ZURICH – September 15, 2026 -- IBM and Lockheed Martin have established a quantum innovation hub at ETH Zurich under an offset agreement with armasuisse, Switzerland's Federal Office for Defence Procurement, bringing the country its first IBM Quantum System Two.
Swiss National Supercomputing Centre to host Switzerland's first Quantum System Two by end of 2026
The system will be installed at the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS) in Lugano and powered by IBM's most advanced processor, the Quantum Nighthawk. IBM will operate the machine, while ETH Zurich provides expertise, resources and technologies to Swiss industries, startups and academia, including direct access to the hardware.
Lockheed Martin and IBM add quantum sensing and additive manufacturing to joint research agenda
Two joint development projects will explore quantum sensing applications for navigation and improvements to additive manufacturing of metallic alloys, extending the companies' existing collaboration across aerospace and defense technologies. Dr. Craig Martell, Lockheed Martin vice president and chief technology officer, said the project "positions Switzerland as a leader" in quantum and AI while enabling joint research across the country's commercial, defense and academic sectors.
ETH Zurich links new hardware to a decade-long algorithmic research effort with IBM
The hub builds on a long-standing partnership between IBM and ETH Zurich, including a recently launched 10-year initiative on foundational algorithmic research. Alessandro Curioni, IBM Research vice president and director of the Zurich Research Laboratory, noted IBM's near-century of collaboration with Swiss institutions through its Zurich lab.
Organizations gain cloud access now, dedicated system access after 2026 deployment
Institutions joining the hub through ETH Zurich receive immediate access to IBM's cloud-based quantum fleet. Once the dedicated system is deployed by the end of 2026, Swiss organizations gain access to build use cases in chemistry, materials science, optimization and financial services. ETH Zurich President Joël Mesot said the infrastructure will help the country develop the talent needed to support the technology.
Workforce program adds IBM Quantum Network access, certifications and hackathons
The initiative includes access to IBM Quantum Network and IBM Quantum Platform learning offerings, covering coursework, certifications and workshops, alongside event support such as hackathons, conferences and partner forums for the Swiss quantum ecosystem.