IBM, Lockheed Martin Announce Swiss Quantum Innovation Hub at ETH Zurich, Anchored by Switzerland’s First IBM Quantum Computer

Insider BriefPRESS RELEASE — IBM (NYSE: IBM) and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), through an offset agreement with armasuisse, Switzerland’s Federal Office for Defence Procurement, today established a hub for quantum innovation at ETH Zurich, a prominent public research university. The new hub plans to host the country’s first IBM Quantum System Two at the Swiss National Supercomputing Center (CSCS) in Lugano.IBM will operate the IBM Quantum System Two, which will be powered by an IBM Quantum Nighthawk, the company’s most advanced processor. ETH Zurich will provide expertise, resources and technologies for Swiss industries, startups and academia, including access to the quantum computer. Its delivery is expected to catalyze the development of new algorithms, technical breakthroughs, and industrial use cases, as well as anchor initiatives to foster Switzerland’s workforce and talent. The project also advances the ongoing strategic collaboration between Lockheed Martin and IBM, combining Lockheed Martin innovations in quantum sensing and additive manufacturing with IBM’s expertise in quantum computing and AI.“Switzerland is deservedly recognized as a hub for global innovation, and Lockheed Martin is proud of its long history of technical collaboration within the country,” said Dr. Craig Martell, Lockheed Martin vice president and chief technology officer. “This project extends the strategic relationship between Lockheed Martin and IBM in quantum and AI while positioning Switzerland as a leader in these critical, cutting-edge fields. It provides resources and expertise, develops skills and enables joint research across the Swiss commercial, defense and academic ecosystem.”“IBM has collaborated with institutions in Switzerland for almost 100 years. Our research team at our Zurich lab has led fundamental technology breakthroughs for the world and has been part of the country’s science ecosystem for decades,” said Alessandro Curioni, vice president, Algorithms and Applications, IBM Research and director of the Zurich Research Laboratory. “As we continue to foster innovation with the Swiss community, we are excited to have the opportunity to put world-class quantum hardware, software and expertise directly into the hands of Switzerland’s thriving academic institutions and industries.”“Switzerland will gain access to essential research infrastructure that will enable us to further advance the exploration of this emerging technology and educate the talent needed to support it,” said ETH Zurich President Joël Mesot, emphasizing the opportunities the new quantum computer will bring to Switzerland.Delivering quantum to the Swiss ecosystemOrganizations that join the innovation hub through ETH Zurich will have immediate access to these resources and IBM‘s fleet of quantum computers available over the cloud. Additionally, upon the system’s deployment by the end of 2026, ETH Zurich will provide organizations with access to Switzerland’s own dedicated IBM Quantum System Two. These capabilities will enable the country’s community of innovators to accelerate scientific and industrial research and build new use cases across chemistry, materials science, optimization, financial services and more. Today, IBM quantum computers are already delivering scientific value across the globe as useful tools in these fields.IBM and Lockheed Martin expand joint research initiativesAs part of the collaboration, two planned joint development projects between IBM and Lockheed Martin include the exploration of quantum sensing applications for navigation and the improvement of additive manufacturing of metallic alloys. These projects also complement ongoing efforts by IBM and Lockheed Martin across a range of advanced technologies focused on aerospace and defense innovation.IBM and ETH Zurich build on a legacy of collaborationThis initiative also builds upon a close and long-standing collaboration between IBM and ETH Zurich, including a recently launched 10-year effort to advance foundational algorithmic research.The quantum education and workforce development effort includes providing the Swiss ecosystem with access to the IBM Quantum Network and IBM Quantum Platform learning offerings, including coursework, certifications, and workshops; as well as event support, such as hackathons, conferences, and partner forums.TopicsShare Get the latest research, company news, and market intelligence every week. MENTIONED IN THE ARTICLEIBM is an iconic technology pioneer founded in 1911 as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company and officially renamed International Business Machines Corporation in 1924. Beyond foundational computing, IBM possesses a deep legacy in aerospace and defense from building the guidance computers and Instrument Unit for NASA's historic Apollo missions to partnering with Airbus on CIMON, the first AI assistant on the ISS.The Lockheed Martin Corporation is a preeminent global aerospace and defense powerhouse, tracing its roots to late 1912 when pioneers Glenn Martin and brothers Allan and Malcolm Lockheed established independent aviation firms. Officially formed in 1995 through the merger of Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta, its Aeronautics division researches, designs, and manufactures advanced tactical aircraft, including the F-35 Lightning II, while its Space division builds critical launch vehicles and satellites.ETH Zurich stands as a public research university located in Zürich, Switzerland. It was established by the Swiss federal government in 1854, taking inspiration from Paris' École polytechnique. The university's main goal is to educate engineers and scientists, with a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Its 16 departments cover a wide range of fields and subjects.More in Research