Oct. 21, 2024 — On October 21, 2024, Luxembourg’s Minister of Economy, SMEs, Energy and Tourism, Lex Delles, and Minister of Research and Higher Education and Digitalisation, Stéphanie Obertin, introduced the “MeluXina-Q” project, a quantum computer to be installed and operated in Luxembourg. The announcement was made in the presence of Arnaud Lambert, CEO of LuxProvide, Gustav Kalbe, Acting Director of DG Connect, and Anders Dam Jensen, Executive Director of EuroHPC Joint Undertaking.
MeluXina-Q, which will be hosted and managed by LuxProvide, the national competence center responsible for the Luxembourg supercomputer MeluXina, represents a significant step in strengthening Luxembourg’s position in advanced digital technologies. With the launch of this cutting-edge system, Luxembourg reaffirms its commitment to collaborating with European partners. MeluXina-Q is the seventh quantum computer co-funded by EuroHPC in Europe.
The system will initially feature a 10-qubit quantum processing unit (QPU) based on innovative silicon technology, ensuring a secure and scalable supply chain within the European Union.
MeluXina-Q will be a versatile, general-purpose system, fully integrated with the MeluXina supercomputer, and will enhance its capabilities across a wide range of applications, from scientific research to addressing industrial and societal challenges. The system will be used to explore, develop, and test new algorithms aimed at accelerating the resolution of complex problems in fields such as chemistry, personalized medicine, and artificial intelligence. The quantum system is designed to scale quickly, with a planned expansion to a total capacity of 80 qubits.
Luxembourg’s high-tech ecosystem—encompassing quantum initiatives at the University of Luxembourg, the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), LuxProvide, and the Quantum Communication Infrastructure (QCI)—creates a robust foundation for advancing industries and accelerating research. These efforts are expected to generate significant benefits for Europe as a whole. Through its strategic investments in supercomputing and quantum technologies, Luxembourg is positioning itself as a leader in this emerging field.
The MeluXina-Q quantum computer will be co-financed by the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (JU), with support from the Digital Europe Programme (DEP) and contributions from Luxembourg. EuroHPC JU will cover up to 50% of the total cost, with the European Union’s investment amounting to €8.5 million.
Minister Delles underlined the strategic importance of this achievement: “The installation of a quantum computer in Luxembourg represents a major step forward in our digital strategy, particularly in terms of data, artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. By integrating MeluXina-Q into our existing ecosystem, we are preparing today for the quantum revolution that is coming. This investment allows us to build the skills and know-how necessary to position Luxembourg as a key player in this new technological era, with direct applications in crucial sectors such as cybersecurity and finance.”
Minister Obertin added: “Luxembourg’s research as a whole is well prepared to embark on the development of quantum technology. Indeed, in the field of quantum physics, many skills already exist. And even if we do not necessarily have the ambition to build a quantum computer ‘made in Luxembourg,’ we can however develop here in Luxembourg potential innovations requiring collaboration between physicists and computer science specialists and which will allow such a device to operate efficiently.”
“Winning this European tender underlines LuxProvide’s leadership in the field of digital intelligence and our commitment to delivering pioneering solutions beyond traditional technological boundaries,” said Arnaud Lambert, CEO of LuxProvide. “Combining quantum expertise with MeluXina increases our competence and opens new avenues towards cutting-edge research, positioning Luxembourg at the forefront of the quantum era.”
Anders Jensen, Executive Director of EuroHPC JU, commented: “With the selection of LuxProvide as its new hosting site, EuroHPC JU further strengthens its commitment to providing European users with access to diverse and complementary quantum technologies, positioning Europe at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field. We are delighted to welcome a quantum computer to Luxembourg, home to the world-class supercomputer MeluXina and hosting the EuroHPC JU headquarters.”
Source: Luxembourg Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Research and Higher Education