October 21, 2024 -- 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.”