IBM and RIKEN Launch First IBM Quantum System Two Outside the U.S.

IBM and RIKEN Launch the First IBM Quantum System Two in Japan

In a landmark achievement, IBM and RIKEN, Japan's leading research institution, have unveiled the first IBM Quantum System Two deployed outside the United States. This cutting-edge quantum computer is strategically positioned alongside RIKEN's supercomputer, Fugaku, renowned as one of the most powerful classical computing systems in existence. This synergy enriches both quantum and classical computing capabilities, symbolizing a significant milestone in computational science.

The IBM Quantum System Two, launched on June 24, 2025, in Kobe, Japan, benefits from the unique integration with Fugaku, allowing researchers to leverage the strengths of both quantum and classical computers. The initiative is supported by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), in collaboration with Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

The foundation of this new system is IBM's latest 156-qubit quantum processor, named Heron, which has demonstrated significant improvement in performance metrics compared to earlier models. Specifically, Heron exhibits a two-qubit error rate that is ten times more efficient than the previous 127-qubit IBM Quantum Eagle, thereby showcasing advancements in both quality and speed that promise to enhance quantum computational accuracy.

One of the critical features of this new Setup is the high-speed network connection between IBM Quantum System Two and Fugaku, which allows for low-latency instruction-level communication. This not only promotes the development of advanced algorithms suitable for hybrid quantum-centric supercomputing but also opens new avenues for exploring complex computational routines. RIKEN researchers are already capitalizing on this integration to work on algorithms that could provide a quantum advantage — the threshold at which quantum systems outperform classical ones.

The joint capabilities of the IBM Quantum System Two and Fugaku enable a new class of research that may revolutionize fields like materials science and chemistry. For example, recent research on sample-based quantum diagonalization (SQD) represents how this quantum setup delivers scientific value through realistic modeling of complex systems previously thought possible only through fault-tolerant quantum computations.

The full-scale potential of quantum computers like Heron in combination with high-performance classical systems like Fugaku is yet to be fully realized. However, experts like Dr. Mitsuhisa Sato, Director of the Quantum-HPC Hybrid Platform at RIKEN, are optimistic about leading Japan into a new epoch of computing excellence. The ambition is to create practical hybrid workflows that can address real-world problems across various industries and scientific fields.

IBM's commitment to quantum computing, underscored by this latest system, reflects its goal of steering the future of computing towards a quantum-centric ecosystem, providing unparalleled opportunities for advancements in science and technology. As Jay Gambetta, IBM VP of Quantum, aptly states, "The future of computing is quantum-centric, and we are making strides to realize this vision with our partners at RIKEN."

In conclusion, the launch of the IBM Quantum System Two at RIKEN is a major step forward for both organizations, supporting key research initiatives that aim to reshape our understanding of computational power and its infinite possibilities. The successful amalgamation of quantum and classical computing at this unprecedented scale holds promises of breakthroughs in multiple sectors, paving the way for enhanced innovations and improved solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.