With the historic CESGA, IQM, and Telefónica Infrastructure Agreement, Spain will lead European quantum innovation.
The Galician Supercomputing Center (CESGA) has formally signed a purchase agreement with IQM Quantum Computers and Telefónica to implement a cutting-edge, on-premises quantum computing infrastructure, marking a watershed moment for the technological landscape of Southern Europe. This historic partnership marks a significant milestone in Spain’s digital development and represents the first time IQM quantum systems will be physically deployed in the nation.
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An Intentional Dual-System Implementation
The deal states that IQM will be in charge of the delivery and setup of two full-stack quantum computers, each of which will have a unique strategic function within the Spanish industrial and scientific community.
The IQM Radiance, the first machine, is a powerful 54-qubit quantum computer. Complex computational tasks that are difficult for typical supercomputers to handle alone can be executed using this technology, which is specifically designed for easy integration into high-performance computing (HPC) centres.
The IQM Spark, a 5-qubit quantum computer, is the second system. The Spark is devoted to education and skill development, in contrast to its larger sibling. This will guarantee that the upcoming generation of Spanish researchers, scientists, and engineers can work directly with quantum hardware, creating a workforce that can handle the challenges of designing algorithms and quantum logic. By June 2026, both systems should be delivered and fully functional.
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Connectivity with AI Infrastructure and Finisterrae IV
The quantum systems are intended to function as a component of an advanced, multi-tiered computer environment rather than independently. With the launch of the new supercomputer Finisterrae IV, CESGA plans to enhance these quantum capabilities. The processing capacity required to fulfil the increasing demands of artificial intelligence (AI) and other data-intensive sectors will be supplied by this conventional HPC behemoth.
Additionally, a sophisticated data storage system intended to permanently store enormous information will be part of the infrastructure. This enables CESGA to offer sophisticated data services, guaranteeing the efficient storage and analysis of quantum-classical hybrid simulation outputs.
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Building a Useful Quantum Ecosystem
Transferring quantum computing from the domain of theoretical research to real-world, production-grade applications is the main goal of this deployment. CESGA is enabling experimentation with hybrid workflows by providing these devices to the scientific community and top industrial sectors. Because they combine the special advantages of AI, quantum computing, and conventional high-performance computing to address practical issues, these workflows are critical to the future of technology.
IQM Quantum Computers’ Chief Commercial Officer, Sylwia Barthel de Weydenthal, highlighted that integrating production-grade infrastructure into actual HPC settings is essential to the organization’s goals. She added this collaboration creates a quantum ecosystem in Spain that allows academic and industry users to experiment with hybrid quantum-classical computing.
Spain’s Place in Europe
CESGA is now on par with other top European research facilities with this initiative. CESGA has joined a select group of centers, such as Jülich and the Leibniz Supercomputing Center (LRZ) in Germany, CSC in Finland, and CINECA in Italy, by incorporating quantum gear into its national HPC environment. Spain’s place in the European research framework is strengthened by this alignment, which also guarantees that Spanish industry will continue to compete globally for next-generation technologies.
According to Telefónica España’s CTIO Sergio Sánchez, quantum computing is set to become a key component of the digital infrastructure of the future. He emphasized that the partnership strengthens Spain’s position as a leader in emerging technologies by bringing cutting-edge skills closer to businesses and researchers alike.
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The Force Behind the Collaboration
The initiative makes use of the knowledge of two world-renowned industry leaders. Serving more than 350 million users in Europe and Latin America, Telefónica is one of the top telecommunications companies in the world. Their participation guarantees that a world leader in digital services and connectivity supports the infrastructure.
The hardware supplier, IQM Quantum Computers, is a world leader in the development of superconducting quantum computers. With more than 300 workers and physical locations across the globe, from France and Germany to Japan and the US, IQM offers both cloud-based access and on-premises systems. The CESGA project’s success depends on their ability to deliver “full-stack” solutions, which cover everything from the actual qubits to the required control software.
To put it another way, adding a quantum computer to an already-existing supercomputing facility is like adding a soloist with a futuristic instrument to a world-class symphony. The quantum system (the soloist) can play particular, complex notes and harmonies that the rest of the ensemble is just unable to produce, while the supercomputer (the orchestra) is already strong and capable of sophisticated performances. When they collaborate, they are able to create a new kind of music that symbolizes intricate scientific discoveries that neither could accomplish alone.
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