UptownBasel, the international competence center for Industry 4.0 that officially opened in Arlesheim in the canton of Basel-Landschaft in September, is working with IBM to advance projects in quantum and high-performance computer technology. The partnership between the two entities, announced on 8 December, includes uptownBasel joining the IBM Quantum Network as a hub and providing local capacity for high-performance computing with IBM Spectrum Fusion, according to a statement. IBM Consulting will lead the creation of this center.

Over the next ten years, an incubator for innovation and technology transfer is to be built across 70,000 square meters on the Schoren site in Arlesheim. Nine buildings offer space for 50 to 100 international companies and around 2,500 jobs. This development and production location wants to accelerate innovation in areas such as life sciences, industrial manufacturing, logistics and sustainability “beyond traditional boundaries”.

UptownBasel with unique history of innovation

According to the statement, the current tenants include the European technology groups Bouygues Energies & Services and Vinci Energies. They will soon be joined by the Straumann Group. “UptownBasel has a unique history of innovation with world-class universities, entrepreneurs, scientists, and a high density of talent,” said Dr. Thomas Staehelin, investor and president of the board of uptownBasel, in the statement. “Partnering with IBM will be the basis for innovation in quantum, AI and industry 4.0 that future generations will benefit from.”