New EuroHPC Quantum Computer to Be Hosted in Luxembourg

During a press conference today in Luxembourg, Lex Delles, Luxembourg Minister of the Economy, SME, Energy and Tourism and Stephanie Obertin, Luxembourg Minister for Digitalisation, Research and Higher Education together with Arnaud Lambert, CEO of LuxProvide, Gustav Kalbe, Acting Director of DG Communications Networks, Content and Technology of the European Commission and Anders Jensen, EuroHPC JU Executive Director announced the selection of an additional hosting site for a EuroHPC quantum computer. 

The system “MeluXina-Q” will be hosted by LuxProvide in Luxembourg and integrated into the EuroHPC supercomputer MeluXina. 

MeluXina-Q will initially be equipped with a 10-qubit quantum processing unit (QPU) based on spin qubits, leveraging cutting-edge technology that uses well-established silicon manufacturing processes, ensuring a secure and scalable supply chain within the European Union. Over the lifetime of the system, upgrades are foreseen to reach a total of 80pysical qubits, distributed among different QPUs.

Supercomputers with quantum computing acceleration can solve specific complex tasks in seconds, tasks that traditional supercomputers struggle to compute. They are particularly powerful for problems that involve complex mathematical calculations or optimisation challenges such as improving traffic flows in smart cities or simulating molecular structures, critical for the development of new drugs and materials. Other potential applications include accelerating climate modelling to predict weather patterns more accurately, and enhancing cryptographic algorithms for better cybersecurity.

MeluXina-Q will primarily support research and innovation and will be available to a wide range of European end-users, spanning from the scientific community to industry and the public sector. The new system will drive innovation across Europe while advancing the frontiers of science and technology. 

Lex Delles, Minister of Economy, SME, Energy and Tourism said : 

“The installation of a quantum computer in Luxembourg represents a major step forward in our digital strategy, particularly in terms of data, artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. By integrating “MeluXina-Q” into our existing ecosystem, we are preparing today for the quantum revolution that is coming. This investment allows us to build the skills and know-how necessary to position Luxembourg as a key player in this new technological era, with direct applications in crucial sectors such as cybersecurity and finance.”

Stéphanie Obertin, Minister of Research and Higher Education added: 

“Luxembourg research as a whole is well prepared to embark on the development of quantum technology. Indeed, in quantum physics, many skills already exist. And even if we do not necessarily have the ambition to build a quantum computer “made in Luxembourg”, we can nevertheless develop here in Luxembourg potential innovations requiring collaboration between physicists and computer science specialists and which will allow such a device to operate efficiently.”

 Arnaud Lambert, CEO of LuxProvide stated:

“Winning this European tender underlines LuxProvide’s leadership in the field of digital intelligence and our commitment to delivering pioneering solutions beyond traditional technological boundaries. Combining quantum expertise with MeluXina increases our competence and opens new opportunities towards cutting-edge research, positioning Luxembourg at the forefront of the quantum era.”

Anders Jensen, EuroHPC JU Executive Director concluded:

"With the selection of LuxProvide as a new hosting site, EuroHPC JU is further reinforcing its commitment to providing European users with access to a diverse and complementary quantum technologies, positioning Europe at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field. We are delighted to welcome a quantum computer in Luxembourg, home to the world-class supercomputer MeluXina and host of the EuroHPC JU headquarters.”

More details

LuxProvide has been selected as a result of a call for expression of interest for the hosting and operation of European quantum computers integrated in HPC supercomputer, launched in December 2023. 

The quantum computer will be co-funded by the EuroHPC JU with budget stemming from the Digital Europe Programme (DEP) and by contributions from Luxembourg Government. The JU will co-fund up to 50% of the total cost of the quantum computers with a total European Union’s investment of up to EUR 8.5 million. The exact funding arrangements will be reflected in the hosting agreement that will be signed soon.

Background

In 2023, the EuroHPC JU signed hosting agreements with six sites across Europe to host and operate EuroHPC quantum computers: in Czechia, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, and Poland.

In 2024, the EuroHPC JU has announced the signatures of the procurement contracts for:

• EuroQCS-Poland quantum computer, 
• LUMI-Q consortium’s quantum computer,
• Lucy located in France and 
• Euro-Q-Exa located in Germany.

The selection of six hosting entities followed the view of offering the widest possible variety of different European quantum computing platforms and hybrid classical-quantum architectures, giving Europe the opportunity to be at the forefront of this emerging field, and to provide European users with access to diverse and complementary quantum technologies.  Today’s selection of LuxProvide aligns perfectly with this ambition. 

These quantum computers come on top of two analogue quantum simulators procured under the EuroHPC JU project HPCQS which are based on neutral atoms, supplied by the French company PASQAL. HPCQS aims to develop and coordinate a cloud-based European federated infrastructure, tightly integrating two quantum computers, each controlling 100-plus qubits in the Tier-0 HPC systems Joliot-Curie of GENCI and the JURECA modular supercomputer at the Julich Supercomputing Centre (JSC).  

About EuroHPC JU

The EuroHPC JU is a legal and funding entity, created in 2018 and reviewed in 2021 by Council Regulation (EU) 2021/1173. This was recently amended in 2024 by means of Council Regulation (EU) 2024/1732, with the mission to:   

• develop, deploy, extend and maintain in the EU a world-leading federated, secure and hyper-connected supercomputing, quantum computing, service and data infrastructure ecosystem;   
• support the development and uptake of demand-oriented and user-driven innovative and competitive supercomputing system based on a supply chain that will ensure components, technologies and knowledge limiting the risk of disruptions and the development of a wide range of applications optimised for these systems;   
• widen the use of that supercomputing infrastructure to a large number of public and private users and support the development of key HPC skills for European science and industry.   
• develop and operate AI Factories located around EuroHPC supercomputing facilities to support the growth of a highly competitive and innovative AI ecosystem in Europe.  

In order to equip Europe with a world-leading supercomputing infrastructure, the EuroHPC JU has already procured nine supercomputers located across Europe. Three of these EuroHPC supercomputers are now ranked among the world’s top 10 most powerful supercomputers: LUMI in Finland, Leonardo in Italy and MareNostrum 5 in Spain. Meluxina is currently ranked 89^th on that list, while placing 39^th on the Green500 list, which ranks the most powerful supercomputers based on their energy-efficiency.

About LuxProvide

LuxProvide is at the forefront of digital intelligence, combining data science expertise with supercomputing capabilities. Centered around MeluXina, Luxembourg's advanced supercomputer, LuxProvide focuses on accuracy, security, and sustainability in the digital realm. The company transcends traditional technological boundaries, fostering innovative solutions that elevate the human experience and drive positive change. LuxProvide is dedicated to pioneering a future where technology not only evolves but enhances every aspect of life.