Quantum Basel

Media Package

Launch of Switzerland's First Physical and Commercial Quantum Computer

Published 05 Dec 2024
Press Kit

The inauguration of Switzerland's first physical quantum computer, an IonQ Forte Enterprise System, is a historic milestone for the Swiss technology landscape.

QuantumBasel

Date

5 December 2024

Location

uptownBasel, Arlesheim Switzerland

Contact person

Sophie Peggs

QuantumBasel

Lead Marketing

info@quantumbasel.com

QuantumBasel and IonQ Unveil Switzerland’s First Physical Commercial Quantum Computer at uptownBasel

Arlesheim – December 5th, 2024 - QuantumBasel and uptownBasel celebrate a historic milestone with the inauguration of Switzerland’s first physical quantum computer, an IonQ Forte Enterprise system, shaping the future of innovation. This achievement, in partnership with IonQ, reinforces QuantumBasel’s position as a hub for quantum computing and AI, empowering industry and academia to engage with these transformative technologies.

Launched two years ago by uptownBasel, QuantumBasel became Switzerland’s first Center of Competence for Quantum Computing and AI offering neutral access to a variety of quantum computing hardware. With the vision to democratize access to quantum computing through a global network of hardware providers, its customers and partners soon profited from extensive expertise, strategic consulting, and access to several quantum computing technologies. In June 2023, QuantumBasel partnered with IonQ to prepare for housing Switzerland's first physical, commercial quantum computer and to establish IonQ's European Innovation Centre at uptownBasel.

A Vision Realized
The inauguration of the physical quantum computer in Arlesheim embodies the vision and ambition of uptownBasel's investors, Monique and Dr. Thomas Staehelin, to counteract Switzerland’s potential deindustrialization by fostering innovation and creating sustainable opportunities. With the quantum computer now operational, uptownBasel has taken a transformative step in uptownBasel's towards becoming a leading innovation campus for Industry 5.0.

QuantumBasel enables enterprises, academic institutions and startups to unlock the potential of quantum computing and AI in areas such as simulation, optimization and machine learning. By providing quantum access both over the cloud and a physical quantum computer, QuantumBasel empowers its customers and partners to securely develop innovative applications and shape the future of technology.

IonQ’s European Innovation Center
IonQ’s decision to locate its first European quantum computer into operation at uptownBasel further deepens the concentration of the technological expertise and innovative thinking in Arlesheim.

Over the past year, IonQ’s quantum physicists and engineers have been working to create the optimal environment to host its state-of-the-art Forte Enterprise quantum computer. The IonQ Forte system scales up to 36 algorithmic qubits (#AQ) and can process over 34 billion possibilities simultaneously. A future #AQ 64 system, part of the partnership between IonQ and QuantumBasel, underlines a shared commitment to long-term growth and technological advancement.

A New Era in Innovation
The inauguration of the quantum computer also marks the official opening of IonQ's European Innovation Centre at uptownBasel. It paves the way for unprecedented advances in quantum computing and AI, and strengthens further Switzerland’s position as a key player in cutting-edge technology.
 

QuantumBasel is a competence center for quantum computing and AI and drives access to commercial quantum computing to foster innovation. QuantumBasel places particular emphasis on technological neutrality and is Switzerland’s first commercial quantum computing hub, providing access to hardware from IBM, D-Wave and IonQ. QuantumBasel’s team of quantum and data scientists trains and supports companies, conducts projects in quantum computing and AI, and collaborates closely with universities and academic institutions. Through an internationally connected ecosystem, QuantumBasel provides access to advanced know-how and technologies, enabling companies in industrial production, logistics, finance, energy, life sciences, and start-ups to achieve innovations they cannot develop independently.

QuantumBasel

uptownBasel is an international competence center for Industry 4.0 - globally networked, anchored in Europe and rooted in Basel. On the historic Schorenareal in Arlesheim near Basel, a development and production site for technology companies and other organizations is being created on around 70,000 square metres. The focus is on the areas of industrial production, healthcare and logistics as well as the cross-sectional function of digitalization. A total of 50 to 100 companies with up to 2,500 jobs are planned to settle here, with an investment volume of over CHF 500 million. uptownBasel is made possible by the private ownership of the Monique and Thomas Staehelin family and is being realized by Fankhauser Arealentwicklungen.

uptownBasel

IonQ, Inc. is a leader in quantum computing that delivers high-performance systems capable of solving the world’s largest and most complex commercial and research use cases. IonQ’s current generation quantum computer, IonQ Forte, is the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems, boasting 36 algorithmic qubits. The company’s innovative technology and rapid growth were recognized in Fast Company’s 2023 Next Big Things in Tech List and Deloitte’s 2023 Technology Fast 500™ List, respectively. Available through all major cloud providers, IonQ is making quantum computing more accessible and impactful than ever before.

IonQ, Inc.