The MareNostrum 5 supercomputer is now one of the first globally to integrate a triad of computing modalities: traditional classical computing partitions, digital quantum computers developed under the Quantum Spain project and SEDIA, and the newly introduced analog quantum machine. This convergence of technologies is housed within the architecturally iconic Torre Girona chapel, which after extensive renovation now balances its neoclassical heritage with ultra-modern quantum computing hardware. This harmonious blend of historical and cutting-edge technology embodies the transformational leap MareNostrum 5 represents for scientific computation in Europe, setting a powerful precedent for future hybrid computational infrastructures.

Integration into the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) places this quantum system at the forefront of continental efforts to build a robust quantum computing infrastructure. The EuroHPC JU operates a network of six procured quantum computers distributed across Europe, with operational units in Poland, Czechia, Germany, and France already launched. EuroQCS-Spain enriches this network and aligns perfectly with the European Quantum Strategy, which has ambitious goals to position Europe as a global leader in quantum technologies by 2030. Central to this strategy is enhancing technological sovereignty, driving industrial competitiveness, and ensuring the security of critical infrastructures through homegrown quantum innovation.

The project’s financial architecture is notable, with an overall investment of approximately €9.8 million shared between the EuroHPC JU and Spanish governmental bodies. The Ministry of Digital Transformation and Public Administration, via SEDIA, has contributed €4.8 million towards this endeavor. The lion’s share of funding, about €8.5 million, was allocated to the physical installation and development of the quantum computers, balanced with integration efforts to synergize the quantum and classical components. Additionally, a cooperative funding umbrella includes a contribution from Portugal, underscoring the pan-European collaboration underpinning this initiative.

After months of meticulous renovations, the once-sacred Torre Girona chapel now stands as a beacon of technological innovation. The space accommodates the three quantum machines that constitute MareNostrum Ona, covering roughly one-third of the chapel’s area. The remainder of the chapel has been adapted to enhance the artificial intelligence capabilities embedded within MareNostrum 5’s classical computing framework. This architectural and functional symbiosis not only promotes scientific progress but also offers an evocative juxtaposition of history and futuristic technology to visitors and researchers alike.

The formal presentation of the new quantum computer at the Torre Girona chapel was a distinguished event, attended by prominent figures from academia, government, and industry. Mateo Valero, Director of BSC, Francesc Torres, Rector Magnificus of UPC, María González Veracruz, Secretary of State for Digitization and AI, alongside other notable dignitaries from Spain and the European Commission, underscored the significance of this scientific milestone. Their presence highlighted the collaborative, interdisciplinary, and multinational nature of the quantum computing leadership evolving within Europe.

Since its inauguration in February 2025, MareNostrum Ona’s quantum partition has established itself as an operational powerhouse, amassing over 4,200 computing hours distributed across 53 diverse research projects. These projects have been facilitated through official calls within the Spanish Supercomputing Network (RES), launched over the past year, reflecting both the growing demand for quantum resources and the infrastructure’s maturity. This robust utilization exemplifies the quantum platform’s readiness to support cutting-edge research applications spanning multiple disciplines.

A fundamental differentiator of the new system is its exclusive use of 100% European technology. The entire design and development lifecycle—from the conception of the quantum chip to the creation of essential programming software—was carried out domestically by the Catalan company Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech in collaboration with Do It Now. Only the physical manufacturing of the chip, executed in Gothenburg, Sweden, was outsourced, ensuring that the core intellectual property remains rooted in European expertise. This achievement not only strengthens regional technological ecosystems but also advances Europe’s quest for technological sovereignty and lessens dependence on international supply lines.

MareNostrum Ona’s quantum computing architecture is unique in combining two digital quantum machines with a newly incorporated analog quantum computer, all leveraging superconducting qubit technologies. The digital quantum units employ Transmon qubits, which manipulate quantum information using discrete, time-specific pulsed operations. In contrast, the newly installed analog quantum system, based on Fluxonium qubits, operates with continuous modulation, representing a fundamentally different approach to information processing. This analog technique is gaining attention for its potential efficiency in tackling specific classes of problems that are dynamically evolving or less suited to stepwise digital computation.

