Europe Welcomes the Next Era of Computing with 50-Qubit Quantum Computer

VTT and IQM Launch Europe's Pioneering 50-Qubit Quantum Computer

In a remarkable advancement for quantum technology, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and IQM Quantum Computers have officially launched Europe’s first 50-qubit superconducting quantum computer. This groundbreaking achievement not only marks a significant milestone in Finland’s commitment to cutting-edge research but also positions the nation as a formidable player in the global quantum computing arena.

The journey to this launch began in November 2020, initiated with a substantial investment of EUR 20.7 million from the Finnish government aimed at developing a 50-qubit quantum computer. After four years of intense research and development, the quantum computer is now operational and open for utilization by both researchers and businesses through the VTT QC quantum computing service. This system enables industries to explore innovative applications of quantum computing in real-world scenarios.

Erja Turunen, Executive Vice President of VTT, commented on the implications of this development: "With the launch of this advanced technology, Finland solidifies its status as a leader in the quantum computing field. The potential applications for this quantum computer span material modeling, simulation, optimization challenges, and advancements in artificial intelligence."

The completion of the 50-qubit computer not only illustrates VTT and IQM's commitment to the field but also represents a concerted effort to empower Finnish businesses to leverage the capabilities of quantum computing. The strategic vision underscores the necessity for both hardware development and application utilization to foster growth in Finland’s technology landscape.

As part of a phased project, the development began with a 5-qubit computer in 2021, connecting it to the internet via CSC's LUMI supercomputer, which made it accessible to Finnish researchers. Following its success, a 20-qubit computer was launched in 2023, culminating with the recent introduction of the fully operational 50-qubit system. This exponential increase in computational power showcases the advancements made in chip technology that enhance performance while minimizing noise, a critical factor in quantum computations.

Dr. Jan Goetz, Co-CEO and Co-founder of IQM Quantum Computers, emphasized the significance of this project's delivery, stating, "This has set the foundation for our next-generation IQM Radiance 54-qubit quantum computer, which is already in high demand worldwide. The collaborative efforts with VTT are pivotal in steering scientific breakthroughs in areas like quantum machine learning and optimization."

The collaborative development of this quantum computer involved significant contributions from both VTT and IQM. VTT played a key role in developing superconducting TWPA amplifiers for qubit signal readouts, alongside critical innovations in quantum processor integration. These advancements have positioned VTT as a provider of leading-edge components within the burgeoning European quantum technology market.

Beyond the immediate implications of the quantum computer, Finland's ecosystem for quantum technology is expanding rapidly, with new startup companies emerging steadily. The BusinessQ community, part of the InstituteQ—Finland's quantum technology research and development hub—currently includes over 25 companies that range from tech developers to end-users. The new quantum computer represents vast opportunities for these organizations to advance commercial applications and products while exploring the undercurrents of quantum technology.

Located at VTT’s facilities in Micronova, Espoo, the 50-qubit quantum computer is now live, heralding an exciting new chapter for quantum research and applications in Finland. With the activation of such a powerful tool, the Finnish community is poised to explore previously unattainable calculations, propelling advancements in various sectors reliant on quantum computing technology.

This milestone underscores Finland's dedication to establishing a robust foundation in quantum computing, fostering creativity, and supporting innovation in industries that will define the future of technology. As the landscape of quantum research continues to evolve, the collaborative efforts between VTT and IQM will pave the way for an era characterized by unprecedented technological advancements.