Quantum computing startup Alice & Bob and France's Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) declared a partnership to create software that facilitates the use of quantum computers in tandem with classical supercomputers, primarily to investigate applications in materials physics.
This signifies the global first purchase of a quantum computer utilizing cat-qubit technology. The system is included in the National Quantum Strategy within the France 2030 investment initiative.
The TGCC will host the quantum computer, which will be integrated with GENCI’s Joliot-Curie supercomputer. Anticipated to be available to users in 2027, the system will bolster the strategic independence of France and Europe while improving their scientific and technological competitiveness.
This quantum computer is the first “early Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computer” (eFTQC) installed within a European computing center. Created by Alice & Bob, the technology provides a significant benefit: it inherently addresses one of the two main types of quantum noise, called bit-flip errors.
This technological aspect significantly lessens, in contrast to other designs, the quantity of physical qubits needed to create efficient logical qubits. Consequently, it offers a seamless connection to future fault-tolerant quantum computers.
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Starting in 2027, the system will integrate with the Ruby and Lucy quantum computers that are already in place at the CEA’s TGCC facility in Bruyères-le-Châtel, where it will also be combined with GENCI’s Joliot-Curie supercomputer. In a subsequent phase, it will be incorporated with the European exascale supercomputer Alice Recoque, obtained by EuroHPC JU, forming a hybrid platform that provides cutting-edge computing services in high-performance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence, and quantum computing.
France is set to obtain two 1,024-qubit universal quantum computing prototypes by 2032 through the National Quantum Strategy's PROQCIMA program, spearheaded by the French Ministry of the Armed Forces. This initial eFTQC system will allow users to engage with quantum error correction and forecast its influence on quantum computing processes, while exploring possible applications for the technology.
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Access to this eFTQC system, similar to all systems managed by GENCI—including HPC, AI, and quantum computing infrastructure located in France’s national computing centers—will be available at no cost to academic and industrial researchers engaged in open research. Requests for allocation will be handled through the EDARI platform.
The technology was obtained through a negotiated public procurement method and is fully financed by the HQI – France Hybrid HPC Quantum Initiative program, which is part of the National Quantum Strategy within France 2030.
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The signing event occurred at VivaTech at the National Quantum Strategy booth. This year signifies the fourth iteration of the Quantum Zone, the biggest area focused on quantum technologies at VivaTech. With VivaTech commemorating its 10th anniversary as a top technology event in Europe and globally, the National Quantum Strategy celebrates its fifth anniversary as well.