In a groundbreaking move for quantum technology, IBM has launched its first quantum data centre in Europe, marking a significant milestone for the continent’s role in advancing quantum computing.
Located in Ehningen, Germany, this new IBM quantum data centre is the first of its kind outside the United States and the second in the world. This development signifies a strategic expansion of IBM’s cutting-edge quantum computing systems, accessible to users worldwide via the cloud.
Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, commented on the landmark development: “The opening of the IBM quantum data centre in Ehningen is good news for Germany.
“It will serve as a location for innovation and business growth and is an expression of investors’ confidence in the German market. IBM enriches the German quantum computing landscape with this new data centre.
“The German government is providing targeted support for the development of quantum technologies. It is thereby driving forward the development of competencies and capacities in quantum computing in order to promote a robust ecosystem around the development of quantum computers.”
Europe’s first quantum data centre
IBM’s new quantum data centre houses two advanced quantum systems based on the IBM Quantum Eagle chip, with a third, Heron-based system, to be added soon.
These state-of-the-art quantum systems surpass the computational limits of classical computers, offering businesses, researchers, and institutions unprecedented computing power to tackle complex challenges.
The Heron chip, introduced in late 2023, is IBM’s most advanced quantum processor to date. It supports more intricate algorithms and promises a performance boost of up to 16 times and a 25-fold increase in speed over older systems.
Once the Heron system goes live, it will be the third of its kind across IBM’s global quantum fleet, enhancing Europe’s access to the largest network of quantum computers in the world.
This expansion is crucial for advancing research and commercial applications of quantum computing, especially as organisations push toward achieving quantum advantage—the point where quantum computers outperform classical ones in solving practical problems.
Strengthening Europe’s quantum ecosystem
The opening of the IBM Quantum Data Center in Germany is not only a technical achievement but also a strategic decision that underscores Europe’s growing leadership in quantum technology.
IBM’s new quantum data centre opens the door to more than 80 European organisations, including universities, research institutions, and large enterprises, all of which are part of the IBM Quantum Network.
Research institutions like Ikerbasque in Spain and Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in Germany are already exploring quantum solutions to complex industry challenges, further solidifying Europe’s role in this next technological frontier.
With the IBM Quantum Platform, users across Europe can tap into this vast quantum infrastructure, advancing the discovery of new algorithms and applications.
The platform is designed to support organisations as they push forward with real-world quantum use cases, moving closer to quantum utility—the era when quantum computing becomes indispensable for solving key problems across multiple industries.
Ana Paula Assis, General Manager and Chairman of IBM Europe, Middle East and Africa, added: “The opening of our first IBM quantum data centre in Europe marks a pivotal moment for the region’s technological development, demonstrates our commitment to Europe, and underscores the key role of collaboration with industry, academia and policymakers for a pan-European quantum ecosystem.
“This state-of-the-art facility will foster innovation around quantum computing, creating new opportunities for talent attraction and ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of global technological advancements.”
A quantum leap toward the future
As IBM continues to expand its quantum offerings globally, Europe is now positioned at the forefront of quantum innovation.
The quantum data centre in Germany is a pivotal step in enabling global access to quantum technologies and fostering collaboration among researchers, industries, and governments to explore the full potential of quantum computing.
By enhancing accessibility to advanced quantum systems and tools, IBM is empowering organisations to innovate, accelerate discoveries, and bring quantum advantage closer to reality.
As Europe deepens its involvement in the quantum computing landscape, the continent is poised to become a key player in solving some of the most complex computational problems of the future.
