The IBM–Basque Country Quantum Computer will be officially inaugurated on 15 October
September 12, 2025Lehendakari Imanol Pradales will preside over the inauguration ceremony of Europe’s most advanced quantum computer. The event will take place in Donostia, at the newly constructed Ikerbasque building, which houses the IBM Quantum System Two. In addition, to commemorate the Year of Quantum, a public festival featuring activities for all audiences has been scheduled for 17 and 18 October.
Donostia, 12 September 2025. – On 15 October, the Department of Science, Universities and Innovation, chaired by Lehendakari Imanol Pradales, will officially inaugurate IBM–Basque Country, the most advanced quantum computer in Europe. The announcement was made this morning by Minister Juan Ignacio Pérez Iglesias during the closing ceremony of the “Quantum Computing” summer course held at the Miramar Palace. The inauguration ceremony will take place in Donostia, at the new Ikerbasque building – home to the IBM Quantum System Two – and will be attended by institutional representatives, members of IBM, Basque Quantum, and the Basque socio-business community.
Councillor Pérez Iglesias emphasized that “this inauguration marks the launch of a technological infrastructure that will strengthen the Basque scientific and technological ecosystem, foster knowledge generation in multiple fields, open up new business opportunities, and attract highly qualified talent.” IBM–Basque Country will become part of IBM’s global network of the most advanced quantum computers, which currently includes only two other facilities, located in Japan and the United States. This milestone positions the Basque Autonomous Community at the forefront of quantum computing worldwide.
Jakinaldia, quantum festival
In addition, the Minister announced that the Department of Science, Universities and Innovation, in line with its commitment to the public dissemination of knowledge and to mark the celebration of the Year of Quantum, has organized Jakinaldia, a festival that will take place on 17 and 18 October at Musikene. The program, which according to Pérez Iglesias “aims to bring the world of quantum physics closer to the public,” will combine scientific outreach with cultural and entertainment activities, including comedy monologues, magic shows, music, and theatre, designed for audiences of all ages.
Complementing these initiatives, magic shows will also take place on the streets of Donostia, along with a scientific and tourist route connecting the main quantum physics research centres in the vicinity of the new computer. The presence of this network of scientific excellence was, in fact, one of the key factors in IBM’s decision to choose Donostia as the location for its new quantum computer in Europe.
