IBM and Lockheed Martin Set Up Quantum Innovation Hub at ETH Zurich

IBM and Lockheed Martin have set up a quantum innovation hub at ETH Zurich, a leading Swiss public research university, under an offset agreement with armasuisse, the country's Federal Office for Defence Procurement. The hub will host Switzerland's first IBM Quantum System Two at the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS) in Lugano.

The system, to be operated by IBM, will run on an IBM Quantum Nighthawk processor, described as the company's most advanced. ETH Zurich will contribute expertise, resources and technologies for Swiss industry, startups and academia, including access to the machine. Its delivery is expected to spur new algorithms, technical breakthroughs and industrial applications, besides supporting workforce and talent initiatives.

Organisations joining the hub through ETH Zurich will get immediate access to these resources and IBM's fleet of quantum computers over the cloud. Once the system is deployed by the end of 2026, ETH Zurich will offer access to the dedicated Swiss machine. The capabilities are intended to speed up scientific and industrial research in areas such as chemistry, materials science, optimisation and financial services.

The project extends the existing strategic collaboration between Lockheed Martin and IBM, combining the former's work in quantum sensing and additive manufacturing with the latter's expertise in quantum computing and AI. Two planned joint development projects will explore quantum sensing for navigation and improvements in the additive manufacturing of metallic alloys.

Dr. Craig Martell, Lockheed Martin vice president and chief technology officer, said the project extends the two companies' strategic relationship in quantum and AI while positioning Switzerland as a leader in these fields, providing resources and expertise and enabling joint research across the Swiss commercial, defence and academic ecosystem.

Alessandro Curioni, vice president for Algorithms and Applications at IBM Research and director of the Zurich Research Laboratory, noted that IBM has worked with Swiss institutions for nearly a century and that its Zurich lab has contributed fundamental breakthroughs. He said the company was keen to place world-class quantum hardware, software and expertise directly with Switzerland's academic institutions and industries.

ETH Zurich President Joël Mesot said the country would gain access to essential research infrastructure that would help advance exploration of the emerging technology and educate the talent needed to support it.

The initiative builds on a long-standing partnership between IBM and ETH Zurich, including a recently launched 10-year effort on foundational algorithmic research. Its education and workforce component includes access to the IBM Quantum Network and IBM Quantum Platform learning offerings such as coursework, certifications and workshops, along with event support including hackathons, conferences and partner forums.