Euskadi's quantum computer marks its first year with 64 research projects and opens access to companies

The IBM Quantum System Two quantum computer, installed at the Ikerbasque headquarters in Donostia, marks its first year of operation with 64 projects carried out, growing scientific activity and the arrival of its first corporate users. Since it was commissioned on 14 October 2025, this infrastructure has contributed to the advancement of several lines of research and training, and it has now taken a new step by opening its use to the business community.

The Minister of Science, Universities and Innovation, Juan Ignacio Pérez Iglesias, stated that "since it came into operation, the IBM Quantum System Two computer has supported 64 research projects, and 444 researchers from universities and scientific and technological centers have access to it. In addition, this infrastructure has recorded an average utilization of 50% of its capacity, with a peak of 80% reached in March."

The quantum computer's activity is part of the BasQ (Basque Quantum) strategy, driven by the Basque Government and the three provincial councils in collaboration with IBM. As the minister recalled, the aim of this strategy is "to develop Euskadi's scientific, technological and business capabilities in the field of quantum computing." Pérez Iglesias stressed that "what we could call the Donostia Quantum Valley or Euskadi Quantum Valley is taking shape. It will be made up of companies and researchers who use the quantum computer, as well as companies directly linked to the quantum world that provide services to this environment or even create products for the quantum computers of the future."

A year of scientific and technological activity

Among the research projects carried out during this first year, those led by the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Tecnalia and DIPC stand out. They cover quantum systems, new states of matter and computing algorithms, some of them in collaboration with Mondragon Unibertsitatea, Tecnun, MPC/CFP and other research centers.

In addition, this research activity has contributed to ten scientific publications linked to Euskadi's quantum system that made direct use of the IBM Quantum System Two computer in Donostia, one of the three most advanced quantum computers in the world and the first in Europe.

The first companies gain access to the quantum computer

The first anniversary coincides with one of the main new developments of the BasQ strategy: the incorporation of the first companies that will be able to use the infrastructure to explore the possibilities of quantum computing in their respective fields of activity.

Last July, the Basque Government presented the protocol governing access to the quantum computer for companies and public administrations. After evaluating the proposals received in this first call, the evaluation committee approved eight of the eleven business project applications submitted.

The first eight selected companies are Global Data Quantum, LKS Next, Multiverse Computing, Akshar Innovation, Iberdrola, Amadeus, Moeve and Gertek.

However, the access procedure will remain open to new applications, which will be evaluated on a rolling basis. The aim is to help Basque businesses learn about and explore the possibilities of quantum computing, as well as to promote the development of innovative solutions in areas such as new materials, chemistry and the optimization of industrial processes.

Talent development and international outreach

Training professionals is another of the pillars of the BasQ strategy. Within BasQ's training offer, the Road to Practitioner program stands out. It is designed to give participants the knowledge and skills they need to start making effective use of the quantum infrastructure deployed in Euskadi. So far, 178 people have been trained through it, 121 of them in the last year.

During this first year, BasQ has also strengthened its international profile. The initiative has received 28 official visits from institutional, scientific and business representatives from different countries, interested in seeing the capabilities and development of Euskadi's quantum system first-hand.

BasQ has also maintained its presence in leading international networks and forums, including IBM Quantum Network, European Quantum Academy and DigiQ, and has taken part in various international quantum computing nodes and events.