IonQ and QuantumBasel Partner on Quantum Data Center

Quantum computing developer IonQ has partnered with QuantumBasel to jointly establish a European quantum data center. Two generations of quantum computers will be installed on site. The first quantum computer, with 35 algorithmic qubits (#AQ 35), is expected in 2024. It will later be replaced by the next generation with 64 algorithmic qubits (#AQ 64).

“At #AQ 35, we expect the first system we deliver to QuantumBasel to be on the verge of exceeding the capabilities of quantum simulators on classical computers,” said Peter Chapman, president and CEO of IonQ. “With #AQ 64, we believe even the best supercomputers will no longer be able to compete using full quantum simulation.”

With each additional #AQ, the useful computational space for running quantum algorithms doubles. #AQ 35 is capable of considering more than 34 billion different possibilities simultaneously, and #AQ 64 is capable of considering more than 18 quintillion different possibilities simultaneously.

As part of this transaction, QuantumBasel will offer the ecosystem of uptownBasel, including enterprises, research institutes, startups, and universities, direct access to the #AQ 35 system, followed by the #AQ 64 system. With these systems, IonQ and QuantumBasel anticipate the creation of novel applications in fields such as logistics, finance, pharma, chemistry, and artificial intelligence.

IonQ will establish a quantum innovation center to assist in the research and development of next-generation systems in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This partnership will also allow IonQ to service its European customers out of the joint data center with QuantumBasel.

QuantumBasel is Switzerland’s first quantum hub for commercial use, embedded in the uptownBasel innovation campus. The hub is being funded by the family of Dr. Thomas Staehelin and Monique Staehelin. The 70,000-sq-m site provides customers and researchers with workshops, training sessions, and access to quantum systems to further their understanding of quantum computing and drive progress toward commercial applications.