QuTech, a research institute for quantum technologies based in the Netherlands, has announced its plans to develop the first quantum computer in Europe consisting of 100 qubits. The project is set to be completed by 2026, allowing public access to the device and offering scientists new opportunities for quantum calculations and simulations.
The initiative is being funded by the Netherlands organization Quantum Delta NL as part of the European Opensuperqplus project, which involves 28 partners from 10 countries. With a budget of €1 billion, the project aims to create a 100-qubit superconducting quantum processor as a stepping stone for the eventual development of a European quantum computer with 1000 qubits.
According to QuTech, the introduction of a 100-qubit quantum computer, accessible through the cloud platform of Quantum Inspire, will bring the research cycle to a full circle. The platform, launched in 2020, already features a 2-qubit processor based on spin qubits in silicon and a 5-qubit processor utilizing superconducting technology. The expansion to 100 qubits is expected to enable more extensive research in the field of quantum computing.