European Quantum Hardware Now Accessible Via Cloud
Quantum computing firm AQT and cloud provider Scaleway have launched cloud access to the IBEX Q1 quantum system. The service provides European researchers and startups with a compliant, local alternative to U.S.-based quantum cloud platforms. By removing the need for significant capital expenditure on hardware, this initiative lowers the barrier to entry for developing and piloting quantum-powered applications.
- The AQT IBEX Q1 system uses a trapped-ion platform, which allows for all-to-all qubit connectivity, high fidelity rates (98.7% average for two-qubit gates), and a Quantum Volume of 128. Unlike many quantum computers that require extreme cooling, AQT's machine operates at room temperature and is designed to fit into standard data center racks, consuming less than 2 kilowatts of power. - Scaleway's platform acts as an aggregator for European quantum hardware, also providing access to neutral-atom QPUs from France's Pasqal and superconducting systems from Finland's IQM and France's Quandela. This multi-provider, sovereign cloud approach is a key part of the EU's strategy to build technological autonomy and avoid dependency on U.S. and Chinese providers for critical infrastructure. - This initiative addresses a core challenge in Europe's deeptech ecosystem: a significant venture capital gap. While Europe has a high number of quantum startups, it has historically attracted only 5-12% of global private quantum investment, compared to over 50% for the U.S. - To counter the investment gap, the European Commission launched its Quantum Strategy in 2025 and is preparing a "Quantum Act" for 2026 to mobilize public and private capital. Recent funding signals a positive trend, with Paris-based Quantonation closing a €220 million quantum-focused fund and Finland's IQM raising a €275 million Series B round in 2025. - This development is relevant to Turkey's growing quantum ecosystem. In late 2024, the TOBB University of Economics and Technology (ETU) was set to launch the country's first quantum computer to support domestic hardware and software startups. Additionally, through programs like QuantERA, Turkish researchers and companies are being integrated into broader European quantum R&D collaborations.
