IBM (NYSE:IBM) and Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) have established a quantum innovation hub at ETH Zurich under an offset agreement with armasuisse, Switzerland’s Federal Office for Defence Procurement.
The hub will host Switzerland’s first IBM Quantum System Two at the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre in Lugano. IBM will operate the system, which will use the company’s IBM Quantum Nighthawk processor, with deployment expected by the end of 2026.
ETH Zurich will provide access to the system for Swiss companies, startups and academic institutions. Participants in the hub will also receive access to IBM’s cloud-based quantum computing systems.
Research is expected to cover areas including chemistry, materials science, optimisation and financial services.
IBM and Lockheed Martin Plan Joint Quantum Projects
IBM and Lockheed Martin also plan two joint development projects as part of the collaboration. One will examine quantum sensing applications for navigation, while the other will focus on additive manufacturing of metallic alloys.
“This project extends the strategic relationship between Lockheed Martin and IBM in quantum and AI while positioning Switzerland as a leader in these critical, cutting-edge fields,” said Dr. Craig Martell, Lockheed Martin vice president and chief technology officer.
Alessandro Curioni, vice president of Algorithms and Applications at IBM Research and director of the Zurich Research Laboratory, said the initiative will put “world-class quantum hardware, software and expertise directly into the hands of Switzerland’s thriving academic institutions and industries.”
ETH Zurich President Joël Mesot said the infrastructure would support research into quantum technology and workforce education.
The initiative follows a previously announced 10-year collaboration between IBM and ETH Zurich focused on foundational algorithmic research. Training activities will include access to the IBM Quantum Network and IBM Quantum Platform, alongside coursework, certifications, workshops, hackathons and conferences.
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