IBM has inaugurated in Donostia-San Sebastián theIBM Quantum System Two, a 156-qubit quantum computer (Heron chip) that places Spain —and Europe— in the race for the uses really useful of quantum. It is the first System Two in Europe and one of the most advanced in the world. The installation is part of the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center and opens the door to new applications in energy, industry, health and AI, with global access via Qiskit.
Beyond the headline, what changes? The System Two is designed to scale and integrate multiple processors in the future, allowing it to run “utility” algorithms that go beyond what can be simulated with classic systems. For the technological ecosystem of the State —and especially of the Basque Country— it is a giant step: local talent, applied research and collaboration with companies will be able to test real use cases (energy optimization, materials, logistics, drug development, etc.) on a world-class platform.
It is also a milestone strategic: Spain enters the short map of the major quantum nodes (USA, Canada, Germany, Japan, Korea...), strengthening the European position in a field where the speed of innovation is key. And yes, it is just beginning: qubits are still delicate and error correction is the great challenge, but the path to useful quantum It's already here.