Understanding the distinction between digital and analog quantum computing is critical to appreciating the potential of this new system. While digital quantum computers function akin to ascending a staircase, where information is manipulated in distinct increments or pulses, analog quantum machines resemble traversing a ramp—processing information continuously and fluidly. This difference may seem subtle but has significant implications for the types of computational problems each method can address. Digital quantum systems excel at discrete mathematical problem-solving and cryptographic algorithms, whereas analog quantum devices show promise in optimization, quantum machine learning, and complex AI model training by simulating evolving physical systems more naturally.

By embracing this hybrid quantum computing paradigm, BSC equips itself with a versatile technological toolkit capable of addressing a broader spectrum of scientific and industrial challenges. This dual approach leverages the respective strengths of both digital and analog quantum processing, facilitating innovative solutions that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with a singular approach. As a result, MareNostrum 5’s MareNostrum Ona subsystem serves not just as a research platform but as a testbed for quantum hybridization strategies that could drive transformative progress across quantum computing applications throughout Europe.

This milestone also demonstrates the catalytic role supercomputing centers can play in accelerating quantum technology adoption and maturation. BSC’s successful integration of quantum computers alongside classical HPC resources marks an important blueprint for future infrastructures aiming to harness quantum advantage in a practical and scalable manner. As quantum computing technologies continue to evolve, such hybrid systems will become indispensable for advancing scientific discovery, technological innovation, and competitive industry applications, ensuring Europe’s leadership in the quantum era.

In conclusion, Barcelona Supercomputing Center’s inauguration of the EuroQCS-Spain quantum computer signifies a landmark achievement in the European quest for quantum technological sovereignty. This analog quantum machine enriches the established digital quantum framework of MareNostrum Ona, driving forward cutting-edge research and industry applications while reinforcing Europe’s position at the global quantum technology frontier. Situated within the historic Torre Girona chapel, this fusion of heritage and high technology captures the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and ambition that will define the next decade of quantum computing progress.

Subject of Research: Quantum computing integration in hybrid classical-quantum supercomputing systems.

Article Title: Barcelona Supercomputing Center Unveils EuroQCS-Spain: Europe’s First Hybrid Analog-Digital Quantum Computer.

News Publication Date: Not explicitly provided in the content; the inauguration event took place in early 2025.

Web References:

• BSC Presents the First Quantum Computer in Spain Developed with 100% European Technology
• European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU)
• Procured Quantum Computers on EuroHPC JU site
• European Quantum Strategy

Image Credits: Barcelona Supercomputing Center

Keywords: Hybrid Quantum Computing, Supercomputing, Analog Quantum Computer, Digital Quantum Computer, Fluxonium Qubits, Transmon Qubits, Quantum Technology Sovereignty, European Quantum Strategy, MareNostrum 5, MareNostrum Ona, Quantum Machine Learning, Quantum Processors, Quantum Research, HPC.

This quantum computer is a significant component of the broader initiative known as Quantum Spain, which aims to position Spain as a leader in the quantum and supercomputing domains. Coordinated by BSC and backed by the Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Administration through the State Secretariat for Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence (SEDIA), Quantum Spain benefits from funding within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan. The initiative also plays a crucial role in achieving the targets outlined in Spain’s Digital Spain 2026 programme and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (ENIA).

The collaborative nature of Quantum Spain involves a robust partnership between 27 leading research and supercomputing institutions spread across the country. This expansive network includes the 14 nodes of the Spanish Supercomputing Network (RES) and eminent institutions like the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO), and prestigious universities such as the University of Barcelona, the Autonomous University of Madrid, and the Polytechnic University of Valencia. This collective effort ensures a comprehensive approach to harnessing quantum computing’s potential for scientific advancement.

