Welcome to another update on all things quantum computing.
This time, we look at the big breakthrough coming from IonQ (IONQ) and Hyundai’s joint work in chemistry, D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) and Italy’s new Q-Alliance, IBM (IBM) expanding in Europe, a new system in Switzerland, and a training deal from Spain’s Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech. Let’s go.
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IonQ and Hyundai Advance Quantum Chemistry
We begin with the IonQ and Hyundai Motor Company (HYMLF), which grabbed most of the quantum-related headlines in the past week. The two firms have achieved a key step in using quantum systems to model chemical reactions. The pair used a method known as quantum-classical AFQMC to compute atomic forces inside molecules. These forces describe how atoms move as a reaction unfolds.
In the past, most quantum studies focused only on energy levels. Now, the new hybrid method helps calculate both energy and motion with more precision than some classical tools. The work can feed into existing chemical software to model materials and reaction rates.
According to IonQ, the results can help industries such as energy, drug design, and battery research. Hyundai said the method will be used in its next round of materials work. The study also builds on earlier projects between the two firms in object detection and battery chemistry.
D-Wave and IonQ Co-Found Italy’s Q-Alliance
Meanwhile, D-Wave Quantum and IonQ have joined forces again in Europe. The two firms helped found the new Q-Alliance in Lombardy, Italy. The group was launched with help from Italian state officials to build what it calls the world’s most powerful quantum hub.
The alliance aims to link research, business, and public agencies in one network. D-Wave’s annealing systems and IonQ’s trapped-ion models will both be part of the site. Italy plans to use the hub to train engineers and grow its own quantum workforce.
D-Wave CEO Alan Baratz said its commercial annealing systems will drive near-term use cases for logistics and manufacturing. Italy’s goal is to reach digital self-reliance while helping local firms gain access to new computing tools.
D-Wave Expands in Europe with Swiss Deal
In a separate move, D-Wave signed an $11.6 million agreement with Swiss Quantum Technology SA. The plan will place a new Advantage2 system in Europe. The machine holds more than 4,400 qubits and will serve the Q-Alliance through D-Wave’s Leap cloud platform.
Under the deal, Swiss Quantum Technology will control half of the system’s runtime for five years and may buy the unit later. The firms say the setup will help Europe test hybrid quantum programs without raising energy costs.
IBM Launches Quantum System Two in Spain
IBM has also opened Europe’s first Quantum System Two in San Sebastián, Spain. The center was built with the Basque Government and runs on a 156-qubit Heron chip. It marks the second such installation outside the U.S.
The project is part of the BasQ plan to build a Southern Europe hub for quantum research. The system will support studies in energy, biomedicine, and materials. The Basque Government said the goal is to attract new talent and link with other European tech centers by 2030.
Qilimanjaro and QURECA Partner on Training
Finally, Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech from Barcelona has signed a global training deal with QURECA Ltd. from the United Kingdom. The two firms will design new programs to teach analog and hybrid quantum computing skills.
The plan includes workshops, online courses, and student access to Qilimanjaro’s SpeQtrum platform. QURECA will handle global certification, while Qilimanjaro will provide live system access for learners. The aim is to bridge the gap between research and real-world use.
We used TipRanks’ Comparison Tool to line up some of the top quantum stocks alongside the tickers appearing in this piece. It’s an easy way to see how they compare and get a sense of where the space might be headed.
