IBM, Lockheed Martin Announce Swiss Quantum Innovation Hub at ETH Zurich, Anchored by Switzerland's First IBM Quantum Computer

IBM (IBM) and Lockheed Martin (LMT) have established a quantum innovation hub at ETH Zurich, which plans to host Switzerland's first IBM Quantum System Two at the Swiss National Supercomputing Center in Lugano.

Rhea-AI Summary

IBM (IBM) and Lockheed Martin (LMT) have established a quantum innovation hub at ETH Zurich, which plans to host Switzerland's first IBM Quantum System Two at the Swiss National Supercomputing Center in Lugano.

The system, operated by IBM and powered by an IBM Quantum Nighthawk processor, is expected to be deployed by the end of 2026. ETH Zurich will provide access, expertise and resources for Swiss industries, startups and academia, including cloud access to IBM's broader quantum fleet. The initiative aims to accelerate research, develop new algorithms and industrial use cases, and support quantum education and workforce development across Switzerland.

News Explained

The announcement adds two planned IBM–Lockheed Martin development projects: quantum sensing for navigation and improving additive manufacturing of metallic alloys.

Market Context

3.38% was IBM's pre-publication 24-hour gain; a Sep 9 quantum-computing announcement was followed by...

Analysis

3.38% was IBM's pre-publication 24-hour gain; a Sep 9 quantum-computing announcement was followed by a 3.4% gain, providing directly relevant platform context for this Swiss innovation hub.

Key Figures

System deployment: By the end of 2026 Joint development projects: Two projects Algorithmic research effort: 10-year effort +1 more

System deployment

By the end of 2026

Dedicated IBM Quantum System Two at ETH Zurich

Joint development projects

Two projects

Quantum sensing and additive manufacturing

Algorithmic research effort

10-year effort

IBM and ETH Zurich foundational algorithmic research

Quantum computer

First IBM Quantum System Two

Switzerland

Historical Context

1 past event · Latest: Sep 09

1 event

1. Sep 09

   Quantum research recognition

   24h Move

   +3.4%

   IBM team advanced a quantum-computing and supercomputing protein simulation to Gordon Bell Prize finals.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Key Terms

quantum computing, quantum sensing, additive manufacturing

3 terms

quantum computing technical

"with IBM's expertise in quantum computing and AI."

Quantum computing is a type of advanced technology that uses the principles of quantum physics to perform calculations much faster than traditional computers. It can process vast amounts of information simultaneously, potentially solving complex problems that are currently impossible or take too long with regular computers. For investors, this technology could lead to breakthroughs in areas like cryptography, data analysis, and optimization, impacting financial markets and security systems.

quantum sensing technical

"include the exploration of quantum sensing applications for navigation"

Quantum sensing uses the unusual behavior of tiny particles to measure physical quantities—like magnetic fields, time, or motion—with far greater precision than conventional sensors. For investors, it matters because this leap in sensitivity can enable new products and markets (better medical imaging, navigation without GPS, or faster material testing), potentially creating high-growth opportunities for companies that commercialize reliable, scalable devices.

additive manufacturing technical

"the improvement of additive manufacturing of metallic alloys."

Additive manufacturing, often called 3D printing, builds physical parts by laying down material layer by layer from a digital design, rather than cutting or molding from a solid block. It matters to investors because it can cut production time and waste, enable cheaper prototypes and customized products, and reshape supply chains—changes that can lower costs, speed new products to market, and create competitive advantages that affect a company's revenue and margins.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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In an extension of ongoing collaboration, IBM and Lockheed Martin plan to initiate research projects with select Swiss academic institutions.

The Swiss National Supercomputing Centre at ETH Zurich will host an IBM Quantum System Two, expanding access across Swiss institutions to fuel the country's quantum ecosystem, research and workforce education.

ZURICH, Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), through an offset agreement with armasuisse, Switzerland's Federal Office for Defence Procurement, today established a hub for quantum innovation at ETH Zurich, a prominent public research university. The new hub plans to host the country's first IBM Quantum System Two at the Swiss National Supercomputing Center (CSCS) in Lugano.

IBM will operate the IBM Quantum System Two, which will be powered by an IBM Quantum Nighthawk, the company's most advanced processor. ETH Zurich will provide expertise, resources and technologies for Swiss industries, startups and academia, including access to the quantum computer. Its delivery is expected to catalyze the development of new algorithms, technical breakthroughs, and industrial use cases, as well as anchor initiatives to foster Switzerland's workforce and talent. The project also advances the ongoing strategic collaboration between Lockheed Martin and IBM, combining Lockheed Martin innovations in quantum sensing and additive manufacturing with IBM's expertise in quantum computing and AI.

