An IQM quantum computer, dubbed VLQ, has been inaugurated at IT4Innovations National Supercomputing Center in Ostrava, the Czech Republic.

VLQ offers 24 physical qubits in a star-shaped topology, with IQM saying the architecture provides a unique connectivity between all qubits, significantly increasing the efficiency of quantum computations.

While VLQ’s qubits must be kept at temperatures of around 0.01 degrees above absolute zero (about –273.14 °C or -459.65°F), the quantum chip consumes only a few kilowatts of energy, which IQM notes is far less than that of classical supercomputers.

It is the second quantum computer launched in Europe under EuroHPC JU, with the acquisition and operation of VLQ jointly managed by the pan-European LUMI-Q consortium, which brings together 13 partners from eight countries. Led by the Czech Republic, it also includes Belgium, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and Sweden.

In first quantum computer deployed under the initiative was the PIAST-Q, housed at the Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center (PSNC) in Poland and unveiled in June 2025.

The system’s name refers to the partners involved in the project – V for VSB, L for LUMI-Q, and Q for Quantum Computing – and when pronounced, sounds like the Czech word for wolf, the symbol of the LUMI supercomputer.

The total acquisition cost was €5 million ($5.8m), half of which was funded by EuroHPC JU, with the other half covered by the LUMI-Q consortium. Like other EuroHPC JU quantum computers, it will be integrated into the European high-performance computing infrastructure. In this instance, VLQ will be directly connected to the 15.7 petaflops Karolina supercomputer, also housed at the IT4Innovations National Supercomputing Center, part of VSB, the Technical University of Ostrava.

“This is the first installation not just in the Czech Republic but anywhere in the world with a superconducting quantum computer with connectivity between all qubits. The star-shaped quantum processing unit architecture is also the cornerstone in IQM technology roadmap towards fault-tolerance,” said Mikko Välimäki, co-CEO of IQM Quantum Computers. “We believe our system will be instrumental in driving scientific breakthroughs and further cementing Europe’s role at the forefront of technological innovation.”

Anders Jensen, executive director of EuroHPC JU, added: “With VLQ, Europe is taking another decisive step toward deploying a world-class European quantum computing ecosystem. By combining the strengths of our supercomputers with state-of-the-art quantum technologies, we are giving European users the tools to explore solutions that were previously out of reach. Today’s inauguration is also a testament to the power of European collaboration: together, we are laying the foundation for breakthroughs that will shape the future of science, technology, and society.”

EuroHPC JU is a joint initiative between the EU, 34 European countries, and private partners to develop a supercomputing ecosystem in Europe.

In June 2023, the EuroHPC JU signed hosting agreements with six sites across Europe to host and operate EuroHPC quantum computers, including LUMI-Q.