IBM and Lockheed Martin Launch Quantum Innovation Hub at ETH Zurich

IBM and Lockheed Martin have partnered with Switzerland's Federal Office for Defence Procurement to establish a quantum innovation hub at ETH Zurich, a prominent public research university. The initiative aims to drive advancements in quantum computing by hosting the country's first IBM Quantum System Two at the Swiss National Supercomputing Center (CSCS) in Lugano.

The new hub will be operational by the end of 2026 and will provide researchers, startups, and Swiss industries with access to cutting-edge quantum computing technology. IBM will operate the IBM Quantum System Two, which is powered by the company's most advanced processor, the IBM Quantum Nighthawk. ETH Zurich will contribute expertise and resources to support the development of new algorithms, technical breakthroughs, and industrial use cases.

"This project extends our strategic relationship with IBM in quantum and AI while positioning Switzerland as a leader in these critical, cutting-edge fields," said Dr. Craig Martell, Lockheed Martin's vice president and chief technology officer. "The quantum computer will provide resources and expertise, develop skills, and enable joint research across the Swiss commercial, defense, and academic ecosystem."

IBM's Zurich lab has a long history of collaboration with Swiss institutions, having worked with them for almost 100 years. The company has already made significant contributions to the country's science ecosystem, including fundamental technology breakthroughs. Alessandro Curioni, vice president of Algorithms and Applications at IBM Research and director of the Zurich Research Laboratory, expressed excitement about the new initiative. "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."

ETH Zurich President Joël Mesot emphasized the importance of the new quantum computer for Switzerland. "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," he said.

The quantum education and workforce development effort will include providing the Swiss ecosystem with access to the IBM Quantum Network and IBM Quantum Platform learning offerings, including coursework, certifications, and workshops. These resources will help accelerate scientific and industrial research and build new use cases across chemistry, materials science, optimization, financial services, and more.

In addition to the quantum computer, the partnership will also explore joint development projects. Two planned initiatives will focus on the exploration of quantum sensing applications for navigation and the improvement of additive manufacturing of metallic alloys. These projects complement ongoing efforts by IBM and Lockheed Martin across a range of advanced technologies focused on aerospace and defense innovation.

This collaboration builds upon a long-standing partnership between IBM and ETH Zurich, including a recently launched 10-year effort to advance foundational algorithmic research. The new quantum innovation hub is expected to catalyze the development of new algorithms, technical breakthroughs, and industrial use cases, further solidifying Switzerland's position as a global hub for innovation in quantum computing.