IBM's Quantum Leap with Europe's First System Two in Spain

The global race for quantum computing supremacy is intensifying as nations and technology firms invest billions to gain an edge in this transformative field.

Now, IBM and the Basque Government have announced plans to install Europe's first IBM Quantum System Two at the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Centre in San Sebastian, Spain.

Since the first announcement, the organisations 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.

The IBM Quantum System Two will be powered by an IBM Quantum Heron processor, which features 156 qubits – the basic unit of quantum information.

This processor enables the execution of quantum algorithms that exceed the capabilities of conventional computing methods, including the ability to run certain classes of quantum circuits with up to 5,000 two-qubit gate operations using IBM's Qiskit software development kit.

The quantum computer will be located on the Ikerbasque Foundation's main campus, a Basque Government-funded research organisation.

What impact will the IBM Quantum Heron processor have on Spain?

The installation will serve Spain's quantum ecosystem, providing resources to researchers, academics and industry professionals.

Members of the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Centre will utilise these capabilities to develop a skilled quantum workforce, stimulate economic growth and create algorithms that align with the Basque Country Government's IKUR 2030 vision for quantum technologies.

These algorithm development efforts will directly support IKUR 2030 objectives, including research into modelling new materials and exploring how quantum computing can contribute to the initiative's broader sustainability goals.

“With this scientific infrastructure, the Basque Country will be positioned as a global reference hub in quantum computing,” says Imanol Pradales, President of the Basque Country Government.

“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.”

Imanol adds that the IBM Quantum System Two will serve as a vital tool for the Basque Network for Science, Technology and Innovation to generate cutting-edge knowledge, implement specialised higher education programmes at universities and prepare for the impact of quantum computing in the coming years.

“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,” Imanol says.

How the IBM-Euskadi Centre aims to develop quantum talent 

The IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Centre was announced in 2023 with the mission to promote advanced technology use across the Basque Country Government and the General Deputations of Araba, Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa.

The centre aims to elevate research institutions by expanding international research collaborations, conducting fundamental scientific research and increasing quantum-trained talent in the region.

The computational infrastructure provided by the centre will support researchers from the Basque Government and its partners in achieving these goals.

Both IBM and the Basque Government are collaborating on workforce development programmes designed to build quantum expertise in the Basque Country and throughout Spain.

These programmes focus on raising awareness, providing education and building skills through immersive and integrated learning initiatives.

Furthermore, the development of quantum talent is considered essential for regions seeking to capitalise on the potential economic benefits of quantum computing technologies.

Jay Gambetta, Vice President of IBM Quantum, highlights the significance of this installation for Spain's quantum community: “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.”

“This is IBM’s most advanced modular quantum computer,” concludes Ana Paula De Jesus Assis, Senior Vice President and Chair at IBM EMEA in a LinkedIn post.

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