COLLEGE PARK, MD – June 22, 2023 – Quantum computing company IonQ (NYSE: IONQ) today announced a partnership with Switzerland-based QuantumBasel to jointly establish a European quantum data center.
The companies said the transaction is expected to bring two systems, one that will be capable of #AQ 35 followed by another system capable of #AQ 64, onsite to the Center of Competence for Quantum & AI QuantumBasel. With each additional #AQ, the useful computational space for running quantum algorithms doubles. #AQ 35 is capable of considering more than 34 billion different possibilities simultaneously, and #AQ 64 is capable of considering more than 18 quintillion different possibilities simultaneously.
IonQ will establish a quantum innovation center to assist in the research and development of next generation systems in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). This partnership will also allow IonQ to service its European customers out of the joint data center with QuantumBasel.
“This is a historic deal for IonQ and the quantum industry,” said Peter Chapman, CEO and president of IonQ. “In QuantumBasel, we have found a partner who is aligned on the potential of quantum to solve the world’s most complex challenges. At #AQ 35, we expect the first system we deliver to QuantumBasel to be on the verge of exceeding the capabilities of quantum simulators on classical computers. With #AQ 64, we believe even the best supercomputers will no longer be able to compete using full quantum simulation. We expect many applications to attain quantum advantage at this scale, ushering in a new era in computing. This is the system that organizations have been waiting for and we’re glad to have QuantumBasel join us on this journey.”
As part of this transaction, QuantumBasel will offer the ecosystem of uptownBasel, including enterprises, research institutes, startups and universities, direct access to the #AQ 35 system, followed by the #AQ 64 system. With these systems, IonQ and QuantumBasel anticipate the creation of novel applications in fields such as logistics, finance, pharma, chemistry and artificial intelligence (AI).
“We are pleased to partner with IonQ to drive quantum innovation in Switzerland and to accelerate problem solving in our quantum computing ecosystem,” said Damir Bogdan, CEO of QuantumBasel. “Offering IonQ’s systems to our enterprise and research customers enables them to explore novel quantum techniques and approaches. We look forward to seeing what new breakthroughs are possible as more people become increasingly familiar with the power of quantum.”
QuantumBasel is Switzerland’s first quantum hub for commercial use, embedded in the uptownBasel innovation campus. The hub is being funded by the family of Dr. Thomas Staehelin and Monique Staehelin. The 70,000 square meter site provides customers and researchers with workshops, training sessions, and access to quantum systems to further their understanding of quantum computing and drive progress towards commercial applications. A team of experts from international companies and organizations is onsite. The hub brings a diverse set of partners, who are leaders in their respective fields, to optimally match use cases to technology.
“Bringing IonQ systems onsite will expedite and improve our pursuit of quantum innovation, furthering our goal of achieving breakthroughs,” said Dr. Thomas Staehelin, investor and president of the board of uptownBasel. “For example, biopharma is a key focus area for quantum computing. Partnering with IonQ puts us one step closer to enhancing the drug discovery process and running complex in silico simulations, ultimately expanding access to necessary treatments for diseases that are incurable today.”
“Quantum accessibility is a core tenet to IonQ’s business, and we welcome partners and potential users to join us and be an integral part in the development of quantum algorithms and applications for a variety of industries for years to come,” said Noam Zakay, managing director, IonQ GmbH.
