The EuroHPC JU has signed a procurement contract for EuroQCS-Poland, a 20 qubit trapped ion quantum computer.
It will be hosted at the Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center (PSNC) in Poznan , Poland, and supplied by Alpine Quantum Technologies (AQT).
In order to enhance hybrid quantum-classical computing approaches, the system will be integrated with local high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure and remote access to the system will be provided through PIONIER’s existing national scientific network.
It will primarily be used to develop industrial, scientific, and societal applications and will provide support for quantum optimization, quantum chemistry, quantum material sciences, and quantum machine learning.
Coordinator of the EuroQCS-Poland project, Dr. Krzysztof Kurowski, said: "The first of six announced installations of European quantum computers located at the Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center is the best proof that we in Poland are ready and actively participate in the development of critical and breakthrough quantum technologies on a European scale.”
He added: “The future quantum computing infrastructure in Europe, built with Poland's active participation, will support the development of a wide range of quantum technology applications of industrial, scientific, and societal relevance to Europe, adding new capabilities to the existing classical supercomputing infrastructure.”
EuroQCS-Poland is a co-funded venture, with the acquisition costing a total of €12.28 million ($13.35m). Fifty percent of the project has been funded by the EuroHPC JU, with the remaining 50 percent funded by the Ministry of Digital Affairs of Poland. Installation of the system is due to start in the middle of 2025.
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.
In June 2023, the EuroHPC JU signed hosting agreements with six sites across Europe to host and operate EuroHPC quantum computers, including the EuroQCS-Poland.
