IBM and Lockheed Martin launch Swiss Quantum Innovation Hub at ETH Zurich; CSCS to host 120‑qubit IBM Quantum System Two

【Article Title】 IBM and Lockheed Martin launch Swiss Quantum Innovation Hub at ETH Zurich; CSCS to host 120‑qubit IBM Quantum System Two 【Article Body】 AI TRANSLATION This article is an AI-generated translation of the original Japanese article. For the authoritative version, please refer to the original. Read the original Japanese article → (https://quantumindex.jp/ibm-quantum-system-two-switzerland-eth-zurich/) IBM and Lockheed Martin have established the Swiss Quantum Innovation Hub at ETH Zurich. As the core infrastructure, Switzerland’s first IBM Quantum System Two will be installed at the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS) in Lugano, with operations planned to begin by the end of 2026. ✍️ Quantum Index Analysis We explain the technical and business significance behind the announcement and the evaluation points that aren’t obvious from numbers or headlines alone. Read the Quantum Index Analysis ↓ Announcement summary The IBM Quantum System Two to be deployed will be equipped with an IBM Quantum Nighthawk r2 processor featuring 120 programmable qubitsqubitsQubit / Quantum Bit / QubitThe basic unit of information in a quantum computer. It can represent not only 0 or 1 but also a quantum state that is a superposition of them.QI NoteHaving more qubits does not necessarily mean higher performance. Error rates, connectivity, coherence time, and the number of logical qubits are also important.. According to IBM, the processor can execute more than 100,000 circuits per second and offers up to 25× the circuit throughputthroughputThroughput / ThroughputA metric indicating the amount of work that can be processed per unit time. In quantum computing, it represents how quickly circuits or jobs can be repeatedly executed, among other things.QI NoteThe definition and units of throughput vary between companies and systems. When comparing, check not only the raw number of executions but also conditions such as circuit size, accuracy, and wait times. of the earlier IBM Quantum Heron family. IBM also says it has demonstrated computations using quantum circuits that include 7,500 gates. ETH Zurich will coordinate usage among Swiss universities, startups, and companies and provide expertise and research resources. IBM will operate the quantum computer, and CSCS will provide the facility infrastructure such as power, cooling, and security. The installation and operation agreement between IBM and ETH Zurich covers an initial three‑year period, through 2029. Participating organizations will have access to IBM’s cloud quantum resources as well as a domestically dedicated system once it is operational. Target application areas include chemistry, materials science, optimization, and financial services, and the hub will also provide training through courses, certifications, and workshops. IBM and Lockheed Martin plan initial research projects on navigation using quantum sensingquantum sensingQuantum Sensing / Quantum SensingTechnology that utilizes quantum phenomena such as superposition and quantum interference to measure magnetic fields, time, gravity, and other quantities with high sensitivity.QI NoteA field of quantum technology distinct from quantum computing; practical implementations already exist. When evaluating performance, check sensitivity, resolution, and the measurement environment. and on additive manufacturing of metal alloys. Key points • Switzerland’s first IBM Quantum System Two will be installed at CSCS, with operations planned by the end of 2026 • The Nighthawk r2 processor to be installed has 120 qubits and is claimed to support over 100,000 circuit executions per second • ETH Zurich will coordinate access, IBM will operate the system, and CSCS will provide power, cooling, and other facility infrastructure • The hub will integrate research use and workforce development across Swiss universities, startups, and industry • IBM and Lockheed Martin plan initial research on quantum sensing for navigation and on additive manufacturing of metal alloys Technical and business significance On the technical side, colocating the quantum system within the same CSCS facility that houses the Alps supercomputer could enable research environments that combine quantum and classical computingclassical computingClassical Computing / Classical Computation / Classical Computing / Classical ComputationA computation method that uses bits of 0 and 1; the form of computation performed by the computers commonly used today.QI NoteUsed as a point of comparison with quantum computing, but it can encompass CPUs, GPUs, supercomputers, and specialized algorithms, so care should be taken about the conditions of comparison.. However, the specific connection methods and division of processing between the two systems have not been disclosed. From a business perspective, the hub creates a focal point giving domestic research institutions and companies access to a dedicated system, cloud resources, and training opportunities, but details such as pricing, participation conditions, and industrial outcome targets have not been announced. Points to watch The first thing to watch is whether System Two becomes operational by the end of 2026 and whether the Nighthawk r2’s claimed performance can be maintained in real‑world usage. It will also be important to see whether participation requirements, pricing, and the roster of user organizations are specified, and how the system will interface with the Alps supercomputer. For the initial research on quantum sensing and additive manufacturing, observers should look for details on experimental validation and the metrics that will be used to measure success. ✍️ Quantum Index Analysis The important point in this announcement is not the headline numbers of 120 qubitsqubitsQubit / Quantum Bit / QubitThe basic unit of information in a quantum computer. It can represent not only 0 or 1 but also a quantum state that is a superposition of them.QI NoteHaving more qubits does not necessarily mean higher performance. Error rates, connectivity, coherence time, and the number of logical qubits are also important. or more than 100,000 circuits per second. The Nighthawk r2 is already available on the IBM Quantum Platform (https://en.quantumindex.jp/ibm-quantum-nighthawk-r2-high-speed-reset/), so these performance figures are not