The European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) has put out an expression of interest call for the hosting and operation of two new quantum computers.
The EuroHPC JU is set to procure at least two quantum computers in 2024, partly funded by the budget allocated to the EuroHPC JU from the Digital Europe Program (DEP), and is looking for hosting entities to partner with.
The EU will contribute €20 million ($21.9m) towards the purchase, with additional funding coming from EuroHPC JU participating states.
The two new computers are the EuroQCS-Poland, a quantum computer based on trapped-ions technology and located in Poland, and the Euro-Q-Exa, which is based on superconducting qubits and entangling capabilities. The Euro-Q-Exa is located in Germany.
Applications to become a hosting entity must be submitted by March 31, 2024. There are currently six hosting sites across Europe where, as per an agreement signed in June 2023, newly purchased EuroHPC quantum computers will be integrated into existing supercomputers in Czechia, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain.
“By making quantum computers available to European users, the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking will address the growing demand for quantum computing resources and services from European industry and academia,” the EuroHPC JU said in a statement.
“The quantum computing infrastructure will support the development of a wide range of applications with industrial, scientific, and societal relevance for Europe.”
EuroHPC JU is a joint initiative between the EU, 34 European countries, and private partners to develop a supercomputing ecosystem in Europe.
Launched in 2018 and headquartered in Luxembourg, its mission is to develop, deploy, extend, and maintain a secure and connected supercomputing and quantum computing ecosystem, while supporting the development of key HPC skills for European science and industry.
