Developing cutting-edge quantum computing capabilities for Basque industry

TECNALIA is leading a project to develop cutting-edge Quantum Computing capabilities for Basque industry

IBERMATICA FUNDAZIOA, IKERLAN, LORTEK, TEKNIKER, MONDRAGON UNIBERTSITATEA, UPV/EHU and VICOMTECH are also collaborating, with the support of the Basque Government

23 July 2024. The research and technological development centre TECNALIA is spearheading the launch of a new Quantum Computing project to address the real-world needs of Basque industry. IBERMATICA FUNDAZIOA, IKERLAN, LORTEK, TEKNIKER, MONDRAGON UNIBERTSITATEA, UPV/EHU and VICOMTECH are also working on the project, called KUBIT – Kuantikaren Berrikuntzarako Ikasketa Teknologikoa –, with the support of the Basque Government’s ELKARTEK programme.

In an increasingly instant and interconnected world, conventional methods will no longer have the computational complexity required to overcome new challenges. This is where quantum computing offers new complementary mechanisms.

It is, therefore, a key field of knowledge for the future development of Artificial Intelligence, and this project by the Basque Science, Technology and Innovation Network aims to help improve the competitiveness of the Basque ecosystem.

It aims to generate a portfolio of industrial property assets for quantum computing applied to typical problems in the industrial world, as well as techniques for tackling complex computational problems using the most advanced quantum hardware available. It also contributes to the European strategy for sovereignty in critical technologies and to having the necessary AI value chain capabilities in Europe.

In order to launch the project, the consortium has also been supported by BasQ, Bizkaia Provincial Council and its Bizkaia Quantum Industrial Hub, Gipuzkoa Provincial Council, Alava Provincial Council, BAIC - Basque Artificial Intelligence Center, Cluster GAIA, IBM, CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles), ERICTEL, Euskaltel, Petronor and Telefónica.