"Switzerland is deservedly recognized as a hub for global innovation, and Lockheed Martin is proud of its long history of technical collaboration within the country," said Dr. Craig Martell, Lockheed Martin vice president and chief technology officer. "This project extends the strategic relationship between Lockheed Martin and IBM in quantum and AI while positioning Switzerland as a leader in these critical, cutting-edge fields. It provides resources and expertise, develops skills and enables joint research across the Swiss commercial, defense and academic ecosystem."

"IBM has collaborated with institutions in Switzerland for almost 100 years. Our research team at our Zurich lab has led fundamental technology breakthroughs for the world and has been part of the country's science ecosystem for decades," said Alessandro Curioni, vice president, Algorithms and Applications, IBM Research and director of the Zurich Research Laboratory. "As we continue to foster innovation with the Swiss community, we are excited to have the opportunity to put world-class quantum hardware, software and expertise directly into the hands of Switzerland's thriving academic institutions and industries."

"Switzerland will gain access to essential research infrastructure that will enable us to further advance the exploration of this emerging technology and educate the talent needed to support it," said ETH Zurich President Joël Mesot, emphasizing the opportunities the new quantum computer will bring to Switzerland.

Delivering quantum to the Swiss ecosystem

Organizations that join the innovation hub through ETH Zurich will have immediate access to these resources and IBM's fleet of quantum computers available over the cloud. Additionally, upon the system's deployment by the end of 2026, ETH Zurich will provide organizations with access to Switzerland's own dedicated IBM Quantum System Two. These capabilities will enable the country's community of innovators to accelerate scientific and industrial research and build new use cases across chemistry, materials science, optimization, financial services and more. Today, IBM quantum computers are already delivering scientific value across the globe as useful tools in these fields.

IBM and Lockheed Martin expand joint research initiatives

As part of the collaboration, two planned joint development projects between IBM and Lockheed Martin include the exploration of quantum sensing applications for navigation and the improvement of additive manufacturing of metallic alloys. These projects also complement ongoing efforts by IBM and Lockheed Martin across a range of advanced technologies focused on aerospace and defense innovation.

IBM and ETH Zurich build on a legacy of collaboration

This initiative also builds upon a close and long-standing collaboration between IBM and ETH Zurich, including a recently launched 10-year effort to advance foundational algorithmic research.

The quantum education and workforce development effort includes providing the Swiss ecosystem with access to the IBM Quantum Network and IBM Quantum Platform learning offerings, including coursework, certifications, and workshops; as well as event support, such as hackathons, conferences, and partner forums.

About IBM

IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service.

Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

About Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com.

Media contacts:

Chris Nay
IBM Communications
cnay@us.ibm.com

Stephen Funk
IBM DACH Communications
+41-58 333 78 68
stephen.funk@ch.ibm.com

Trent Perrotto
Communications Director, Technology Transformation and Innovation, Lockheed Martin
trent.perrotto@lmco.com
O: 301-581-7005 | M: 321-272-8027

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SOURCE IBM

FAQ

Where will Switzerland's first IBM Quantum System Two be located and who operates it?

The IBM Quantum System Two is planned to be installed at the Swiss National Supercomputing Center (CSCS) in Lugano. IBM will operate the system, which will be powered by an IBM Quantum Nighthawk processor.

When is the IBM Quantum System Two expected to be available to Swiss organizations?

ETH Zurich expects to provide organizations access to Switzerland's dedicated IBM Quantum System Two upon the system's deployment by the end of 2026.

How can organizations participate in the new Swiss quantum innovation hub?

Organizations that join the innovation hub through ETH Zurich will gain access to IBM's fleet of quantum computers over the cloud, and later to the dedicated IBM Quantum System Two in Switzerland.

What research and industrial areas are targeted by the quantum hub?

The hub is intended to support new use cases and research across chemistry, materials science, optimization, financial services and other fields, using IBM quantum systems as tools for scientific and industrial innovation.

What joint projects are IBM and Lockheed Martin planning under this collaboration?

Two planned joint development projects include exploring quantum sensing applications for navigation and improving additive manufacturing of metallic alloys, complementing broader aerospace and defense technology efforts.

How does this initiative support quantum education and workforce development in Switzerland?

The effort includes access to the IBM Quantum Network and IBM Quantum Platform learning offerings, such as coursework, certifications and workshops, as well as support for events like hackathons, conferences and partner forums.