IBM to build its first European quantum data centre

IBM has announced plans to open its first Europe-based quantum data centre to facilitate access to cutting-edge quantum computing for companies, research institutions and government agencies.

The data centre, which IBM says will be located at its facility in Ehningen, Germany, is expected to be operational in 2024, with multiple IBM quantum computing systems, each with utility-scale quantum processors of more than 100 qubits.

In an announcement, IBM said the facility will serve as IBM Quantum’s European cloud region, for users in Europe to provision services at the data centre for their quantum computing research and exploratory activity.

Helping clients manage their European data regulation requirements

Designed to help clients continue to manage their European data regulation requirements, including processing all job data within EU borders, the facility will be IBM’s second quantum data centre and quantum cloud region, after their New York facility. 

“Europe has some of the world’s most advanced users of quantum computers, and interest is only accelerating with the era of utility-scale quantum processors,” said Jay Gambetta, IBM Fellow and Vice President of IBM Quantum. “The planned quantum data centre and associated cloud region will give European users a new option as they seek to tap the power of quantum computing in an effort to solve some of the world’s most challenging problems.”

“Our quantum data centre in Europe is an integral piece of our global endeavour,” said Ana Paula Assis, IBM General Manager for EMEA. “It will provide new opportunities for our clients to collaborate side-by-side with our scientists in Europe, as well as their own clients, as they explore how best to apply quantum in their industry.”

IBM Quantum in Europe

The IBM Quantum Network currently has more than 60 organisations across Europe accessing quantum hardware and software via the cloud, including Bosch, Bundeswehr University, Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale, including its technology subsidiary Euro-Information, and Targobank, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, E.ON; the European Organization for Nuclear Research, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center and T-Systems.

These clients across Europe are exploring potential uses for quantum computing including material science, high-energy physics, energy transition, sustainability, and financial applications.

“At T-Systems, we are collaborating with IBM to combine quantum and classical computing in a seamless and scalable experience for our customers to explore applications of quantum computing,” said Adel Al-Saleh, Deutsche Telekom board member and Chief Executive of T-Systems. “Having access to a quantum data centre dedicated to Europe will help lower the access barrier for our customers as they decide on how to take their first, decisive steps in exploring and using quantum.”

Earlier this year Richard Hopkins, Distinguished Engineer at IBM and Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, spoke with Technology Magazine about how IBM plans to delivery real-world benefits with quantum computing. To read more click here.