The national project Quantum Spain, driven by the Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Administration through the State Secretariat for Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence (SEDIA), is providing its quantum computer to the Spanish Supercomputing Network (RES). This allows researchers and businesses to use its quantum computing infrastructure.
As part of this initiative, applicants will be able to access the quantum computer hosted at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS), as well as the quantum emulators at CESGA and SCAYLE, which are also integrated into this national project
A Key Milestone in Spain’s Supercomputing Development
Access to these resources will be managed by the Spanish Supercomputing Network (RES), marking a significant milestone as it is the first time this network has made quantum technology available to the scientific and business community.
The call for applications will be open until May 8, and selected projects will be able to begin using the available systems starting July 1. All applications must be submitted through the RES website and will be evaluated by a panel of experts from a technical and scientific perspective to ensure public and competitive access, similar to other supercomputing infrastructures in the network.
Researchers and companies whose proposals are accepted will gain access to the Barcelona Supercomputing Center’s cluster, integrated as part of the MareNostrum5 supercomputer. This system currently has quantum chips with 5 and 10 qubits based on superconducting circuit technology, and an expansion to 20 qubits is planned during this access period. Additionally, quantum emulators will be available, which allow for simulating the operation of these systems without the need for actual quantum hardware. These emulators are very useful for testing quantum algorithms and developing “quantum-inspired” applications.
According to RES policy, both academic and business projects must comply with open research standards, ensuring that the results are publicly accessible.
A Strategic Project for Spain
Quantum Spain was launched in 2021 with the goal of developing a comprehensive quantum computing ecosystem in Spain. It is funded by the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan-Next Generation EU, and is part of the Spain Digital 2026 program and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (ENIA). This large collaborative effort involves the 14 nodes of the RES and the participation of 13 additional research institutions to develop quantum algorithms and their applications in Artificial Intelligence.
One of its key milestones has been the acquisition and installation of the quantum computer, now accessible at the BSC, solidifying Spain’s leadership in this emerging field.
“The open access to this quantum infrastructure represents a unique opportunity for researchers and businesses in Spain. With this technology, we can explore new applications and accelerate the development of innovative solutions in multiple fields,” says Alba Cervera, the project coordinator.
The quantum partition at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, which houses Quantum Spain’s quantum computer, called MareNostrum Ona, will soon be strengthened with the addition of a new analog quantum computer (a “quantum annealer”) as part of one of the quantum computing nodes of the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking. The goal is to expand and enhance the research capabilities of the center and the RES, as this second quantum computer will also be made available to users.
For more details on the application process and access requirements, interested parties can consult the “Application guide for quantum computing resources,” available at the provided link.