being realized for the first time in Switzerland. What is new is placing this generation of quantum hardware at CSCS and preparing it as a research infrastructure that domestic universities and companies can use on an ongoing basis. Installing the system at CSCS also has implications for future quantum–HPC integration. IBM has already worked with partners such as the RIKEN cluster on workflows that allocate roles between quantum processors and supercomputers—preprocessing, QPUQPUQuantum Processor / Quantum Processor / Quantum Processing Unit / QPUThe central part of the hardware that houses qubits and performs quantum computational operations such as quantum gates and measurements.QI NoteThe performance of a QPU cannot be judged by the number of qubits alone. Gate fidelity, connectivity, speed, error rates, and other factors must be considered together. execution, and postprocessing—to run an end‑to‑end workflow used in other efforts (https://en.quantumindex.jp/cleveland-clinic-riken-ibm-gordon-bell-finalists-2026/). CSCS operates the large‑scale HPC resource Alps, so there is potential to use System Two not just as a stand‑alone machine but as part of such a heterogeneous computing environment. The current announcement, however, does not specify concrete connection methods or joint workloads with Alps. Also, although the initial research with Lockheed Martin includes navigation using quantum sensingquantum sensingQuantum Sensing / Quantum SensingTechnology that utilizes quantum phenomena such as superposition and quantum interference to measure magnetic fields, time, gravity, and other quantities with high sensitivity.QI NoteA field of quantum technology distinct from quantum computing; practical implementations already exist. When evaluating performance, check sensitivity, resolution, and the measurement environment., that should be considered a separate line from quantum computing experiments using the Nighthawk r2. The hub is being conceived as a broad research facility covering not only quantum computing but also sensing and manufacturing technologies. What will determine the hub’s value is not merely installing System Two but how CSCS’s existing HPC resources and the quantum system are integrated into computational workflows and whether they can demonstrate meaningful use of a QPU for real research and industrial problems. If the hub can disclose participating organizations, utilization rates, and comparative metrics—such as accuracy, runtime, and required computational resources versus HPC‑only approaches—its technical value will become much clearer. NETWORKSee the industry network around IBM Quantum → (/qi-network/) Related articles • IBM begins offering Nighthawk r2 quantum processor — over 100,000 circuit executions per second, up to 25× Heron throughput (https://en.quantumindex.jp/ibm-quantum-nighthawk-r2-high-speed-reset/) • IBM announces modular cryogenic system to connect quantum processors (https://en.quantumindex.jp/ibm-modular-cryogenic-architecture/) • Yaqumo and Fujitsu validate a neutral‑atom quantum computer and connect the STAR architecture to a cloud platform (https://en.quantumindex.jp/yaqumo-fujitsu-neutral-atom-star-toolchain-validation/) Source Read the original announcement (https://www.ibm.com/quantum/blog/swiss-innovation-hub) If you found this article useful, please consider sharing it. ──────────────────── 【AI Evaluation Request】 Evaluate the following article critically, not based on the quality of its writing, but on its **original informational value as a specialist publication**. Do not give a high rating to summaries, paraphrases, explanations of technical terms, or generic observations such as "this will be worth watching" or "the timeline remains uncertain" if they could easily be produced by a general-purpose generative AI, even if they are well written. Use the following five-level rating scale. * **S — Advanced Original Expert Analysis**: Integrates multiple sources, comparisons, industry knowledge, or other information to provide important insights, evaluations, or a broader picture that would be difficult to obtain simply by reading the original sources individually * **A — Subject-Specific Expert Analysis**: Contains clear comparisons, reasoning, verification, or evaluation specific to the company, technology, or announcement being discussed * **B — Mainly Expert Explanation**: Provides specialist explanation or organization of the topic, but contains limited original analysis specific to the subject * **C — Organization and Summary of Primary Information**: Primarily summarizes primary information, but provides some added value through human editing, organization, or supplementary explanation * **D — AI-Level Summary and Formatting**: Offers little beyond the summarization and formatting of primary information that could be produced by a general-purpose generative AI, with almost no original analysis or informational value **Original reporting, proprietary data, original calculations, or the discovery of new facts are not required for an S rating.** An article may qualify for S if it compares and integrates multiple publicly available sources to provide important insights or a broader picture that readers could not easily obtain by reading those sources individually. However, do not give an S rating merely because the article contains a large amount of information, covers many subjects, or uses extensive technical terminology. In particular, consider the following points. * Does the article contain information or perspectives that would be difficult to obtain simply by reading the original announcement? * Does it contain comparisons, reasoning, verification, or evaluation specific to the subject? * Does it integrate multiple pieces of information to provide a new understanding or broader picture? * Could the content easily be produced by a general-purpose generative AI? * Are you avoiding giving a high rating merely because the article uses technical terminology or headings such as "Analysis" or "Key Points"? In your response, first briefly show the **S–D rating scale above**, and then clearly indicate **where this article falls within that scale**. Then briefly explain the following. * **Rating for this article: S / A / B / C / D** * **Reason for the rating** * **Specific passages that qualify as original analysis** If you are uncertain between two ratings, choose the lower one rather than the higher one.

