The IBM Quantum System Two quantum computer, installed at Ikerbasque’s headquarters in Donostia/San Sebastián, marks its first year of operation with 64 projects, growing scientific activity and its first corporate users. Since its launch on 14 October 2025, this infrastructure has supported progress across several areas of research and training, and has now taken a further step by opening access to businesses.
The Basque Minister for Science, Universities and Innovation, Juan Ignacio Pérez Iglesias, stated that “since it began operating, the IBM Quantum System Two computer has supported 64 research projects, and 444 researchers from universities and scientific and technological centres have access to it. The infrastructure has also recorded an average utilisation rate of 50% of its capacity, reaching a peak of 80% in March”.
The quantum computer’s activity forms part of the BasQ (Basque Quantum) strategy, promoted by the Basque Government and the three provincial councils in collaboration with IBM. As the Minister recalled, the strategy aims to “develop the Basque Country’s scientific, technological and business capabilities in quantum computing”. Pérez Iglesias stressed that “we are seeing the emergence of what we could call Donostia Quantum Valley or Euskadi Quantum Valley, comprising companies and researchers who use the quantum computer, as well as businesses directly involved in quantum technology that provide services to this ecosystem or even develop products for the quantum computers of the future”.
A year of scientific and technological activity
Among the research projects carried out during this first year, notable examples include those led by the University of the Basque Country (EHU), Tecnalia and DIPC on quantum systems, new states of matter and computational algorithms, some in collaboration with Mondragon Unibertsitatea, Tecnum, MPC/CFP and other research centres.
This research activity has also contributed to ten scientific publications linked to the Basque Country’s quantum ecosystem that have made direct use of the IBM Quantum System Two computer in Donostia/San Sebastián, one of the three most advanced quantum computers in the world and the first in Europe.
The first companies gain access to the quantum computer
The first anniversary coincides with one of the main new developments in the BasQ strategy: the arrival of the first companies that will be able to use the infrastructure to explore the potential of quantum computing in their respective fields.
Last July, the Basque Government presented the protocol governing access to the quantum computer for companies and public administrations. After assessing the proposals received in this first call, the evaluation committee approved eight of the eleven business project applications submitted.
The first eight companies selected are Global Data Quantum, LKS Next, Multiverse Computing, Akshar Innovation, Iberdrola, Amadeus, Moeve and Gertek.
The application process will remain open, with new applications assessed on an ongoing basis. The aim is to help the Basque business community understand and explore the potential of quantum computing, while encouraging the development of innovative solutions in areas such as new materials, chemistry and the optimisation of industrial processes.
Talent development and international reach
Professional training is another pillar of the BasQ strategy. A key element of BasQ’s training provision is the *Road to Practitioner* programme, which equips participants with the knowledge and skills needed to begin using the quantum infrastructure deployed in the Basque Country effectively. A total of 178 people have completed the programme, including 121 over the past year.
During this first year, BasQ has also strengthened its international profile. The initiative has hosted 28 official visits by institutional, scientific and business representatives from various countries, keen to learn first-hand about the capabilities and development of the Basque Country’s quantum ecosystem.
BasQ has also maintained its presence in leading international networks and forums, including the IBM Quantum Network, the European Quantum Academy and DigiQ, as well as participating in various international quantum computing hubs and events.
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