Inauguration of Switzerland's first physical quantum computer

Opening of IonQ's European Innovation Center Inauguration of Switzerland's first physical quantum computer

2024-12-16 By QuantumBasel | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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QuantumBasel and uptownBasel have reached a historic milestone and inaugurated Switzerland's first physical quantum computer, an IonQ Forte Enterprise System, which will shape the future of innovation. This achievement, in partnership with IonQ, strengthens QuantumBasel's position as a center for quantum computing and AI and expands the opportunities for industry and science to engage with these transformative technologies.

IonQ Forte Enterprise System(Image: QuantumBasel) — IonQ Forte Enterprise System
(Image: QuantumBasel)

QuantumBasel was founded by uptownBasel two years ago and is Switzerland's first competence center for quantum computing and artificial intelligence, offering neutral access to a wide range of quantum computing hardware. Born from the vision of democratizing access to quantum computing through a global network of hardware providers, customers and partners soon benefited from comprehensive expertise, strategic consulting, and access to various quantum computing technologies. In June 2023, QuantumBasel entered into a partnership with IonQ to prepare for the construction of Switzerland's first commercial physical quantum computer and to establish IonQ’s European innovation center in uptownBasel.

A vision becomes reality

The inauguration of the physical quantum computer in Arlesheim embodies the vision of uptownBasel investors, Monique and Dr. Thomas Staehelin, to counter the looming deindustrialization of Switzerland by promoting innovation and creating sustainable opportunities.

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ion-trap precision assembly(Image: QuantumBasel)

Site of uptownBasel(Image: QuantumBasel)

Side view ionq-trap(Image: QuantumBasel)

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By commissioning the quantum computer, uptownBasel has taken a decisive step towards becoming a leading innovation campus for Industry 5.0.

QuantumBasel enables companies, academic institutions, and start-ups to leverage the potential of quantum computing and AI in areas such as simulation, optimization, and machine learning. By providing quantum access both via the cloud and through a physical quantum computer, QuantumBasel allows its customers and partners to securely develop innovative applications and help shape the future of technology.

IonQ's European Innovation Center

With IonQ's decision to launch its first European quantum computer on the uptownBasel site, the concentration of technological know-how and innovative thinking in Arlesheim is further advanced.

Last year, the quantum physicists and engineers at IonQ worked on creating the optimal environment for the operation of the state-of-the-art quantum computer Forte Enterprise. IonQ’s Forte system can be scaled up to 36 algorithmic qubits (#AQ) and can process over 34 billion possibilities simultaneously. A future #AQ 64 system, which is part of the partnership between IonQ and QuantumBasel, underscores the joint commitment to long-term growth and technological advancement.

A new era of innovation

The inauguration of the quantum computer also marks the official opening of IonQ's European Innovation Center at uptownBasel. It paves the way for unprecedented advancements in quantum computing and artificial intelligence and strengthens Switzerland's position as a key player in cutting-edge technology.

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Date: 08.12.2025

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