The machine will be installed at the Swiss National Supercomputing Center in Lugano and operated by IBM. It will run on Quantum Nighthawk, IBM’s most advanced processor.
ETH Zurich will manage access for Swiss companies, startups and academic institutions. Participants can use IBM’s cloud-based quantum systems immediately before the dedicated computer enters service.
The hub is intended to move quantum research closer to industrial use. Initial areas include chemistry, materials science, optimization and financial services.
“Switzerland is deservedly recognized as a hub for global innovation, and Lockheed Martin is proud of its long history of technical collaboration within the country,” said Dr. Craig Martell, Lockheed Martin vice president and chief technology officer. “This project extends the strategic relationship between Lockheed Martin and IBM in quantum and AI while positioning Switzerland as a leader in these critical, cutting-edge fields.”
For Lockheed Martin and IBM, the agreement also extends their joint work in aerospace and defense technology. The companies plan to study quantum sensing for navigation and new methods for additive manufacturing of metallic alloys.
The research links Lockheed Martin’s work in sensing and manufacturing with IBM’s quantum computing and artificial intelligence capabilities. The partners expect the hub to support new algorithms, technical development and commercial applications.
“As we continue to foster innovation with the Swiss community, we are excited to have the opportunity to put world-class quantum hardware, software and expertise directly into the hands of Switzerland’s thriving academic institutions and industries,” said Alessandro Curioni, vice president of Algorithms and Applications at IBM Research and director of the Zurich Research Laboratory. IBM has worked with Swiss institutions for almost a century.
“Switzerland will gain access to essential research infrastructure that will enable us to further advance the exploration of this emerging technology and educate the talent needed to support it,” said ETH Zurich President Joël Mesot. The workforce programme will include courses, certifications, workshops, hackathons, conferences and partner forums.
The initiative builds on a long-running relationship between IBM and ETH Zurich. The two organisations recently began a separate 10-year programme to advance foundational algorithms for artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
