IBM has partnered with Ikerbasque, the Basque Foundation for Science in the Basque Country, to launch the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center in San Sebastian. The centre aims to consolidate the Basque Country as a leading technology hub in the adoption of quantum computing. The equipment to be installed will be a 127-qubit IBM Quantum System One, which will be managed by the US multinational.

This is the second such centre to be deployed by IBM in Europe, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. The new facilities will be used to promote the application of advanced technology throughout the Basque government and in the provincial councils of Alava, Vizcaya and Guipúzcoa. Basque research institutions will be able to expand their international collaborative research, undertake top-level basic scientific research and develop quantum talent in the region.

Lines of research
Among possible lines of research, the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center will focus on areas like discovery and solutions in physics, information science and materials science. The centre will provide computational infrastructure to help Ikerbasque Foundation researchers and their partners to meet their goals and drive advances in science and technology.

Scientists will be able to use quantum programmes to work on complex problems, e.g. for modelling new materials. They will also be able to use quantum computing to address sustainability issues more broadly.

Expert talent
IBM and Ikerbasque will also collaborate on developing a specialised workforce and programmes aimed at generating expert talent in this field in the Basque Country. These programmes will drive awareness and education as well as the development of internal and external skills by creating immersive, integrated courses.

Under the agreement, Ikerbasque will join the more than 200 members of the IBM Quantum Network, an international community of Fortune 500 companies, startups, academic institutions and research labs working to advance quantum computing and explore practical applications.

Open innovation communities
Senior Vice President and Director of IBM Research, Dario Gil, explained, “The IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center is further proof of our commitment to building open innovation communities to tackle the most challenging problems of our time.” 

Lehendakari (President of the Basque Country) Íñigo Urkullu responded in turn, “It’s too early to say what the future of quantum computing will bring. No one knows for sure. What is clear to us is that the Basque Country must be prepared for the future. It’s essential to have a good starting position for when the need arises”.

^{Photo: IBM}