com.

About Ikerbasque

In 2007, The Basque Government created Ikerbasque to reinforce the Basque scientific system through the attraction, recovery and retention of researchers from all around the world. The Basque Foundation for Science is a consolidated organization with 373 researchers from 35 different countries, from all fields of knowledge, and currently working in 25 partner institutions.

*L-R: Horacio Morell, IBM Spain, Portugal, Greece, Israel General Manager; Jay Gambetta, Vice President, IBM Quantum; Mr. Imanol Pradales, President of the Basque Country Government; Eider Mendoza, General Deputy of Gipuzkoa.

Media Contacts: 

Chris Nay
IBM Research Communications
cnay@us.ibm.com

Paola Ortega Hernández
IBM Brand, Social and Communications Leader
Spain, Portugal, Greece and Israel
paola.ortega@ibm.com 

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SOURCE IBM

FAQ

When will IBM complete the installation of Quantum System Two in Spain?

IBM plans to complete the installation of the Quantum System Two at the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center by the end of 2025.

What are the technical capabilities of IBM's new Quantum Heron processor?

The 156-qubit Heron processor can execute utility-scale algorithms and run quantum circuits with up to 5,000 two-qubit gate operations.

How does this IBM quantum installation benefit the Basque region?

It positions the Basque Country as a global quantum computing hub, supporting research, specialized education, and economic development through the IKUR 2030 initiative.

What research areas will the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center focus on?

The center will focus on advancing research in physics, information science, materials science, and sustainability efforts.