TLDR
- IBM and Lockheed Martin are opening a quantum innovation hub in Switzerland at the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre in Lugano.
- The hub will host Switzerland’s first IBM Quantum System Two, powered by the IBM Quantum Nighthawk processor.
- Deployment is expected by the end of 2026, with cloud access available before then.
- The project is backed by armasuisse, Switzerland’s Federal Office for Defence Procurement.
- Two joint projects are planned: one on quantum sensing for navigation, one on additive manufacturing of metallic alloys.
IBM and Lockheed Martin are setting up a quantum computing hub in Switzerland as part of a formal agreement with the Swiss government’s defence procurement office.
IBM, LOCKHEED MARTIN ANNOUNCE SWISS QUANTUM INNOVATION HUB AT ETH ZURICH, ANCHORED BY SWITZERLAND'S FIRST IBM QUANTUM COMPUTER
— First Squawk (@FirstSquawk) September 10, 2026
The hub will be housed at the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre in Lugano, which is affiliated with ETH Zurich, one of Europe’s leading research universities.
At its core will be Switzerland’s first IBM Quantum System Two, the latest generation of IBM’s flagship quantum computer. It will run on the IBM Quantum Nighthawk processor, which is IBM’s most advanced quantum chip to date.
Full deployment is expected before the end of 2026. In the meantime, users will have access to IBM’s cloud-based quantum computing systems.
Who Has Access
Swiss companies, startups, and academic institutions will be able to use the system through ETH Zurich. Participants will also gain access to the IBM Quantum Network and IBM Quantum Platform.
Training activities will include coursework, certifications, workshops, hackathons, and conferences.
Research areas are expected to cover chemistry, materials science, optimisation, and financial services.
IBM and Lockheed Martin also plan two joint development projects as part of the deal. One focuses on quantum sensing applications for navigation. The other looks at additive manufacturing of metallic alloys.
The project is backed by armasuisse, Switzerland’s Federal Office for Defence Procurement, which oversees the country’s military and security purchases.
ETH Zurich President Joël Mesot said the infrastructure would support both quantum research and workforce education.
Lockheed Martin’s chief technology officer, Dr. Craig Martell, said the project extends the companies’ relationship in quantum and AI while helping position Switzerland as a leader in these fields.
IBM’s Alessandro Curioni said the initiative puts world-class quantum hardware and expertise into the hands of Swiss institutions and industries.
Background on the Partnership
IBM and Lockheed first partnered in 2021, when Lockheed committed $1.3 million to the Institut Quantique at Quebec’s Université de Sherbrooke.
Since then, the two companies have worked together on quantum applications in defence, national security, and aerospace manufacturing.
IBM has committed more than $10 billion to quantum research and manufacturing over the next five years.
The Switzerland hub follows a previously announced 10-year collaboration between IBM and ETH Zurich focused on foundational algorithmic research.
Europe has become a key destination for American quantum companies. Government funding and strong academic institutions have made the continent attractive for quantum development.
Shares of both companies were little changed in premarket trading on Thursday. IBM fell 0.3%, while Lockheed rose 0.7%.
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