CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST for the hosting and operation of European quantum computers integrated in HPC supercomputer

The call invites supercomputing centres to apply as hosting entities for quantum computers, which will be acquired and owned by the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking. By making quantum computers available to European users, the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking will address the growing demand for quantum computing resources and services from European industry and academia. The quantum computer infrastructure will support the development of a wide range of applications with industrial, scientific and societal relevance for Europe.

The selected hosting entities will operate the quantum computers on behalf of the EuroHPC JU. These computers will be integrated in existing supercomputers operated by the hosting entities. Eligible hosting entities are national supercomputer centres, which are already established in EuroHPC JU participating states that are also Member States of the European Union (EU). The applicant hosting entity may represent one participating state that is a Member State of the EU or a hosting consortium of participating states that have agreed to contribute together to the acquisition, integration and operation of the quantum supercomputer.

In line with the Council Regulation (EU) 2021/1173, the EuroHPC JU will procure at least three quantum computers in 2022 with a total EU contribution of EUR 40 million. The quantum computers will be co-funded by the EuroHPC JU budget stemming from the Digital Europe Programme (DEP) and by contributions from the relevant EuroHPC JU participating states. The JU will co-fund up to 50% of the total cost of the quantum computers with an estimated total contribution of between EUR 8 – 10 million per quantum computer.

The selection will aim at ensuring a level of diversity in the technologies and architectures of the different quantum computers to be acquired to give users access to as many different quantum technologies as possible.