Leibniz Supercomputing Centre LRZ Launches Euro-Q-Exa
The Leibniz Supercomputer Centre
Euro-Q-Exa, the first EuroHPC quantum computer deployed in Germany, was launched by the European Commission and EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (JU). The system, headquartered in the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities' Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ), changes the continent's approach to advanced computing.
A Digital Sovereignty Strategy
European researchers and startups depend on non-European enterprises' cloud-based quantum gear access. This changes with the opening of Euro-Q-Exa, a local facility.
The “sovereign” strategy aims to provide European specialists deep operational understanding. Europe manages hardware and its surroundings to keep private industry research and sensitive scientific data within its digital limits. Jointly funded, the project costs €25 million. Money is split among:
| €10 million EuroHPC JU
The BMFTR: €12 million
Bavarian State Ministry of Sciences and Arts and StMWK: €3 million
Technical Architecture: IQM Radiance Platform
The system was built using IQM Quantum Computers' Radiance platform. Current Euro-Q-Exa uses 54 superconducting qubits.
Due to its scalability and compatibility with existing microfabrication technologies, superconducting qubits lead the "quantum advantage" race.
Euro-Q-Exa's architecture is heavily integrated for HPC environments. A lattice architecture with tunable couplers and high-fidelity gates reduces latency and speeds data flow. This is crucial for “hybrid” procedures, when a quantum processor and a traditional supercomputer tackle a problem simultaneously.
Integration with SuperMUC-NG
This deployment's logical and physical interface to LRZ's SuperMUC-NG supercomputer is unique. The Munich Quantum Software Stack (MQSS) lets developers use Qiskit and PennyLane to construct and execute hybrid algorithms.
The LRZ is creating a “quantum-classical” hybrid by pairing a quantum processor with one of Europe's most powerful classical supercomputers to solve problems neither system could solve alone.
Addressing “Real-World” Issues
Euro-Q-Exa's major goal is to use quantum power to global issues, in addition to theoretical research. Research is currently focused on three topics:
Climate modeling simulates complex atmospheric interactions to better predict and mitigate global warming. Computational Pharmacology: By simulating molecular interactions at a level that classical machines cannot, computational pharmacology speeds up drug discovery. Neurodegenerative Disease Research: Studying Parkinson's and Alzheimer's complex biochemical processes.
A Growth Roadmap
Launching the 54-qubit system is just the beginning. Euro-Q-Exa's roadmap includes two major upgrades:
Another, more powerful CPU with over 150 qubits will be installed by 2026.
Another “substantial upgrade” is planned for early 2027 to increase the system's capabilities.
This phased process from small-scale proofs of concept to large-scale industrial simulations allows researchers to enhance their skills alongside hardware.
Pan-European Ecosystem
Euro-Q-Exa is not independent. Six quantum systems are placed in Europe's most advanced supercomputing centers. More: Czechia, France, Italy, Poland, Spain.
This well-coordinated network provides an innovative environment for European researchers to access cutting-edge quantum technology worldwide.
