INL Joins the EuroQCS-Spain Consortium to Advance European Quantum Computing

January 29, 2025

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) is proud to announce its participation in the EuroQCS-Spain consortium, a pivotal initiative in integrating quantum computing into the European High Performance Computing (HPC) ecosystem. The EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) has officially signed the procurement contract for the EuroHPC quantum computer MareNostrum-Ona, which will be hosted at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center – Centro Nacional de Supercomputación (BSC-CNS). This milestone marks a significant step toward enhancing Europe’s quantum computing capabilities.

A Quantum Leap for European Supercomputing

Quantum computers have the potential to solve problems that are intractable for classical computers, with applications ranging from material simulations to optimization problems and enhanced data security. While current quantum computing systems are still in the early stages, integrating them with well-established HPC infrastructures is crucial for their future impact. The MareNostrum-Ona quantum computer will be Europe’s first quantum annealer, providing researchers, industries, and the public sector access to cutting-edge quantum technologies. The first-generation system will offer at least 10 physical qubits, with further developments planned to enhance both coherence times and qubit numbers.

INL’s Contribution to European Quantum Infrastructure

As part of the EuroQCS-Spain consortium, INL willcontribute to integrating quantum and classical computingsystems. INL researchers in the groups led by Ernesto Galvão and Joaquín Rossier bring expertise in hybridclassical-quantum computing, and quantum simulation of condensed matter systems. This collaboration will allow INL to explore the potential of multiple quantum computing platforms, including superconducting quantum annealers, neutral atom systems, and photonic quantum computers. “INL’s involvement in this project solidifies our position inthe European quantum computing landscape,” said Ernesto Galvão, INL Research Group Leader. We areexcited to contribute to the seamless integration ofquantum information processing into the Europeansupercomputing infrastructure.

Strategic Importance and Future Prospects

Owned by EuroHPC JU, MareNostrum-Ona will complement BSC’s existing digital gate-based quantum computer, procured under the Quantum Spain initiative, and will be integrated into the MareNostrum 5 supercomputer (MN5). The name “MareNostrum-Ona” references the quantum wave function and aligns with the naming tradition of the MareNostrum series. The €8.5 million project is co-funded by EuroHPC JU (50%) and the EuroQCS-Spain Consortium, led by BSC in partnership with the Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE) and INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory. The system installation is expected to begin in 2025.

Background & European Quantum Expansion

This initiative is part of a broader effort by EuroHPC JU to establish a diverse quantum computing infrastructure across Europe. In 2023, six European sites were selected to host and operate quantum computers, including locations in Czechia, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, and Poland. In 2024, additional hosting agreements were signed for quantum computers in Luxembourg and the Netherlands. INL recognizes the strategic importance of this endeavor and hopes that continued support from the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) will allow for further national contributions to European quantum computing efforts.