Horizon Quantum Selects Dublin for Second Quantum Computer Testbed
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Insider Brief Horizon Quantum plans to locate its second quantum computer, an anticipated IonQ 256-qubit trapped-ion system, at its European headquarters in Dublin, Ireland. The system will support Horizon Quantum’s software development platform and expand its hardware testbed beyond the superconducting system already operating in Singapore. Horizon Quantum expects the project to strengthen collaboration with Ireland’s universities, researchers, and broader quantum technology ecosystem. PRESS RELEASE — Horizon Quantum Holdings Ltd. (“Horizon Quantum”), a pioneer of software infrastructure for quantum applications, today announced that it expects to locate its second quantum computer—anticipated to be one of the most advanced commercial quantum systems in the world—in Dublin, Ireland. By placing this IonQ 256-qubit system at its European headquarters, Horizon Quantum aims to benefit from Ireland’s growing quantum ecosystem, strong university network, and robust talent pool for deep-tech development, both within the country and across the EU. Horizon Quantum believes the installation of this frontier system will be a significant technology milestone for the nation, positioning Ireland to play an increasingly prominent role in frontier quantum computing.
Minister Peter Burke, Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, said: “I welcome Horizon Quantum’s decision to locate its second quantum computer testbed in Dublin. This significant investment reinforces Ireland’s position at the forefront of advanced technologies and reflects the strength of our growing quantum ecosystem, world-class research base, and highly skilled workforce. The establishment of one of the most advanced commercial quantum systems here is an important milestone that will support innovation, collaboration, and economic growth, while further enhancing Ireland’s ambition to be a global hub for cutting-edge technologies. This also aligns with our strategic focus in Silicon Island—Ireland’s National Semiconductor Strategy —on harnessing opportunities in rapidly evolving fields, including quantum technologies.” IonQ’s sixth-generation, chip-based 256-qubit trapped-ion system is anticipated to be among the most sophisticated quantum computers globally. With its expected qubit count and high gate fidelities, the system could be capable of solving some challenging computational problems. By integrating this system with its software infrastructure, Horizon Quantum plans to expand support for trapped-ion systems in its integrated development environment, Triple Alpha, and to enhance the real-time runtime capabilities of its execution stack—furthering the company’s mission to unlock broad quantum advantage with its software infrastructure. To oversee the establishment and management of its second quantum system, Horizon Quantum anticipates expanding its Irish-based science and engineering teams and deepening its engagement with Ireland’s quantum ecosystem. By anchoring this system and its accompanying high-value operations in Dublin, Horizon Quantum expects to further catalyze this ecosystem through increased involvement with industry, academia, and the local supply chain. “Expanding our hardware testbed to Ireland with the addition of a frontier system is a significant step forward for both our company in our mission to unlock broad quantum advantage and for the country in strengthening its quantum ecosystem,” said Horizon Quantum CEO & Founder Dr. Joe Fitzsimons. “We are excited to extend our testbed capabilities to include a trapped-ion system by deploying this state-of-the-art quantum computer in Dublin.” In December 2025, Horizon Quantum announced that it had assembled and integrated the first quantum system in its hardware testbed—a multi-vendor superconducting system—at its Singapore headquarters. The expansion of the company’s testbed facilities to its European headquarters with a second, technologically distinct system will help further its goal of delivering the most capable hardware-agnostic tools for quantum software development. Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland, said: “I warmly congratulate Horizon Quantum on this significant investment in Ireland and on selecting Dublin as the location for its second quantum computer testbed. Quantum development is an important strategic priority for IDA Ireland, and this announcement is a strong endorsement of Ireland’s growing technology ecosystem, our research capabilities, and the talent available here. Horizon Quantum’s decision to invest in Ireland further strengthens our position in frontier technologies and will help support continued innovation and collaboration across the quantum sector. I wish the team every success with this exciting next phase of growth in Ireland.” Mohib Ur Rehman LinkedIn Mohib has been tech-savvy since his teens, always tearing things apart to see how they worked. His curiosity for cybersecurity and privacy evolved from tinkering with code and hardware to writing about the hidden layers of digital life. Now, he brings that same analytical curiosity to quantum technologies, exploring how they will shape the next frontier of computing. Share this article: