IBM Plans First European Quantum Data Center

IBM plans to open its first quantum data center in Europe to provide access to quantum computing for enterprises, researchers and government agencies.

Located at IBM's facility in Ehningen, Germany, the data center will serve IBM’s European cloud region, providing cloud-based quantum computing research and exploratory activity. IBM opened its first quantum computer center in Poughkeepsie, New York, in 2019.

The European Union general data protection regulation (GDPR) laws require personal data to be processed within EU borders, and this data center would enable clients to fulfill the regulations.

“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 IBM vice president Jay Gambetta.

“The planned quantum data center 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.”

IBM general manager for EMEA Ana Paula Assis added: “Our quantum data center in Europe is an integral piece of our global endeavor. It will provide new opportunities for our clients to collaborate side-by-side with our scientists in Europe, as well as their own clients, as they explore how best to apply quantum in their industry.”

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More than 60 European organizations are members of IBM’s quantum network, including Bosch, Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and T-Systems, the digital transformation sister company to T-Mobile. Use cases include material science, high-energy physics, energy transition, sustainability and financial applications.

“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 T-Systems chief executive Adel Al-Saleh.

“Having access to a quantum data center 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.”