The EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) has officially inaugurated the SOL quantum computer and the new LISA artificial intelligence computing partition in Bologna, Italy.<\/p>\n
The two systems were unveiled at the DAMA Technopole in Emilia-Romagna during a ceremony hosted by CINECA and the Italian Research Centre on High-Performance Computing, Big Data and Quantum Computing (ICSC).<\/p>\n
The launch marks a major investment in Europe\u2019s next-generation computing infrastructure<\/a>. Both systems are integrated with Leonardo<\/a>, one of Europe\u2019s flagship pre-exascale supercomputers, and are designed to accelerate advances in quantum computing<\/a>, AI, scientific research and industrial innovation.<\/p>\n As a result, Europe gains additional computing capacity aimed at strengthening technological sovereignty, supporting cutting-edge research and improving access to advanced digital resources for scientists, businesses and public institutions across the continent.<\/p>\n Anders Jensen, EuroHPC JU Executive Director,\u00a0believes the two systems will transform Europe\u2019s supercomputing capabilities: \u201cThis inauguration shows how Europe continues to turn ambition into capability.<\/p>\n \u201cWith SOL, the new EuroHPC quantum computer and LISA, the AI-upgrade to the world-class Leonardo supercomputer, we are further strengthening our sovereign supercomputing ecosystem and giving European users new tools to innovate across AI, HPC and quantum technologies.<\/p>\n \u201cThis milestone expands opportunities for research, industry and the public sector, while reinforcing Europe\u2019s technological leadership in strategic supercomputing domains.\u201d<\/p>\n High-profile launch in Bologna<\/p>\n The inauguration brought together senior European and Italian officials, including Italian Minister of University and Research Anna Maria Bernini, European Commission Director-General Roberto Viola, and EuroHPC JU representative Daniel Opalka.<\/p>\n The projects were jointly funded by the European Union and Italy\u2019s Ministry of University and Research through ICSC.<\/p>\n Officials described the deployment as another step toward building a globally competitive European computing ecosystem capable of supporting emerging technologies and reducing dependence on non-European infrastructure.<\/p>\n SOL quantum computer adds quantum capability to Leonardo<\/p>\n The newly launched SOL quantum computer is hosted and operated by CINECA and supplied by French quantum computing company Pasqal.<\/p>\n Built using neutral-atom technology, the system leverages arrays of optically trapped atoms controlled by programmable laser interactions.<\/p>\n The name \u201cSOL\u201d reflects both the system\u2019s laser-based architecture and Italy\u2019s cultural heritage, drawing inspiration from classical references to the sun and precision.<\/p>\n The first-generation processor delivers at least 140 qubits operating in analogue mode. A planned 2027 upgrade will introduce hybrid analogue-digital capabilities, expanding the platform\u2019s flexibility and enabling more advanced computing applications.<\/p>\n By integrating quantum resources directly with the Leonardo supercomputer, SOL is expected to support hybrid quantum-classical workflows.<\/p>\n Researchers will be able to explore complex optimisation challenges, quantum many-body physics simulations and emerging machine learning applications that are difficult to solve using conventional computing methods alone.<\/p>\n The system is currently undergoing final calibration and is expected to become available to European users during autumn 2026.<\/p>\n SOL expands Europe\u2019s quantum network<\/p>\n Quantum computing remains an emerging technology, but Europe is rapidly expanding its capabilities through coordinated investments.<\/p>\n