Finland launches 2nd quantum computer

The announcement ushers in a new era for quantum computing in Finland. With this latest development, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and IQM Quantum Computers have together made quantum computers scalable and increased the number of qubits and computing power.

Indeed, the new quantum computer can now find solutions faster for complex problems that were previously considered unsolvable.

“We have, for example, improved integration methods and signalling,” said VTT’s research manager Pekka Pursula. “We have also developed manufacturing and packaging methods that allow a greater number of qubits to be placed on a single silicon chip and to conduct their electrical signals at temperatures close to absolute zero.”

The computer represents the second stage of Finland’s ambitious goal to build three quantum computers in four years relying solely on domestic industry.

The country’s first quantum computer, a 5-qubit one, was completed in 2021. The new one boasts 20 qubits on a silicon chip, with integration methods developed to increase the number of qubits even further.

“The launch of the 20-qubit quantum computer represents a significant step, and we are now on track for the development of the next generation of processors with 54 qubits and more for customers,” underlined IQM CEO Jan Goetz.

VTT and IQM plan to complete the upgrade by the end of 2024. 

This is just the latest in a growing list of recent headlines for Finnish innovation in the quantum space meeting growing global demand.

“There are many problems so complicated that classical computers will never be able to solve them,” affirmed Goetz.