QuantumBasel, the Swiss competence center for quantum computing, and uptownBasel, the international competence center for Industry 4.0, put the first physical and commercial quantum computer into operation at the uptownBasel campus in Arlesheim on December 5. According to a press release issued by IonQ, the manufacturer based near Washington, this is the first quantum computer it has delivered and optimized for data centers to be operated outside the USA. With its inauguration of this quantum computer, IonQ’s first European research center was also officially opened in uptownBasel.

The IonQ computer is an ion trap-based Forte Enterprise that can scale to a record 36 algorithmic qubits (#AQ) and process more than 34 billion possibilities simultaneously. Prior to delivery, 35 qubits of this kind had been promised. Each additional qubit doubles the possibilities.

Leader in quantum innovation

“Achieving #AQ36 is a significant leap forward, opening new possibilities for applications including logistics, finance, pharmaceuticals, chemistry and Artificial Intelligence”, comments Peter Chapman, CEO and President of IONQ. Damir Bogdan, CEO of QuantumBasel, is convinced “that the collaboration with IonQ will help us to position ourselves as a leader in quantum innovation, fostering breakthroughs that address real-world challenges”.

QuantumBasel was founded by uptownBasel two years ago. With the commissioning of the quantum computer, uptownBasel has taken a “transformative step” on its journey to “becoming a leading innovation campus for Industry 5.0”, as the competence center writes in a press release of its own. Its partners include the investment and innovation promotion agency Basel Area Business & Innovation.