IBM and ETH Zurich collaborate on quantum computer to be hosted in Lugano, Switzerland

IBM and ETH Zurich will build a new quantum computer at the Swiss National Supercomputing Center (CSCS) in Lugano, southern Switzerland.

Expected to be operational by the end of 2026, the system will be operated in concert with the facility’s Alps supercomputer to pursue applications across industry, materials science, and chemistry.

DCD has approached both IBM and ETH Zurich for comment.

“IBM has collaborated with institutions in Switzerland for almost 100 years,” said Alessandro Curioni, vice president for algorithms and applications at IBM Research and director of its Zurich Research Laboratory. “As we continue to foster innovation with the Swiss community, we are excited to have the opportunity to put world-class quantum hardware, software and expertise directly into the hands of Switzerland’s thriving academic institutions and industries.”

The quantum computer will be the first version of IBM’s Quantum System Two installed in Switzerland.

Described by IBM as its “flagship” quantum computing system, Quantum System Two harnesses a modular cryogenic infrastructure to take measurements from qubits held at temperatures approaching absolute zero. The new system at CSCS will also utilize IBM’s new “Quantum Nighthawk r2” quantum processor, which contains 120 programmable qubits and an internal architecture capable of executing more than 100,000 circuits per second.