IBM and Lockheed Martin Back Swiss Quantum Hub
Swiss quantum innovation hub at ETH Zurich will host Switzerland’s first IBM Quantum System Two, with deployment planned by end of 2026.
By Academic Writing Club Newsroom
IBM and Lockheed Martin have established a Swiss quantum innovation hub at ETH Zurich through an offset agreement with armasuisse. The hub plans to host Switzerland’s first IBM Quantum System Two at the Swiss National Supercomputing Center in Lugano. IBM will operate the system with an IBM Quantum Nighthawk processor. The project is expected to expand access for Swiss universities, industries, startups and students, with deployment planned by the end of 2026.
Access for Swiss Institutions
Organizations joining the hub through ETH Zurich will have access to IBM’s cloud-based fleet of quantum computers before the dedicated Swiss system is deployed. ETH Zurich plans to provide access to the local system once it is installed, supporting research in chemistry, materials science, optimization and financial services.
Alessandro Curioni, Vice President, Algorithms and Applications at IBM Research and Director of the Zurich Research Laboratory, said:
“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.”
Joint Research Projects
IBM and Lockheed Martin plan two joint development projects: exploring quantum sensing applications for navigation and improving additive manufacturing of metallic alloys. The work combines Lockheed Martin’s quantum sensing and additive manufacturing research with IBM’s quantum computing and AI expertise.
Dr. Craig Martell, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Lockheed Martin, said:
“This project extends the strategic relationship between Lockheed Martin and IBM in quantum and AI while positioning Switzerland as a leader in these critical, cutting-edge fields. It provides resources and expertise, develops skills and enables joint research across the Swiss commercial, defense and academic ecosystem.”
Workforce Education Plans
The education effort will provide access to IBM Quantum Network and IBM Quantum Platform learning offerings, including coursework, certifications and workshops. It will also include support for hackathons, conferences and partner forums. The hub builds on a 10-year effort between IBM and ETH Zurich on foundational algorithmic research.
Joël Mesot, President at ETH Zurich, said:
“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.”
