The IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Centre in Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain, has commenced operation of Europe’s first IBM Quantum System Two.
The system was presented during an official event attended by representatives from the Basque Government, IBM, regional authorities, academia, and industry.
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This deployment is IBM’s second outside the US. The IBM Quantum System Two installed at the centre features a 156-qubit IBM Quantum Heron processor.
The system’s architecture supports potential scalability with integration of additional processors. Its configuration enables execution of utility-scale quantum algorithms beyond the reach of brute-force classical simulation.
Access to the system is available to members of the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Centre.
The aim is to build out the quantum ecosystem in Southern Europe and drive algorithm development aligned with the Basque Government’s IKUR 2030 objectives.
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By GlobalDataThese objectives focus on applications in energy, biomedicine, and AI, with the centre’s work intended to advance research capabilities across these sectors.
Basque President Imanol Pradales said: “The Basque Government’s focus is on the areas that are strategic for our country. Our driving force is the Basque quantum strategy, which is taking a giant step forward today.
“The Basque quantum strategy will allow us to be a magnet for generating knowledge and attracting talent. It will allow us to connect with other knowledge and innovation hubs and ecosystems to gain competitiveness and development as a country.”
The collaboration between IBM and the Basque Government began as part of the BasQ – Basque Quantum initiative under the Department of Science, Universities and Innovation.
The BasQ initiative seeks to establish an integrated ecosystem for talent development, scientific research, and application-oriented quantum technology.
The Basque Government originally prioritised quantum computing through its IKUR Strategy in 2019.
In March 2023, the government and IBM formalised their partnership, with plans to install a local quantum computer announced for March this year.
IBM Research and IBM Fellow director Jay Gambetta said: “The two-year collaboration with BasQ’s team of scientists has already led to important research results in materials science and high energy physics.
“Now, I’m looking forward to what our teams will accomplish as the region’s growing ecosystem taps into Europe’s first IBM Quantum System Two, powered by our best IBM Quantum Heron quantum processor.”
The IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Centre provides infrastructure for research and algorithmic exploration by the BasQ network and other organisations connected to regional quantum initiatives.
It has also developed training programmes directed at both students and professionals in science and technology fields to enhance quantum competency within the region.
In September 2025, IBM and Amazon Web Services (AWS) extended their partnership to enhance secure cloud adoption and digital transformation in the Middle East.
This collaboration is intended to leverage IBM Consulting’s expertise in AI, hybrid cloud, and industry-specific solutions alongside AWS’ cloud infrastructure to assist organisations in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and surrounding markets.
