Spanish telco Telefónica and quantum computing firm IQM are to deploy a quantum cluster in Madrid.

The companies this week announced that they will deploy the Community of Madrid’s first quantum computer at the Polytechnic University of Madrid by the end of 2026.

The goal is to expand the region’s research and development capabilities for industrial applications based on quantum computing.

The chosen system is the IQM Spark, an integrated solution designed for research, training, and early-stage application development. Its installation will allow universities, hospitals, research centers, and startups to directly access quantum hardware to test algorithms and explore use cases.

The project complements the two quantum computers at the Galicia Supercomputing Center (CESGA) as part of the collaboration between Telefónica and IQM.

Borja Ochoa, non-executive chairman of Telefónica España and CEO of B2B, said: “This project marks another step forward in Telefónica’s close collaboration with the Community of Madrid in the deployment of quantum technologies, both in networks and in the encryption and protection of critical data in particularly sensitive sectors such as healthcare and security, and now also through the research opportunities offered by quantum computing.”

Founded in Helsinki, Finland, in 2018, IQM brings full-stack quantum computers and applications to HPCs, research institutes, universities, and business enterprises. The company operates quantum data centers in Finland and Munich, Germany, offering cloud-based access to its systems. It has delivered quantum systems to supercomputing centers in South Korea, Brazil, Poland, Italy, and Taiwan.

Jan Goetz, CEO and co-founder of IQM Quantum Computers, added: "By investing in its own quantum computer, the Community of Madrid is creating an infrastructure that will enable its researchers, students and industries to grow their capabilities over the long term. This deal represents an important step forward for Madrid and for Europe in its ambition to lead the development of quantum computing."

IQM began trading on the Nasdaq over the summer, having completed its Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) merger with Real Asset Acquisition Corp. (RAAQ).

This piece was translated from DCD's Spanish site and edited by a member of DCD staff.