IBM has inaugurated its Quantum Data Center in Ehningen, Germany, marking the establishment of Europe’s first facility dedicated to quantum computing. This is IBM’s second quantum data center globally, with the first located in the United States.
The new facility houses two IBM Quantum Eagle-based systems, and will soon feature a IBM Quantum Heron-based system. These systems offer computational capabilities beyond traditional classical computers, with the IBM Heron system boasting up to 16 times the performance and 25 times the speed of its predecessors from two years ago.
The data center will be part of IBM’s quantum network, which connects more than 250 organizations, including universities, research institutions, and businesses. The IBM Heron system will expand the fleet of quantum computers already available via the cloud.
The opening ceremony was attended by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, along with high-profile figures such as Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour, and Tourism of Baden-Württemberg; IBM CEO Arvind Krishna; and Dario Gil, IBM’s Senior Vice President and Director of Research.
Chancellor Scholz hailed the data center as a key driver of innovation and economic growth for Germany, while Ana Paula Assis, General Manager of IBM EMEA, emphasized the center’s role in attracting talent and maintaining Europe’s position at the forefront of technology.
Several industry leaders also expressed excitement over the possibilities quantum computing brings to their sectors. Bosch aims to leverage the technology for material simulation, while E.ON is exploring its use for energy transition challenges. Other companies, like Crédit Mutuel and Algorithmiq, are investigating quantum computing’s potential to revolutionize customer experiences and tackle complex problems in chemistry and healthcare.
The Ehningen data center positions Europe as a major player in the quantum computing race, supporting ongoing advancements and new partnerships in fields ranging from artificial intelligence to traffic optimization.
