Insider Brief:
- LuxProvide has been selected to host the new EuroHPC quantum computer, MeluXina-Q, which will integrate quantum computing capabilities with the existing MeluXina supercomputer.
- MeluXina-Q will initially be equipped with a 10-qubit quantum processing unit and is designed to scale up to 80 qubits, ensuring a secure and scalable supply chain within the European Union using well-established silicon manufacturing techniques.
- Luxembourg’s investment in MeluXina-Q is part of its broader digital strategy, focusing on quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, and data management.
- Co-funded by EuroHPC and the Luxembourg government, this project is part of a larger European initiative to build a federated and secure quantum infrastructure, with applications ranging from improved cryptography to advanced material science and climate modeling.
PRESS RELEASE — In a recent release, it was announced that LuxProvide has been selected to host a new EuroHPC quantum computer. During a press conference on October 21, 2024, Luxembourg’s Ministers of Economy and Digitalisation, Lex Delles and Stéphanie Obertin, alongside EuroHPC and LuxProvide officials, introduced MeluXina-Q, a quantum computing system that will be integrated into the existing MeluXina supercomputer.
The MeluXina-Q system will be equipped with a 10-qubit quantum processing unit based on spin qubits, which are compatible with well-established silicon manufacturing techniques. As noted in the release, this ensures a secure and scalable supply chain within the European Union, aligning with the broader goals of digital sovereignty. The system will eventually be upgraded to host up to 80 qubits, divided across multiple QPUs, which will further increase its computational capacity. By integrating quantum computing with classical supercomputing capabilities, MeluXina-Q brings together the strengths of both computational methods.
Strategic Importance for Luxembourg and Europe
As Lex Delles, Minister of Economy, emphasized, this installation is part of Luxembourg’s broader digital strategy, particularly in the domains of artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and data management. By investing in MeluXina-Q, Luxembourg is preparing itself for additional development of quantum technologies.
Stéphanie Obertin, Luxembourg’s Minister for Digitalisation, highlighted the country’s existing research capabilities in quantum physics and computer science: “Luxembourg research as a whole is well prepared to embark on the development of quantum technology. Indeed, in quantum physics, many skills already exist. And even if we do not necessarily have the ambition to build a quantum computer “made in Luxembourg”, we can nevertheless develop here in Luxembourg potential innovations requiring collaboration between physicists and computer science specialists and which will allow such a device to operate efficiently.”
While Luxembourg is not focused on developing quantum hardware domestically, its research community is well-positioned to collaborate internationally on quantum software, applications, and system optimization. Obertin’s remarks underline that quantum technology is not just a hardware race but also involves insight into algorithm development and system integration.
MeluXina-Q will primarily support European research and innovation, providing access to a wide range of users including scientific institutions, industry players, and public sector organizations. The system will be available to these users through the EuroHPC network, reinforcing the collaborative nature of quantum research in Europe.
As Anders Jensen, EuroHPC’s Executive Director, highlighted, this is important in ensuring that Europe remains up to speed with developments in quantum technology, providing varied access to quantum platforms across the continent.
“With the selection of LuxProvide as a new hosting site, EuroHPC JU is further reinforcing its commitment to providing European users with access to a diverse and complementary quantum technologies, positioning Europe at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field,” stated Anders Jensen. “We are delighted to welcome a quantum computer in Luxembourg, home to the world-class supercomputer MeluXina and host of the EuroHPC JU headquarters.”
LuxProvide’s CEO, Arnaud Lambert, expressed pride in winning the European tender for hosting this quantum computer, emphasizing that the project reinforces LuxProvide’s leadership in digital intelligence: “Winning this European tender underlines LuxProvide’s leadership in the field of digital intelligence and our commitment to delivering pioneering solutions beyond traditional technological boundaries. Combining quantum expertise with MeluXina increases our competence and opens new opportunities towards cutting-edge research, positioning Luxembourg at the forefront of the quantum era.”
Funding and Broader European Quantum Strategy
The installation of MeluXina-Q is part of a larger European effort to build a federated and secure quantum infrastructure. Co-funded by the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking and the Luxembourg government, the total investment amounts to up to €8.5 million (approximately $9.2 million), with exact funding arrangements to be signed soon.
This funding comes from the Digital Europe Programme and reflects the EU’s strategic goal of leading in both quantum computing and broader high-performance computing development. EuroHPC is overseeing similar initiatives across Europe, including quantum computers in countries like Germany, France, Spain, and Italy.
As quantum computing becomes a central part of Europe’s overall technological landscape, these investments will allow European industries and research institutions to explore new applications. Whether it’s updating cryptographic algorithms for better cybersecurity, improving climate modeling for more accurate weather predictions, or advancing material science for developing new drugs, with systems like MeluXina-Q, Europe is ensuring that its scientific community and industries are sufficiently supported.
