- IBM and Lockheed Martin established a quantum innovation hub at ETH Zurich
- Switzerland’s first IBM Quantum System Two is planned for deployment at CSCS in Lugano by the end of 2026
- The initiative will support quantum research, workforce development and applications spanning defense, aerospace, and other industries
IBM and Lockheed Martin have established a quantum innovation hub at ETH Zurich, supporting quantum research, workforce development and industrial applications across Switzerland.
What Is the New Swiss Quantum Innovation Hub?
The initiative, established through an offset agreement with armasuisse, will bring the country’s first IBM Quantum System Two to the Swiss National Supercomputing Center in Lugano, with deployment expected by the end of 2026, Lockheed Martin said Thursday.
The hub is designed to give Swiss industries, startups and academic institutions access to quantum computing resources, expertise and technologies.
IBM will operate the quantum system, powered by an IBM Quantum Nighthawk processor.
“Switzerland will gain access to essential research infrastructure that will enable us to further advance the exploration of this emerging technology and educate the talent needed to support it,” ETH Zurich President Joël Mesot said.
How Will the Partnership Advance Quantum Innovation in Switzerland?
The quantum innovation hub builds on the strategic relationship between IBM and Lockheed Martin in quantum computing, artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies. As part of the collaboration, the companies plan to pursue two joint development projects focused on quantum sensing applications for navigation and improving additive manufacturing of metallic alloys.
Dr. Craig Martell, Lockheed Martin vice president and chief technology officer and a two-time Wash100 awardee, said Switzerland’s established role in global innovation and Lockheed Martin’s longstanding technical collaboration in the country provide a strong foundation for the new initiative.
“It provides resources and expertise, develops skills and enables joint research across the Swiss commercial, defense and academic ecosystem,” he added.
The initiative also expands IBM’s longstanding collaboration with ETH Zurich. The organizations will support quantum education and workforce development through access to the IBM Quantum Network and IBM Quantum Platform learning resources.
Alessandro Curioni, vice president of Algorithms and Applications at IBM Research and director of the Zurich Research Laboratory, underscored IBM’s longstanding collaboration with Switzerland.
“As we continue to foster innovation with the Swiss community, we are excited to have the opportunity to put world-class quantum hardware, software and expertise directly into the hands of Switzerland’s thriving academic institutions and industries,” Curioni said.
