La technological transformation of Extremadura takes a firm step forward with the arrival of its first quantum emulation service. The Extremadura Supercomputing Center (Computaex), attached to the Ministry of Education, Science and Vocational Training, will be responsible for managing this development, which reinforces the region's commitment to incorporating cutting-edge technologies into its scientific and business ecosystem.
With this new resource, the region It will facilitate access to advanced quantum computing capabilities for researchers, institutions, and companies in Extremadura.Thanks to the infrastructure, algorithms and experiments previously reserved for centers with powerful physical equipment can be executed, opening up opportunities for multiple productive and innovative sectors.
A strategic investment for research
The project contemplates a total investment of 600.000 euros aimed at acquiring the first quantum emulator in Extremadura. This amount comes, for the most part (85%), from ERDF funds managed by the State Research Agency (AEI), while the remaining 15% corresponds to the contribution of the Regional Government of Extremadura. Funding is channeled through the Scientific and Technical Equipment Program (EQC2024), under the framework of the "Quantum Emulation Service for the Advancement of Scientific and Technical Research in Extremadura."
Since 2021Computaex has been consolidating its commitment to quantum computing with notable projects such as Quantum Spain, QCS Lusitania, and ExQNet. The addition of the new emulator represents a qualitative advance, complementing the high-performance services already available at the center and placing the region among the pioneering autonomous communities in quantum capabilities, alongside Madrid, Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Galicia.
International alliance with Japan to accelerate development
In parallel with the acquisition of its own equipment, Computaex has reached a collaboration agreement with the RIKEN RQC-Fujitsu Collaboration Center of Japan.This international alliance allows Extremaduran researchers to access and train in the use of cutting-edge quantum emulators, in addition to contributing scientifically alongside one of the most advanced centers in the world.
Through access to the Fujitsu quantum emulation services In Japan, Extremadura is preparing to tackle complex problems in fields such as optimizing parallel applications on supercomputers and improving application results under conditions of quantum noise. Computaex focuses its main lines of research here, which also include supercomputing, data science, and machine learning.
How will the quantum emulator be applied in Extremadura?
Once installed, the Computaex emulator It will be made available to universities, research centers, technology companies and other institutions. of the region. Its function will be to simulate the behavior of real quantum computers in an advanced manner using conventional equipment, making it possible to experiment with algorithms, analyze their performance, and prepare solutions for real-life cases.
The emulator will be able to simulate up to 40 qubits and is comprised of 1.024 computing nodes, placing it among the most powerful in the world. Thanks to this infrastructure, Extremadura will be able to develop specialized training, knowledge transfer, and technical advice, with the goal of strengthening an increasingly innovative regional digital ecosystem aligned with the European Union's digitalization objectives.
Potential applications include Research into new medicines, the design of longer-lasting batteries, optimization of logistics and transportation, improvement of agricultural processes, and strengthening of digital securityThis allows for experimentation with solutions before applying real-world quantum technology to sectors such as healthcare, energy, agri-food production, or regional ICT infrastructure.
