Luxembourg Selected for Installation, Operation of Quantum Computer

On Monday 21 October 2024, Luxembourg's Minister of the Economy, SMEs, Energy and Tourism, Lex Delles, and the Minister for Research and Higher Education and Minister for Digitalisation, Stéphanie Obertin, presented the project for the installation and operation of a quantum computer in Luxembourg, named "MeluXina-Q".

LuxProvide CEO Arnaud Lambert, Acting Director of DG Connect Gustav Kalbe and the Executive Director of the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU), Anders Dam Jensen, were also present.

The new quantum computer will be hosted and operated by LuxProvide, the national competence centre of the Luxembourg supercomputer MeluXina. As reported by the respective ministries, the announced launch of MeluXina-Q "marks a key step in consolidating Luxembourg's leading position in next-generation digital technologies". As this powerful system is put into operation, Luxembourg will continue to collaborate with its European partners. MeluXina-Q is the seventh quantum computer co-funded by EuroHPC in Europe.

The ministries added that quantum computing represents the next technological evolution in computing. It exploits quantum mechanics to process information more powerfully than traditional computers. MeluXina-Q will initially feature a 10-qubit quantum processing unit (QPU), based on innovative technology, built from silicon, thus ensuring a secure and scalable supply chain within the European Union.

MeluXina-Q is also set to be versatile, integrated with MeluXina and general purpose. The ministries said it will further increase MeluXina's capabilities and support a wide range of applications, from scientific research topics to industrial and societal challenges. The device will explore, develop and test new algorithms to accelerate the resolution of complex problems in fields such as chemistry, personalised medicine and artificial intelligence. Its system is expected to be able to evolve quickly enough to reach a total capacity of 80 qubits.

High-tech initiatives, including quantum projects at the University of Luxembourg, the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), LuxProvide and the Quantum Communication Infrastructure (QCI), have created a strong ecosystem, said the ministries. This allows Luxembourg to "revolutionise industries and accelerate research", which will bring "substantial benefits" to all of Europe.

The quantum computer will be co-financed by EuroHPC JU with a budget coming from the Digital Europe Programme (DEP) and contributions from Luxembourg. EuroHPC JU will co-finance up to 50% of the total cost of the quantum computer, with the total investment from the EU amounting to €8.5 million.

Minister Delles highlighted the strategic importance of this achievement: "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 already preparing for the upcoming quantum revolution. This investment allows us to build the skills and know-how needed to position Luxembourg as a key player in this new technological era, with direct applications in crucial sectors such as cybersecurity and finance."

Minister Obertin added: "Luxembourg's 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."

"Winning this European call for tenders underlines LuxProvide's leadership in the field of digital intelligence and our commitment to offering pioneering solutions beyond traditional technological boundaries," commented Arnaud Lambert, CEO of LuxProvide. "The combination of quantum expertise with MeluXina increases our competence and opens new avenues for cutting-edge research, positioning Luxembourg at the forefront of the quantum era."

Anders Dam Jensen, Executive Director of EuroHPC JU, added: "With the selection of LuxProvide as its new hosting site, EuroHPC JU further strengthens its commitment to providing European users with access to diverse and complementary quantum technologies, positioning Europe at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field. We are delighted to welcome a quantum computer to Luxembourg, which is home to the world-class supercomputer MeluXina and hosts the headquarters of EuroHPC JU."