IBM to open first European quantum data centre with cutting-edge processing

IBM has announced plans to launch its first-ever quantum data center in Europe to enable companies, research institutions, and government agencies easily access cutting-edge quantum computing. The data centre is expected to begin operations in 2024, with multiple IBM quantum computing systems each equipped with utility-scale quantum processors (processors with more than 100 qubits).

The data centre will be located at IBM's facility in Ehningen, Germany, and will serve as IBM Quantum's European cloud region. It will be open to users in Europe and elsewhere around the world.

The company already has another quantum data centre in ​​Poughkeepsie, New York. The new facility in Germany is part of the company’s effort to serve customers in Europe while adhering to European data regulation requirements such as processing all job data within EU borders.

"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."

Currently, more than 60 organisations including the European Organszation for Nuclear Research are in the IBM Quantum Network exploring how they can apply quantum computing in their various fields.

"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."