The quantum computer installed in Donostia-San Sebastián has completed its first year of operation IBM Quantum System Two and has opened access to companies for the first time. According to the regional government, since it became operational on 14 October 2025, the facility has supported a total of 64 research projects; 444 researchers from universities and centres can use the system. Average utilisation was 50 per cent, with a peak of 80 per cent in March. This was announced by the regional Minister for Science, Universities and Innovation, Juan Ignacio Pérez Iglesias.
Opening it up to businesses is part of the implementation phase of the quantum strategy BasQ. A protocol published in July 2026 sets out access for companies and public bodies through an ongoing assessment process. In the first round, eight of eleven project proposals were accepted. The selected companies are Global Data Quantum, LKS Next, Multiverse Computing, Akshar Innovation, Iberdrola, Amadeus, Moeve and Gertek. The aim is to trial applications in areas such as new materials, chemistry and industrial process optimisation.
The infrastructure is used for research primarily by the University of the Basque Country, Tecnalia and the Donostia International Physics Center carried out; further projects are being developed in partnership with regional universities and technology centres. According to the government, work with the system has already resulted in several specialist publications. The device is based at Ikerbasque in Donostia-San Sebastián and is considered the first quantum computer of its kind in Europe; its installation is part of a partnership between the Gobierno Vasco and IBM.
BasQ is also expanding training: 178 people have so far been trained through the Road to Practitioner programme, 121 of them last year. The initiative has also recorded 28 official visits by delegations of representatives from science, business and politics, who came to learn about its capabilities and potential uses.
Pérez Iglesias emphasises the aim of building a strong ecosystem for quantum computing applications in Euskadi. This includes users of the system as well as companies developing services for the sector or supplying components and software for future quantum computers. Use of the system is continuously evaluated; companies can submit new applications on an ongoing basis. Claims about macroeconomic effects remain preliminary; according to the official account, the key factors are scientific progress and the industry’s willingness to adopt the technology.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).