RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK – IBM’s quantum computing research and development efforts, which includes NC State, will receive a $717 million infusion from the German government.

In an anouncement made Tuesday in Berlin, IBM said it will install a Q System One quantum computer at an IBM facility in Germany and will work with the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft research institute.

“Under terms of the agreement, an IBM Q System One, owned and operated by IBM, will be located in an IBM facility in Germany. It will be the first installation of its kind in Europe,” a joint announcement said.

The government’s funds will be used “over the next two years to support the transition of quantum technologies from basic research into market ready applications<‘ they added.

The news came after a meeting between IBM chair and CEO Ginniy Rometty and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Reuters reported.

“The goal is to build a research community around skills, knowledge and training in dealing with the technology in this country, the partners said on Tuesday. A location of the system is not yet finalized, but should be found by 2020,”  news agency DPA reported.

“This effort is poised to be a major catalyst for Europe’s innovation landscape and research capabilities,” Martin Jetter, senior vice president and chairman of IBM Europe, said in a statement.

Quantum computing has the potential to solve large-scale challenges such as molecular modeling, machine learning, physics, materials science, chemical simulations and data discovery.

North Carolina State University became the first university to join IBM Quantum Computing hub last year as part of the global IBM Q Network. The hub opened last October.

Quantum computers use qubits rather than the binary code of 1s and 0s of classic computers.  IBM offers access to the latest and largest quantum computing technology, as indicated by the number of functioning qubits.

IBM also operates one of its largest corporate campuses in RTP and employs thousands of people across North Carolina.

Internet of Things, quantum computing emerge as new growth frontiers for tech services

NCSU picks faculty members to lead IBM Quantum Computing Hub

IBM chooses NC State as partner for first IBM Quantum Computing Hub in North America