European High-Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) has selected Netherlands-based SURF to host and operate a new quantum computer, in coordination with QuantumDelta NL.

Announced at EuroHPC User Day 2024 in Amsterdam, the system will be located at the Amsterdam Science Park and integrated into the Dutch national supercomputer, Snellius.

The EuroSSQ-HPC consortium – made up of seven partners across three countries, including SURF, GENCI, and the Delft University of Technology – will jointly operate the quantum computer, handling user support and all integration activities.

Based on semiconductor spin qubits, in its initial phase, the quantum computer will offer a minimum of 16 physical qubits. The unnamed system is the first EuroHPC quantum computer to use semiconductor spin-qubit technology and in a statement, the EuroHPC JU said its deployment aligns with its goal of providing European users with access to a diverse range of quantum computing platforms.

Semiconductor spin qubit technology holds great potential for large-scale quantum information processing, primarily due to the qubits’ smaller physical size, which allows for high scalability.

Launched in 2018 and headquartered in Luxembourg, EuroHPC JU is a joint initiative between the EU, 35 European countries, and private partners to develop a supercomputing ecosystem in Europe.

Its mission is to develop, deploy, extend, and maintain a secure and connected supercomputing and quantum computing ecosystem, while supporting the development of key high-performance computing skills for European science and industry.

Earlier this week, the EuroHPC JU announced that LuxProvide in Luxembourg will host the initiative’s MeluXina-Q quantum computer, with the 10 qubit system set to be integrated with the MeluXina supercomputer.

This month also saw the EuroHPC JU sign an agreement with IQM Quantum Computers for the company to deliver two quantum systems to the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre in Germany by the end of 2026.