At the heart of this quantum leap is the integration of the new quantum infrastructure into MareNostrum 5, touted as one of the most powerful supercomputers globally. The event, steeped in significance, took place in the historic Torre Girona chapel, a site synonymous with innovation as it housed the initial versions of MareNostrum. By integrating the quantum computer into MareNostrum 5, Spain is positioning itself at the forefront of computational technology, enabling unprecedented capabilities for researchers and industries alike.

The introduction of this digital quantum computer within a powerful supercomputing environment signals a remarkable boost to Spain’s computational infrastructure. As researchers and industries collaborate to exploit the strengths of both classical and quantum technologies, the drive for innovation will foster not only advances in science but also bolster the technological landscape, creating a wealth of highly skilled jobs.

Quantum computing holds transformative potential across various fields, including chemistry, logistics, and finance. The ability to process information using quantum bits, or qubits, allows scientists and researchers to explore atomic-level phenomena and solve intricate problems that were previously thought to be insurmountable. Moreover, this technology opens new pathways for the development of materials and the formulation of new medicines, pushing the boundaries of innovation.

The new system, which integrates superconducting qubits that can hold multiple states, represents a significant innovation in computational technology. Unlike traditional bits that obey binary constraints, qubits offer the potential to exponentially increase processing power, enabling computation at an entirely new scale. This leap forward does not merely enhance computational efficiency; it redefines the complexity that can be tackled within the realm of scientific inquiry.

In terms of technological independence, the construction of Quantum Spain’s quantum computer underscores a strategic commitment to bolster European capability and reduce reliance on infrastructures from other nations. This is particularly important in the context of the European Commission’s ongoing efforts to ensure technology sovereignty. Through the development of this quantum computer built entirely with European technology, Spain is actively contributing to reinforcing the continent’s position in the global technological arena.

The ramifications of this quantum computing initiative stretch well beyond theoretical applications. The combination of quantum technology with artificial intelligence promises to elevate machine learning algorithms to new heights of efficiency and effectiveness. This potent synergy could lead to groundbreaking advancements in data processing, security, and optimization methods across diverse industries.

As part of its multifaceted goals, Quantum Spain also emphasizes collaboration with the scientific community and public organizations. Access to the quantum computer will be facilitated through established mechanisms within the Spanish Supercomputing Network, ensuring that a broad spectrum of stakeholders can benefit from this advanced technology. Consequently, this initiative is anticipated to propel Spain further into the ranks of leaders in quantum research and supercomputing.

The construction of the quantum computer was realized through a joint venture involving Spanish companies Qilimanjaro and GMV, both recognized for their pioneering contributions to tech innovation. By leveraging their expertise in developing superconducting qubit systems, they have laid the groundwork for a computing architecture primed for tackling future challenges in quantum mechanics and computational science.

In closing, the launch of this quantum computer represents not just a standalone achievement, but a critical step in a larger narrative of scientific and technological progress within Spain and Europe. With strategic investments and collaborative efforts paving the way, the potential that quantum computing holds for varied industries and research domains is only beginning to be realized.

As this field continues to flourish, the implications for society, industry, and our understanding of complex systems will resonate far beyond the halls of research institutions. The integration of quantum computing into mainstream use heralds a new era of scientific exploration, innovation, and opportunity that could redefine the future of technology.

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Subject of Research: Quantum Computing in Spain
Article Title: Spain’s Quantum Leap: Unveiling the First European Quantum Computer
News Publication Date: [Insert Date]
Web References: [Insert Links]
References: [Insert References]
Image Credits: Mario Ejarque (BSC)

Keywords: Quantum Computing, Supercomputing, Quantum Spain, BSC, MareNostrum, Technology Sovereignty, Artificial Intelligence, Computational Science, European Technology, Innovation.