Barcelona switches on Spain's first quantum computer

Barcelona has switched on Spain's first quantum computer in the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), which has 100% been manufactured with European technology.

Quantum Spain has unveiled a device combining digital and analogic quantum and classical computing capabilities.

This hybrid setup will make tackling complex scientific and industrial challenges easier.

The EuroQCS-Spain (quantum computer Spain) is part of a European supercomputing infrastructure that will be accelerated by various quantum technologies and made accessible to the European research community.

Unlike classical computers, Quantum computers can use bits (0 or 1) simultaneously. They use the principles of Quantum Superposition, as states can be in multiple states at the same time. Quantum computers use the Quantum bit, or Qubit, as the measure.

These computers mainly perform complex simulations, including wind turbulence, cryptographic applications, and molecular dynamics simulations.

During Thursday's visit, Spain's digital transformation minister, Óscar López, highlighted the importance of such machines and announced the goal of introducing a national strategy on quantum technologies.

Quantum computing has been implemented "to change the rules of the game," and as it is connected to MareNostrum 5, the "new technology allies itself with traditional approaches," López said during a visit to BSC.

The device has 100% been manufactured using European technology and will now be part of Spain's supercomputing network that will "promote technological sovereignty and promote open science research."

"Our goal is to democratize knowledge," he said before introducing the national quantum technologies strategy in times of "denialism" and "tech billionaires."

López's message was shared by the Catalan president, Salvador Illa, as the device "is not to be only used by a company or a business," as the best thing is for "disruptive" technology to serve a common goal.

Computers will be accessible to any Spanish user through the Spanish Supercomputing Network (RES) to facilitate access to quantum computing for researchers and companies.

Cutting-edge research in Catalonia

From black holes to climate change to Covid-19, cutting-edge research is taking place in Catalonia.

Barcelona Supercomputing Center is one of the high-tech research facilities that are key to the country's contribution to the global scientific effort to enhance our understanding of the world around us and address the challenges of the 21st century.

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