On October 15, the Department of Science, Universities and Innovation will inaugurate, under the presidency of Lehendakari Imanol Pradales, the IBM–Basque Country, the most advanced quantum computer in Europe, as announced this morning by Minister Juan Ignacio Pérez Iglesias during the closing ceremony of the summer course “Quantum Computing” held at the Miramar Palace. The inauguration ceremony will take place in Donostia, in the new Ikerbasque building, home to the IBM Quantum System Two, and will be attended by institutional representatives, members of IBM, Basque Quantum, and the Basque socio-business community.
In the words of the minister, “this inauguration launches a technological infrastructure that will strengthen the Basque scientific-technological system and its business network. It will foster the generation of knowledge in various fields, open new business opportunities, and attract highly qualified talent.”
The IBM–Basque Country is part of IBM’s global network of the most advanced quantum computers, which currently includes only two other facilities, located in Japan and the United States, placing the Basque Country at the forefront of quantum computing on a global scale.
Jakinaldia, Quantum Festival
The minister also announced that the Department of Science, Universities and Innovation, faithful to its commitment to the social dissemination of knowledge and on the occasion of the celebration of the Year of Quantum, has organized a festival, Jakinaldia, on October 17 and 18 at Musikene.
The program, which according to Pérez Iglesias “aims to bring the world of quantum physics closer to citizens,” will combine scientific outreach with cultural and entertainment proposals that include comedy monologues, magic shows, music, and theater, among other activities designed for all audiences.
Complementing these initiatives, magic performances have been scheduled in the streets of Donostia, as well as a scientific-touristic route through the leading centers working on quantum research located near the computer. The existence of this center of scientific excellence was precisely one of the key factors that led IBM to choose Donostia as the site of its new quantum computer in Europe.
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