IBM and Lockheed Martin have established the Swiss Quantum Innovation Hub at ETH Zurich. As the core infrastructure, Switzerland’s first IBM Quantum System Two will be installed at the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS) in Lugano, with operations planned to begin by the end of 2026.

Announcement summary

The IBM Quantum System Two to be deployed will be equipped with an IBM Quantum Nighthawk r2 processor featuring 120 programmable qubitsqubitsQubit / Quantum Bit / QubitThe basic unit of information in a quantum computer. It can represent not only 0 or 1 but also a quantum state that is a superposition of them.QI NoteHaving more qubits does not necessarily mean higher performance. Error rates, connectivity, coherence time, and the number of logical qubits are also important.. According to IBM, the processor can execute more than 100,000 circuits per second and offers up to 25× the circuit throughputthroughputThroughput / ThroughputA metric indicating the amount of work that can be processed per unit time. In quantum computing, it represents how quickly circuits or jobs can be repeatedly executed, among other things.QI NoteThe definition and units of throughput vary between companies and systems. When comparing, check not only the raw number of executions but also conditions such as circuit size, accuracy, and wait times. of the earlier IBM Quantum Heron family. IBM also says it has demonstrated computations using quantum circuits that include 7,500 gates. ETH Zurich will coordinate usage among Swiss universities, startups, and companies and provide expertise and research resources. IBM will operate the quantum computer, and CSCS will provide the facility infrastructure such as power, cooling, and security. The installation and operation agreement between IBM and ETH Zurich covers an initial three‑year period, through 2029.

Participating organizations will have access to IBM’s cloud quantum resources as well as a domestically dedicated system once it is operational. Target application areas include chemistry, materials science, optimization, and financial services, and the hub will also provide training through courses, certifications, and workshops. IBM and Lockheed Martin plan initial research projects on navigation using quantum sensingquantum sensingQuantum Sensing / Quantum SensingTechnology that utilizes quantum phenomena such as superposition and quantum interference to measure magnetic fields, time, gravity, and other quantities with high sensitivity.QI NoteA field of quantum technology distinct from quantum computing; practical implementations already exist. When evaluating performance, check sensitivity, resolution, and the measurement environment. and on additive manufacturing of metal alloys.

