A major milestone for QuantumBasel and uptownBasel
On August 13, 2024, the ion trap – the heart of Switzerland’s first physical, commercially accessible quantum computer – arrived at the uptownBasel campus in Arlesheim. Its arrival marks a decisive step towards bringing advanced quantum computing infrastructure directly to Switzerland.
The highly sensitive component is part of the IonQ Forte Enterprise quantum computer that is being installed at QuantumBasel. Following its journey from the United States to Arlesheim, IonQ specialists will continue building, commissioning and calibrating the system on site.
For IonQ, the delivery represents a milestone of its own: it is the company’s first ion trap to be delivered outside the United States.
A quantum computer taking shape in Arlesheim
Unlike conventional computers, IonQ’s quantum systems use individual atoms as qubits. These atoms are ionized and held in place using an ion trap, while precisely controlled lasers are used to prepare, manipulate and read their quantum states.
The arrival of this core component means that the vision announced by QuantumBasel and IonQ is becoming tangible: a physical, enterprise-grade quantum computing system located directly at uptownBasel.
Once fully commissioned, the IonQ Forte Enterprise will provide companies, research institutions and other partners with direct access to advanced quantum computing infrastructure in Switzerland.
Strengthening sovereign access to quantum technology
Having physical quantum computing infrastructure in Switzerland adds an important dimension to QuantumBasel’s existing offering.
QuantumBasel already provides access to different quantum computing technologies through its international network of hardware partners. The physical system at uptownBasel complements these cloud-based capabilities and creates new opportunities for organizations that require direct and secure access to quantum infrastructure.