Key points

• Switzerland’s first IBM Quantum System Two will be installed at CSCS, with operations planned by the end of 2026
• The Nighthawk r2 processor to be installed has 120 qubits and is claimed to support over 100,000 circuit executions per second
• ETH Zurich will coordinate access, IBM will operate the system, and CSCS will provide power, cooling, and other facility infrastructure
• The hub will integrate research use and workforce development across Swiss universities, startups, and industry
• IBM and Lockheed Martin plan initial research on quantum sensing for navigation and on additive manufacturing of metal alloys

Technical and business significance

On the technical side, colocating the quantum system within the same CSCS facility that houses the Alps supercomputer could enable research environments that combine quantum and classical computingclassical computingClassical Computing / Classical Computation / Classical Computing / Classical ComputationA computation method that uses bits of 0 and 1; the form of computation performed by the computers commonly used today.QI NoteUsed as a point of comparison with quantum computing, but it can encompass CPUs, GPUs, supercomputers, and specialized algorithms, so care should be taken about the conditions of comparison.. However, the specific connection methods and division of processing between the two systems have not been disclosed. From a business perspective, the hub creates a focal point giving domestic research institutions and companies access to a dedicated system, cloud resources, and training opportunities, but details such as pricing, participation conditions, and industrial outcome targets have not been announced.

Points to watch

The first thing to watch is whether System Two becomes operational by the end of 2026 and whether the Nighthawk r2’s claimed performance can be maintained in real‑world usage. It will also be important to see whether participation requirements, pricing, and the roster of user organizations are specified, and how the system will interface with the Alps supercomputer. For the initial research on quantum sensing and additive manufacturing, observers should look for details on experimental validation and the metrics that will be used to measure success.

✍️ Quantum Index Analysis

The important point in this announcement is not the headline numbers of 120 qubitsqubitsQubit / Quantum Bit / QubitThe basic unit of information in a quantum computer. It can represent not only 0 or 1 but also a quantum state that is a superposition of them.QI NoteHaving more qubits does not necessarily mean higher performance. Error rates, connectivity, coherence time, and the number of logical qubits are also important. or more than 100,000 circuits per second. The Nighthawk r2 is already available on the IBM Quantum Platform, so these performance figures are not being realized for the first time in Switzerland. What is new is placing this generation of quantum hardware at CSCS and preparing it as a research infrastructure that domestic universities and companies can use on an ongoing basis.

Installing the system at CSCS also has implications for future quantum–HPC integration. IBM has already worked with partners such as the RIKEN cluster on workflows that allocate roles between quantum processors and supercomputers—preprocessing, QPUQPUQuantum Processor / Quantum Processor / Quantum Processing Unit / QPUThe central part of the hardware that houses qubits and performs quantum computational operations such as quantum gates and measurements.QI NoteThe performance of a QPU cannot be judged by the number of qubits alone. Gate fidelity, connectivity, speed, error rates, and other factors must be considered together. execution, and postprocessing—to run an end‑to‑end workflow used in other efforts. CSCS operates the large‑scale HPC resource Alps, so there is potential to use System Two not just as a stand‑alone machine but as part of such a heterogeneous computing environment. The current announcement, however, does not specify concrete connection methods or joint workloads with Alps.

Also, although the initial research with Lockheed Martin includes navigation using quantum sensingquantum sensingQuantum Sensing / Quantum SensingTechnology that utilizes quantum phenomena such as superposition and quantum interference to measure magnetic fields, time, gravity, and other quantities with high sensitivity.QI NoteA field of quantum technology distinct from quantum computing; practical implementations already exist. When evaluating performance, check sensitivity, resolution, and the measurement environment., that should be considered a separate line from quantum computing experiments using the Nighthawk r2. The hub is being conceived as a broad research facility covering not only quantum computing but also sensing and manufacturing technologies.

What will determine the hub’s value is not merely installing System Two but how CSCS’s existing HPC resources and the quantum system are integrated into computational workflows and whether they can demonstrate meaningful use of a QPU for real research and industrial problems. If the hub can disclose participating organizations, utilization rates, and comparative metrics—such as accuracy, runtime, and required computational resources versus HPC‑only approaches—its technical value will become much clearer.

NETWORKSee the industry network around IBM Quantum →

Related articles

• IBM begins offering Nighthawk r2 quantum processor — over 100,000 circuit executions per second, up to 25× Heron throughput
• IBM announces modular cryogenic system to connect quantum processors
• Yaqumo and Fujitsu validate a neutral‑atom quantum computer and connect the STAR architecture to a cloud platform

Source

Read the original announcement